Tupelo Blue

Tupelo Blue

Editorial Reviews
<"b00004r2h75020"> Jim Santella, L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine, December 1996 issue.
Tupelo Blue at Borders Bookstore in Brea Between club dates Tupelo Blue has been performing at various Borders bookstores in the Southland, and I had a chance to see them in action November 9th in Brea. Their mix of traditional and modern blues is laid-back, sincere, and a joy to watch. Bob Lesher plays blues harp and sings, Mary Anne Jensen plays the electric bass and sings, Ken Sheldon plays guitar, and Dale Stitt provides changes in texture from his drum set.

The first hour featured traditional blues; Sheldon used a hollow-body guitar and made use of expressive slides throughout. His instrument blended well with the harmonica's timbre; the blues harp, performing the same ensemble function as a saxophone, provided the lyricism and sentiment to hold it all together. Lesher's approach has no rough edges and maintains an expressive blues spirit both when performing out front and when backing the other soloists. The bookstore atmosphere offers everyone a chance to relax, browse, and still enjoy tunes like Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," Sonny Boy Williamson's "Baby, You Got To Help Me," and Lowell Fulson's "Next Time You See Me." On the slow 6/8 "Sawdustin' " guitarist Sheldon showed a remarkable kinship with Kenny Burrell as he wove his way through solo lines and chorded passages. Jensen sang "I Don't Want No Man" with a loose approach that compared favorably with history's earliest blues belters. A New Orleans traditional funeral number, "Walkin' To My Baby," featured Stitt's delicate drum cadences and press rolls that captured the imagery well.

The second set featured standard yet modern blues tunes like John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom," Chuck Berry's "Nadine," Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Workin'," and "If The River Was Whiskey." The slow expressive ballad "Baby, Baby" brought out the best from everyone. Jensen, who sounded remarkably like Diana Krall on this Nat King Cole tribute number, sang the lyrics with slow cool expression, while harp and guitar backed her with slides and dips that augmented the voice quite well. The encore, "Red House," offered each the opportunity to do the same. The well-rounded program also featured compositions of Junior Wells, Little Walter, and B. B. King.

<"b00004r2h72999"> About the Artist
Bob Lesher - Lead vocals and harp. Bob is a veteran musician that loves the blues. He is highly sought after for his consummate harp and vocal skills. Formerly with The Lifters, Bob still occasionally performs with other bands. One such band was the now disbanded Fry Sum Blues, a Santa Ana, CA blues powerhouse that opened for many top blues musicians, including Albert King, Koko Taylor, Charlie Musselwhite and many others. We are fortunate to have Bob join forces with us for your enjoyment.

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<"b00004r2h74999"> Album Description
This CD is the first effort by the Orange County, CA - based blues band Tupelo Blue. All songs are original compositions by the band. While being rooted in the blues, the music here is an eclectic mix of blues, rock, R&B as well as jazz. It clearly illustrates the varied mix of influences in the backgrounds of the band's members.

Tupelo Blue is quite proud of this first effort. The recording says more about us then words could ever hope to convey. We believe that blues and jazz fans alike will truly enjoy this recording.

Tupelo Blue

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Tupelo Blue

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