CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information and availability, please contact:
Fred Reif, 734-973-8960
fredreif@blackkettleproductions.com
SIR MACK RICE is the author of such classics as “Mustang Sally,” “Respect Yourself,” “Cadillac Assembly Line,” and “Cheaper To Keep Her.” A true legend. He was a member of the Falcons, later joining the Memphis Soul label, Stax Records as a staff songwriter, producer and performer. In February of 2010 Mack was a special guest on NPRs Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” ‘live’ from the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
GEORGE BEDARD & STEVE NARDELLA are back playing together for select shows. These two Ann Arbor, Michigan roots rock, blues and rock’a'billy artists have been playing for a very long time. They first got together in the early 1970s for the first Blind Pig Records release with a group called the Vipers. Soon, they had a group, also on the Blind Pig label, called the Silvertones, then the Steve Nardella Band. They went their separate ways in the 1980s, always remaining friends. Their annual reunion shows along with pianist, Mr. B (Mark Braun), at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, have been standing-room only, shows since it started a few years ago. This is top-notch American Roots Music at its very best.
Roots rocker, STEVE NARDELLA, is an Ann Arbor, Michigan, area legend. Since 1970, when this Rhode Island native moved to Ann Arbor, he was soon playing in a band and backing many of the blues artists who came through town. He recorded for the Blind Pig label when it was still based out of Ann Arbor. Matter of fact, his 45 single was the first release on the label. Throughout the years, Nardella has toured all over the U.S., Great Britain and Scandinavia. He loves the early sounds of Elvis and other rockabilly artists from the 50s; and he is hard to beat playing the blues, on both guitar and harmonica.
CALVIN COOKE- Heaven, is pedal steel guitar master Calvin Cooke’s CD on the Dare record label. Nashville country steel guitarists have dubbed him the “B.B. King of gospel steel guitar. Until recently Calvin Cooke was one of Detroit’s best kept secrets, even though he has been performing at the House of God on the city’s eastside for the past 45 years. It’s a new kind of high energy Gospel music that blues and jam band fans can’t seem to get enough of. A gifted and soulful vocalist and an inspired songwriter. It’s no small wonder that today he is widely considered the most influential living pedal steel guitar master with the Sacred Steel tradition. He is one of the few “sacred steel” guitarists who regularly combines singing with his guitar work. An innovator on the 10-string pedal-steel, which he plays in a unique tuning that came to him in a vision, Cooke also features stunning lap-steel work in his presentations. His wife Grace, belts out stirring vocals. In October of 2004, he appeared as a special guest with his protege, Robert Randolph, in an Austin City Limits PBS presentation. Cooke traveled with Randolph as the opening act for a Eric Clapton’s U.S. tour and continues to tour with Robert Randolph for special occasions.
MELVIN DAVIS One of the most talented, dynamic and prolific artists in the history of Motor City music, Melvin Davis isn’t so much a musician as he is a musical force: songwriter, drummer, performer, producer, arranger, label owner… His bands have included everyone from a pre-Temptations David Ruffin to a post-MC5 Wayne Kramer. His drumming helped define The Miracles’ Motown smash ‘Tears Of A Clown’, drove the Lyman Woodard Trio’s double-sided funk masterpiece ‘River Rouge’ b/w ‘It’s Your Thing’ and became the stuff of legend on Dennis Coffey’s seminal LP “Hair And Thangs”. He’s the evocative lead vocalist behind the 8th Day’s million seller ‘You’ve Got To Crawl (Before You Walk)’ and the songwriter who penned JJ Barnes’ desperate ode ‘Chains of Love’. The genre that has come to be called northern soul could hardly claim a more qualified ambassador, for Davis penned many of its most crucial cornerstones: Johnnie Mae Matthews’ ’Lonely You’ll Be’, Darrell Banks’ ‘I’m The One Who Loves You’, Lonette McKee’s ’Stop! Don’t Worry About It’, Edward Hamilton’s ‘I’m Gonna Love You’, Ann Perry’s ‘That’s The Way He Is’, Steve Mancha’s ‘I Won’t Love You And Leave You’. His 1965 recording of “Find a Quiet Place (and be lonely)” on the Wheel City label is a rarity in the history of Detroit soul. Melvin Davis is a favorite of fans of “Northern Soul” in the United Kingdom. In 2010 Davis was part of the Ponderosa Stomp-sponsored Detroit Breakdown concert at New York’s Lincoln Center Out of Doors. He loves to sing and entertain his audience with his old and newer songs. A great edition to any festival, concert or club.
STEVEN SPRINGER/TROPICOOLJAZZ, from the island of Trindad & Tobago. Available as a single, duo, trio, or whatever size is needed. The flowing sounds of Caribbean guitar along with the jazzy, bluesy, Latin rhythms of the band is just what your club, concert or festival needs. Great for happy hours, weddings, private parties, etc. http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2011/09/02/philmore-wows-crowds-us-festivals
THE SAUCECATS – were formed in the fall of 2001 by a group of seasoned musicians seeking to play fun, energetic music for all occasions, large or small. Already the Saucecats boast a large following of all ages and have entertained thousands at some of Michigan’s premier festivals and events. The eclectic group features a variety of instruments and with all members singing a unique sound instantly warms the crowd. Their musical style centers around New Orleans funk, Zydeco, and Blues, and also blend in Latin and Caribbean numbers. Those who have seen or follow The Saucecats can attest to the fact that everyone has a great time dancing and singing along with the upbeat music. A growing list of recording artist The Saucecats have performed with: Tommy Castro, Carl Weathersby, Larry McCray, Bernard Allison, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kenny Neal, Dr. John, and Dicky Betts & Great Southern.
MIKE ‘EASTSIDE’ SMITH/THE COYOTES The musicians have been playing Americana music for over 30 years in mid-Michigan taverns, VFW halls, concert halls, museums and churches. You will enjoy the blues, folk, jug band, c/w and the many songs Eastside has written over the years. The band loves to play for any kind of function.
Robert Lee Balderrama is one of the original members of Question Mark and the Mysterians. from the hit song “96 tears” in the 60′s. It went to #1 right after The Monkees hit song “Last Train to Clarksville.” Robert Lee has never quit playing music and has been playing guitar since he was 9 yrs old. He was listening to Wes Montgomery since he started playing at such a young age. In the 70s he heard George Benson playing jazz, but it was an easier listening style of jazz and Robert Lee knew he wanted to play that style. It was so smooth, and riffs were awesome. He always loved Carlos Santana and his style or original Latin mixed with blues and rock. You can hear Carlos & George, with a little of Grant Green in his playing. Robert Lee says he could listen to Grant Green riffing to his funky/jazz mix all day and still not get enough. Check out Robert Lee’s new smooth jazz cd and you will hear all of his influences and espcially his own and you will understand why it is called ”For the Love of Smooth Jazz.”
