James Cotton Band
James Cotton Band
A few rockpagers are traveling to Ace's in Johnstown tonite to see the James Cotton Band. Anyone else going? Starts at 7:00, there is a local opening band, the Flood City Brass, and food is included for the $15.00 cost. (Again a previous topic, why doesn't Blair county ever have good acts like this around?)
Incredible show! Crappy weather!
Yes, I was part of undercoverjoe's entourage (also including songsmith and Brian Cupples) over the mountain to Johnstown in snowy weather to take in the Night Of Rock, Rhythm & Blues benefit for the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic, featuring the James Cotton Band and Flood City Brass.
The snow was just beginning as we made our way over, the roads were just wet when we arrived in Johnstown. That would change by the time we headed home.
Flood City Brass was performing when we arrived. Tasty selection of classic rock, funk, rhythm and blues with a three-piece horn section. Tom Pavic displayed a good soulful voice up front; overall this group had some good funky grooves going.
The James Cotton Band, incredible! James' band was exceptionally tight, and his two guitar players, Rico McFarland and Tom Holland, were both dazzling and smooth on the strings. James schooled the house on harmonica; I was impressed by his ability to hold out notes and fire off harp licks for long periods of time without coming up for air. Playing harmonica for 54 years, this man definitely knows the tricks of the trade. I was getting interested in taking up harmonica again, this night pretty much sealed the deal! Excellent show!
The Ace's Lounge food spread was good, gotta like those polish sausages and sauerkraut! Apparently due the weather, the turnout seemed to be down from other years that I've attended this event, and I was surprised and disappointed to see the house largely empty by the time the James Cotton Band started their second set. Along with a few remaining hardcore blues fans, we pretty much had a private viewing of the James Cotton Band all to ourselves!
It was cool to see another blues legend; at age 70, you don't know if he'll make it back this way again. Even though the trip back was a bit treacherous, I'm glad I went to this show. Thanks undercoverjoe for being the designated wheelman!
Yes, I was part of undercoverjoe's entourage (also including songsmith and Brian Cupples) over the mountain to Johnstown in snowy weather to take in the Night Of Rock, Rhythm & Blues benefit for the Johnstown Free Medical Clinic, featuring the James Cotton Band and Flood City Brass.
The snow was just beginning as we made our way over, the roads were just wet when we arrived in Johnstown. That would change by the time we headed home.
Flood City Brass was performing when we arrived. Tasty selection of classic rock, funk, rhythm and blues with a three-piece horn section. Tom Pavic displayed a good soulful voice up front; overall this group had some good funky grooves going.
The James Cotton Band, incredible! James' band was exceptionally tight, and his two guitar players, Rico McFarland and Tom Holland, were both dazzling and smooth on the strings. James schooled the house on harmonica; I was impressed by his ability to hold out notes and fire off harp licks for long periods of time without coming up for air. Playing harmonica for 54 years, this man definitely knows the tricks of the trade. I was getting interested in taking up harmonica again, this night pretty much sealed the deal! Excellent show!
The Ace's Lounge food spread was good, gotta like those polish sausages and sauerkraut! Apparently due the weather, the turnout seemed to be down from other years that I've attended this event, and I was surprised and disappointed to see the house largely empty by the time the James Cotton Band started their second set. Along with a few remaining hardcore blues fans, we pretty much had a private viewing of the James Cotton Band all to ourselves!
It was cool to see another blues legend; at age 70, you don't know if he'll make it back this way again. Even though the trip back was a bit treacherous, I'm glad I went to this show. Thanks undercoverjoe for being the designated wheelman!
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HurricaneBob
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UndercoverJoe, what is it with you and rotten weather on the trip home? I'm beginning to see a pattern...the Allman Brothers Band Concert and on the way home, TORRENTIAL rain, a downpour, Monsoon, what ever you want to call it...the weather on the way wasn't bad and at the show it was simply beautiful! Your Van's a Dodge, isn't it? 
Glad to hear you all made it safely - and as far as those roads? I would NOT want to travel between J-town and Altoona in Snowy conditions! It's actually better up here "on the mountain" a lot LESS Snow - than it is in places between here and Altunea...but it was just Snow...I had to stop for a few groceries too and I decided on Martin's - so my trip tonight wasn't ALL fun! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
Glad to hear you all made it safely - and as far as those roads? I would NOT want to travel between J-town and Altoona in Snowy conditions! It's actually better up here "on the mountain" a lot LESS Snow - than it is in places between here and Altunea...but it was just Snow...I had to stop for a few groceries too and I decided on Martin's - so my trip tonight wasn't ALL fun! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!Thanks for the driving kudus, but it was the vehicle. I know a Dodge Caravan is an "old man's" car or a "soccer mom" car, but they handle great in the snow. I have had caravans for years and never have had any problems in the winter.
What a show, Jim could not be more correct in calling the band tight. this James Cotton band ruled. One guitarist, Rico McFarland who has been with james for 9 years was as good as any blues guitarist i have ever seen. he played a Mesa Boogie "Son of Boogie" combo and made it growl.
James Cotton could definately qualify as a Hurricane. During the break, while he was signing and chatting, he was smoking cigs and pounding shots! 70 years old and acting like any local Hurricane.
he had a vioce form the deeper reaches of hades but could he blow that harp. Johnny Stevens said he would have fainted from lack of breath at some of Cotton's runs.
It was worth it to brave the weather conditions with some good buds and music lovers to see a Living Legend.
What a show, Jim could not be more correct in calling the band tight. this James Cotton band ruled. One guitarist, Rico McFarland who has been with james for 9 years was as good as any blues guitarist i have ever seen. he played a Mesa Boogie "Son of Boogie" combo and made it growl.
James Cotton could definately qualify as a Hurricane. During the break, while he was signing and chatting, he was smoking cigs and pounding shots! 70 years old and acting like any local Hurricane.
he had a vioce form the deeper reaches of hades but could he blow that harp. Johnny Stevens said he would have fainted from lack of breath at some of Cotton's runs.
It was worth it to brave the weather conditions with some good buds and music lovers to see a Living Legend.