Solo/Duo Division -John Latini Ypsilanti, Mi.
John Latini prefaces each song with a story who he wrote it with, where they were, etc. It's the same way American Indians introduce themselves, by identifying their clan. It keeps you connected, solidifies your bonds. Music success on this scale is all about connectivity, community knowing you belong. And Latini does: when he performs, the place fills quickly with friends, family, fans, and sleek, well-groomed music industry types who needle the band with cool taunts like “Too many notes!" Latini does a mournful steel guitar, but he also plays electric and acoustic with knees bent and hips a-wagging. His music is full symphonic, even. It moves easily from old-school street-corner doo-wop to calypso-tinged blues to sweet waltzes with rich background harmonies.
Band Division -Count Bracey and the Pleasuretones Grass Lake, Mi.
Count Bracey and the Pleasure Tones play traditional and jump blues with the authenticity of an uncut diamond and the seriousness of a well timed left-hook. Formed by Drummer/vocalist Chris Bracey in 2004, the band features Troy Amaro (guitar),Chris Rummell (bass guitar & vocals) and Brian Miller (harmonica & vocals). These blues demons represent an impressive pedigree having played and recorded with some of the music's foremost artists, such as Detroit's Queen of the Blues, Alberta Adams, Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chicago blues great, Eddie C. Campbell, Lazy Lester, and Doug Deming. Their sound is hot and swinging. Combine the deep blues roots of Texas and Chicago with the more contemporary grooves of the West Coast. Ignite... and you got Count Bracey and the Pleasure Tones.
The winning acts will now represent Detroit at The Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN on February 4-7, 2009. (www.blues.org) Travel expenses for the trip to Memphis will be provided to the winners by the Detroit Blues Society. The winners also each received a superb prize package donated by Mannino Photography, Just Roots PR, No Cover Productions, Magic Bag, Callahans, Bluesfest International, and the CanadaSouth Blues Society.
These fine folks will be participating in fundraisers events for their trip on the following dates and at the following locations:
Saturday, January 17, 2009 John Latini at the Bluestage Club Manchester, MI
Saturday, January 17, 2009 Dominion Golf and Country Club Windsor, Ont.
Saturday, January 24, 2009 Callahans Auburn Hills, MI.
About The International Blues Challenge
The IBC has evolved into the world's biggest and most respected showcase for Blues musicians ready to move beyond their regional base. Acts play a short set for a panel of judges who score them on an established set of criteria. Blues acts may not enter the challenge directly but rather each of The Blues Foundation's 165 affiliates has the right to sponsor one band and one solo/duo act. Accordingly, those who make it to Memphis are already the best of the best. For the 25th year, Blues musiciansfrom around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the International Blues Challenge (IBC) on February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations for the Blues band and Blues solo/duo most deserving of taking their act to the international stage.
In 2009, over 90 bands and 60 solo/duo acts from 34 states and 8 countries will compete, as musicians and fans fill the clubs up and down Beale Street, beginning at 5:00 pm for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday. Winners will compete in the Band finals (1:00 pm) and/or the Solo/Duo finals (7:30 pm) at the Historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown Memphis on Saturday.
Detroit Blues Society Media Contact:
Steve Allen
Telephone: 248-249-5287
Email: [email protected]
For more information contact Just Roots PR.
