The Blues is a key element in the chemistry which makes up Rock N Roll. On Saturday October 19th Blues legend B.B. King performed at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. A sold out crowd came together to take in the history before their very eyes.
Starting the evening off was slide guitar master Kerry Kearney. A native to Long Island, Kearney has made a name for himself over the years. He has received such honors as “Best Guitarist of 1999” by the LI Voice and “Bluesman of the Year 2004” by the LI Blues Society. He also has been a given the Long Island Sound Award from the LI Music Hall of Fame, and in 2013 was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.
Kerry Kearney and his band of talented musicians rocked fans with their upbeat blues rock sound. Kearney played guitar with grace proving he is possibly one of the best slide blues guitarist around. With all the talent Kearney possesses he also has a knack for providing an excellent stage show which all in attendance appreciated. There is going to come a point where the rest of the blues rock world is going to catch onto to Kerry Kearney and he will tour the world.
With an exhilarating opening act the stage was fully heated up for the legend B.B. King. Since 1948 King has been whaling away at the guitar pouring his heart and soul into the blues. In that time he has released over 60 albums and has become a blues icon. Even if you know nothing about the blues you know the name B.B. King. Amazingly at 88 years of age King continues to perform live shows consistently to sold out audiences worldwide.
The set blasted off with a enchanting blues instrumental leading into “Rock Me Baby”. With a booming voice King received a roaring applaud with each verse sung. Giving the audience a good glimpse into history, the next track was the country classic “You Are My Sunshine”. The 1940 track originally performed by Jimmie Davis still has a wonderful vibe all these years later.
Keeping the cool atmosphere going King went into the Roy Hawkins track “The Thrill Is Gone”. With a soulful performance King and his band brought this track to life. The audience whistled and clapped as the set went on with a series of blues instrumentals which can only be translated by the hands of someone who has lived and played as long as King.
Upbeat and full of life King closed out the set with “When the Saint’s Go Marchin’ In”. Fans of all ages showed a great deal of respect and appreciation for the blues treasure that B.B. King is. May he play for 100 more years!
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