By Brian Weidy
In preparation for the main event at the Apollo Theater tonight to celebrate the 100th Birthday of blues legend Robert Johnson, Steve Jordan led an all-star collection of musicians through a live, open rehearsal last night at Tribeca's City Winery. Robert Johnson, who died of a probable poisoning at the age of 27, is considered one of the greatest guitarists – blues or otherwise – of all time, allegedly as a result of the deal he made with the Devil at the Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
The show began with an introduction from Steven Johnson, Robert Johnson's grandson, before a group of about twelve musicians sprung into "Crossroads" with Tash Neal of The London Souls singing and Allen Toussaint on Piano. Then, Todd Rundgren came out and energized the crowd, which had mostly been listless up to that point. Keb Mo tried his hand at "Crossroads," before three of the four members of Living Colour came out for the Robert Johnson classic, "Stop Breaking Down," with vocals provided by Mo. The set ended on an extreme high note, with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore belting out "Sweet Home Chicago."
Highlights of the second set included the Pedrito Martinez Band adding their own unique Spanish flair to Johnson's "Travelin' Riverside Blues," whipping the crowd into a veritable frenzy – along with the occassional dancer. Living Colour returned to the stage for "Little Queen of Spades," which featured Vernon Reid delivering far and away the best guitar solo of the night. Blues great Taj Mahal then came out for three songs, climaxing with his take on "Dust My Broom." Closing the show was the powerful one-two combination of "If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day" and "Come On In My Kitchen," which brought out nearly all of the performers onto the small City Winery stage.
In addition to all of these musicians, tonight's event at the Apollo also features The Roots, Chuck D, Shemekia Copeland, Bettye Lavette, and many more. Tickets are still available at the box office or online.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.
It was a fun show, seeing the artists unpolished but still sharing amazing performances. But: How could you miss Otis Taylor? He performed twice, and was incredible both times.