Well.. not many people can say they have opened for legends like Leon Russell. I am among the lucky people that have had the pleasure. The experience is something I will not soon forget as it puts me right in front of the audience I would like to be hearing my tunes. I grew up listening to Leon Russell and Joe Cocker. These are the artists that shaped me into who I am, not only as a musician, but as a human. Joe Cocker and Leon taught me how to translate real emotion into music, and I feel that is what I do best. I remember a story my father told me about Joe Cocker in the Mad Dogs and Englishmen days when Dad was in the service in Germany. He saw Joe play a concert nearby and the power went out. Apparently Joe belted the rest of the show to thousands of people without any amplification.. just his strong soulful voice. Since I heard that story as a kid I have always looked up to Leon, Joe, and the musicians of their generation in general.. Hard working, Good times having, badass’s. ROCK ON!
A few photos below of my show opening for Leon recently. My good friend Phoebe Parros joined me on violin. She has been a wonderful part of my musical journey lately. I hope she sticks around.
photo credit April Wise
Rock on, Joe and Phoebe! Pics look stellar… glad it was an epic show