I just came across the following video, which was released three weeks ago, and I'm powerfully impressed. Great production values--sound, film--and an effortless, distinctive personality in the person of Big Llou. I know him as one of the major voices on Bluesville; I think I met him when Bill Wax had me visit the station. But he wasn't on my screen as a performer--until now. Serious talent. The harp is played by Russ Green, and it too is fine:
These aren't the same guy is it? just kidding...Lou has got some moves, style and a clear big voice - I'd say he would be a charismatic presence on the band stand!
In response to an email about the Big Llou video and his own role in helping create same, Russ Green was nice enough to reply with the following: _________________________________________________________
The CD "They Call Me Big LLou" is a project that came together rather quickly. Big Llou decided that he was ready to move ahead with recording a CD, but the timing left us with a bit of a problem. We only had about a few weeks to get it done from rehearsing material to having the CD in hand. What helped us get this done so quickly was the level of professionalism and talent of the folks involved. Since Chicago has a deep pool of very talented musicians to choose from, I was able to use guys who I knew would be able to give us what we needed without a lot of instruction. And as you can hear it worked out that way. One thing that suffered because we were on such a short time frame is the number of songs we were able to put on the CD. I wanted more but it wasn't quite possible. But I do think that the quality and variety of the tunes on the CD make up for this quite well.
Now the title track and video, "They Call me Big Llou", is LLou's signature tune. He wrote it intending to have a tune with his name in it much like some of the legends of Blues. We were intent on giving it a solid Chicago sound. Originally we thought of having horns but realized that it would be better served if we used harmonica instead. And that was the right choice.
This is a CD that has a variety of music on it. Including an Earl Thomas tune covered as well by Tom Jones, a Solomon Burke tune, a Barry White tune and a Sonny Boy Williamson tune. But even with all this variety it is a Blues CD. We weren't thinking about it at the time we were recording but what really solidifies it as Blues is the harmonica. We didn't use it on every tune of course. My goal with my playing was to keep it simple while moving the songs along.
All in all this was a great project to play on and produce. So I am looking forward to having to opportunity to do the same on other projects in the future.
...I also play with John Primer and we are taking off for the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise next week. After that we go back on the road. We recorded a CD last year called "Blues on Solid Ground". It has been nominated for a BMA for Acoustic album.
Big Llou is working on gigs for this year including festivals and club dates. __________________________________________________
Let's show some support, forum! I hope we'll hearing more from Big Llou and Russ Green.
Last Edited by on Jan 15, 2013 5:58 PM
