San Luis Obispo Blues Society Upcoming Events Saturday, December 8, 2001 the CRAIG HORTON band with Ball & Chain Saturday, January 19, 2002 Vet's Hall Show

the craig horton band

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Craig Horton has made a career of the blues for the last four decades. Growing up in Conway, Arkansas, he learned to play guitar from his grandmother who played gospel music. By the late 1950's, Craig was playing guitar with the legendary Little Walter's Band and touring with the Dells. He was part of the Chicago music scene in the 60's, playing with performers like Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, and Freddie King. During the 80's, he was lead vocalist and guitar player with Sam Myers and the Mississippi Delta Blues Band. Although his music retains the Chicago sound, Craig has been living in California since the late 60's.

Craig's singing voice is reminiscent of T-Bone Walker. There is also a hint of Walker in his guitar playing, along with traces of B.B.King. What most distinguishes his blues guitar playing is its unpredictability - he is a true improviser who plays whatever pops into his head. Craig prides himself on playing on the edge and taking chances. "I always play without a net. It is hard for me to follow set patterns. I'm into trying to execute what I feel. I'm into feelings." For our blues show, he is bringing with him a full band with horn section.

Horton released his first solo CD this year, entitled "In My Spirit" (Bad Daddy Records). The music reflects the heavy swinging, hard shuffling classic blues sounds of Chicago and the South. The CD also shows the diversity of his music, ranging from classic blues to jazz, R&B, and rock.
 
 

ball & Chain

Ball and Chain features a variety of familiar local blues performers. Jon Smith, lead guitar and vocals, has the fastest fingers in the West. Mark White, keyboards, is a master of the boogie woogie (and he can dance while playing). Wil Anderson, bass, can play anything from a delicate whisper to a thumping funk line. Greg Barnes, drums, keeps the band in the groove. Karen Tyler, guitar and vocals, will show you how she can rip on the electric guitar. Lisa Plevel, vocals, gives the band that smoky blues sound. They will play a mixture of originals, classic standards, and some new songs - everything from Muddy Waters to Jeff Beck, Marva Wright, Lou Ann Barton, and Bernard Allison.  Their aim is to get your feet moving and your behind in motion. Let's party!
 

Events Calendar for 2001
 
 

CATALOG OF SHOWS	LOCAL BLUES PERFORMERS	CD REVIEWS	OTHER
October 2001 September 2001 July 2001 May 2001 April 2001 March 2001 January 2001 December 2000 November 2000 September 2000 July 2000 May 2000 April 2000 February 2000 January 2000 December 1999 October 1999 1998 Shows	Big Daddy's Blues Band Black Cat Bone Croon Dogs HOODOO Blues Band Guy Budd Band Valerie Johnson Texicali Divas Karen Tyler	Ernie Hawkins Big Bill Morganfield Mitch Woods & Rocket 88s	2001 t-shirt