Bill Blue returns to The Parrot stage at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, to announce the release of “Mojolation,” the first studio release in 30 years from the island’s favorite blues guitarist, singer and songwriter.
Bill attributes getting back into the studio to UK record producer Ian Shaw, who Bill claims, “…found me and resurrected me!”
Shaw said, “I thought it was historically important to document Bill’s contribution to the Blues so I coaxed him back into the studio to record. We’re both very happy with ‘Mojolation’ and feel it’s a true reflection of Bill and his extraordinary talent.”
Bill Blue earned his chops playing for many years with Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup (author of Elvis’ hit “That’s Alright Mama”). He’s shared the stage with ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Albert King, Johnny Winter and Hank Williams Jr. He was signed to the prestigious Adelphi Record label, one of the best blues labels in the U.S. Adelphi’s international distribution offered Blue the opportunity to be heard around the world. After touring with his own ensemble, The Bill Blue Band, Bill decided 18 years on the road was enough. He moved to Key West in the early 1980s, venturing from the island only occasionally to play festivals and to tour Europe.
“Mojolation” features many of Bill’s friends who came together to help him make the record, including drummer Richard Crooks who has played with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, and UK guitarist Matt Backer who has played with Steve Earl, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker and Emmylou Harris, and was Julian Lennon’s band leader for eight years. A mighty contribution to “Mojolation” was made by the Funky in the Middle Horns from New York. Nashville guitarist Michael McAdams who’s played with Reba McEntire, along with many local Key West musicians, also contributed.
Mojolation was largely recorded live in the studio and is chock full of energy; raw, edgy guitars and funky horns that power Bill’s unique blues growl. It’s a record that’s at once fresh, yet captures the authenticity of old blues recordings. After 30 years as the elder statesman of music in Key West, Blue is poised to once again make his unique mark on the international blues music scene
