In two weeks, the 31st edition of Cognac Blues Passions will be in full swing and festival-goers will be able to recharge their batteries musically to prepare for a great summer.
Here's what the excellent programmers have to offer for Friday, July 5, 2024:
As in previous days, some artists will perform in the city center and at the bars l'Express / Le Lys to prepare spectators for another festive day. Thus, the sensuality of Drum de Dames will lead us with the baton, the blues-rock-funk of Ady One Woman Band will allow us to discover his sensitive music and his powerful voice then Lorenzo Sanchez will perform in trio. For twenty years, his Andalusian origins and his Hendrixian influences have shaped an original style, classified as African-American. With Philippe Dandrimont and Stéphane Ranaldi, they defend the album "Blue Avenida" released on March 15th. Quentin Winter from Charente also returns to Cognac Blues Passions after a first appearance in 2022.
The Rolling Stone Conversations stage will feature interviews and mini-concerts, including performances by The Inspector Cluzo (at 11:45 a.m.) and Rival Sons (at 18:20 p.m.).
The former, originally from the Landes region, are rock 'n' roll globetrotters who produce everything "themselves" (over 1200 concerts in almost 70 countries). Just as in their side occupation as farmers, Malcolm and Phil risk their lives as soon as they step on stage, giving it their all. On this occasion, they are promoting their ninth album, "Horizon," in a powerful duo format that sometimes recalls the best of the White Stripes.
As for them, Rival Sons are Californian musicians who mix the best of blues and rock from the 60s/70s. Jay Buchanan on vocals and Scott Holiday on guitar are artists that should not be missed under any circumstances as their screams and riffs are of a unique power. They defend their new albums called "Darkfighter & Lighbringer" (released in 2023) but do not neglect the classics such as "Electric Man" and "Feral Roots". In the past, they have shared the stages of Guns n'Roses (in Bordeaux), AC/DC and Black Sabbath. The Inspector Cluzo and Rival Sons are bands that will perform on the Blues Paradise stage respectively at 20 p.m. and 22:30 p.m. for a moment announced sweating after their more intimate presentations with Alma and Xavier Bonnet.
During the day, the Americans from Robert Jon & The Wreck will distil their vocal harmonies and soaring guitars for our greatest pleasure. Having opened for Joe Bonamassa and Blackberry Smoke, the Californians are one of the discoveries not to be missed at this new edition. After a Rolling Stone interview, the 2024 Cognac Blues Passions prize winner will perform on stage at 1715 Avenue du Blues: Jessie Lee & The Alchemists. Created in 2015, this French quintet is co-led by singer-guitarist Jessie Lee and guitarist-composer Alexis "Mr Al" Didier. The Anglo-Saxon influences are very broad to create modern, emotional, and powerful music.
At 20:30 p.m., Early James will perform as part of the "melodies around your balconies" program to present his latest album, "Strange Time To Be Alive." An eccentric poet, James calls upon the ghosts of southern authors to create a unique musical patchwork. It will be time for the audience to head to the public garden for a unique tribute to Calvin Russell, led by Manu Lanvin and featuring a host of guests!
Manu and Calvin worked together on an album released in 2009 called "Dawg Eat Dawg." Passed away two years later, the Texan, who was a fringe figure in his youth, leaves a deep loss to all the blues-rock fans who were lucky enough to see him in concert. To this end, the son of the most famous French actor and incidentally superb musician decided to release an album (out June 2) with a host of guests to pay tribute to the American. Charlelie Couture, Axel Bauer, Johnny Gallagher, Théo Charaf, Fred Chapellier, and (among others) Beverly Jo Scott cover the master's abundant blues, rock, and country repertoire. Deserving of having "shown him the way," Manu Lanvin has put together this show, which will feature numerous guests for a unique performance. Obviously, Gérard will be joining us...
Finally, to close this rich evening, Johnny Gallagher, considered one of the best guitarists on the current circuit, will perform on the Experience stage. With a rock and saturated sound, he alternates personal compositions and covers for the greatest pleasure of the blues fan in each of us. The Irishman, who has nothing to do with Rory, Liam, and Noel, released his first album in 1997 and began performing on stage at the age of 12, with his family. A great way to start the night while waiting for the next day's artists, namely Yodelice, Delgrès, Franck & Damien and then Gloria Gaynor.
Diego OnTheRocks
