There is a world famous live music venue in Austin, Texas. On the back of that nightclub’s stage hangs a picture of a musician with the words, “Antone’s...In the Spirit of Little Walter.” On November 16, 2013, there might as well have been a sign on the back of the stage at the Chaparral Live Room in San Dimas, California, that read, “In the Spirit of Sonny Boy Williamson.” That would be Alex (pronounced Aleck) Miller better known as Rice Miller and eventually Sonny Boy Williamson 2. 

For five hours, some of the finest blues musicians of our generation (and the next) paid homage to one of the giants of the genre. Those musicians, who would interpret this material and play in the spirit of Sonny Boy 2, included, in various combinations, vocalist and harmonica players R.J. Mischo, Karl Cabbage, San Pedro Slim, Alex “Lil A” Woodson and an eighteen year old high desert maverick by the name of Jacob Huffman. They were joined by guitarists Big Jon Atkinson, Bill Bates, Anthony Contreras, Pete Fazzini and Jimmy Zollo. Bassist Kenny Huff and drummers Ron Felton and Alan West helped keep the relaxed shuffles in check, which is just one of the hallmarks of Williamson’s hugely influential sound. 

Throughout the evening, hearing one Williamson gem after another served to remind us just how great a songwriter he was. His characteristic singing vibrato as well as his harmonica tone, idiosyncratic dynamics and phrasing are amounst the most instantly recognizable sounds in the blues. However, it is in his songs, or as Karl Cabbage said, ‘It’s in the great stories he told.” that in my mind, his true genius lies. Out of sheer respect to that immense catalogue and to the large crowd in attendance on this evening at no time was a single Sonny Boy tune repeated. 

Congratulations to Art Martel and his crew at Straight Up Blues Productions for another successful evening of down home, natural blues. Enjoy a photo essay by Alex (pronounced Alex) Gardner. 

Big Jon Atkinson

Big Jon Atkinson, Alan West & Jacob Huffman

Jacob Huffman

Pete Fazzini

Karl Cabbage

Alan West

San Pedro Slim

Jimmy Zollo

A.C. Contreras

Ron Felton

Kenny Huff

Bill Bates

R.J. Mischo