Carnival of Soul

John Mayall is visiting the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center on Sunday and FTC Stage One on Thursday. Known as “The Godfather of British Blues,” Mayall has an impressive musical career that spans over 50 years.

The English blues singer, pianist, harmonica player, guitarist, and songwriter founded the band, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s — a band whose members included many celebrated blues and blues rock guitarists, such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and Buddy Whittington. Mayall is more renowned as a bandleader and mentor than as a performer in his own right. But he can add his excitement to any show.

Throughout the 1960s, his band the Bluesbreakers had a cast of guitar players which made the blues world take notice. To some it acted as a finishing school for the best leading British blues-rock musicians of the era. Guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor joined his band in a remarkable succession in the mid-’60s. They honed their chops with Mayall before going on to join Cream, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones.

Mayall has operated as a trio for the last couple of years. That came about when thunderstorms prevented his guitarist from attending a festival, compelling them to perform as a trio. Mayall now feels it is time to once again feature the fire of an electric guitar. He has added noted Texas guitar slinger Carolyn Wonderland. This will be quite a historic move forward in that the Bluesbreakers have never before had a female lead guitarist in any of the numerous band lineups. Wonderland has wowed Connecticut on her visit.

Also playing with Mayall in the ’80s was Kal David.

Infinity Music Hall Norfolk has a nice one-two punch Wednesday and Thursday. First up is the Cajun blueser Tab Benoit followed by former Mayall guitarist Trout. Benoit continues to entertain and keeps his Louisiana tradition alive. He has received the BB King’s Entertainer of The Year Award. The Contemporary Male Performer of The Year Award and a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Trout has returned from a life-threatening incident that saw him learn the guitar again. His story is compelling and music full of fire. His latest album is “Survivor Blues.”

Murali Coryell takes the stage of the Norwich Arts Center’s Donald L. Oat Theater on Wednesday. NAC’s monthly Blues on Broadway series rolls on with another taste of the blues. Coryell is the oldest son of the legendary Larry Coryell considered to be the godfather of jazz fusion. When not fronting his own band, Murali has performed with the likes of Buddy Guy and Joe Louis Walker. He is a masterful guitarist who plays in a blues/soul style with a hint of jazz. Along with his bluesy, soulful voice he will draw you in as few can. For more information and to get your tickets for what is sure to be an exciting evening that you won’t ever forget, go to norwicharts.org.

Friday, Lucky Peterson is on Bard Alley at Rothbard Ale + Larder. This is the start of a number of stops. Then it is Theodores’ on Saturday and Turning Point on Monday. A searing lead guitarist, a rich and powerful organist and a first-rate vocalist, Peterson’s musicianship effortlessly translates gospel, rock and jazz into a 21st century blues. The multi-talented Peterson provides a full night of entertainment.

Towne Crier Café has a Woodstock Anniversary show on Sunday. One of the best retrospectives, Back to the Garden 1969 – 50th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival Show will bring out the peace and tie-dye.

The Klein is offering the time to kick back and listen to some outstanding local talent. Diversity is the buzzword as some rock, blues and reggae artists will perform from 1-8 p.m. Saturday in A Summer Music Celebration.

Featured artists include the Paul Gabriel Blues Band; Jay Stollman & Scott Spray, with special guest Matt Schofield; The Zambonis; Anthem; Chris D’Amato; and Billy Bileca. Get set for some great live music and food trucks.

June’s Outback Pub on Sunday hosts Chewy Fest 6 2019. Chewy is with the 2019 edition. It is Chewy and June’s Leo Birthday Bash. Some of the featured acts include: Ditty Mac (DW Ditty & Kenny Mac); Harry Tokarz; Tom Ferrera a.k.a Captain Rocks; Donna Travis and The Void; and Someone You Can X-Ray Lite (Dana & Bryan Newman).

As schedules and times change, it is good practice to call the club and confirm.

Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com.

Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.