Every once in a while I get lucky enough to see someone that I have never heard of before put on a show that completely blows me away and makes me feel like I've been missing out on some incredible music. The Corey Stevens show that I saw at the Railhead a couple of weeks ago was definitely one of those times.
The set list was a great mix of originals interlaced with some choice covers of traditional blues songs from greats such as Muddy Waters and Albert King. He even did a version of Voodoo Child that would have made Jimmy Hendrix proud.
I will give you all some background on him along with upcoming tour dates and an exclusive interview later in this article, but first I want to share some exclusive video from the concert so you can all see for yourselves just how incredible this guy really is. All of the following songs are from the second set of his appearance at the Railhead Lounge in Las Vegas, NV - 5/20/2010. Trust me, your going to want to turn the volume up for these. ENJOY!
My Love For You Has Died
Voodoo Child
Thats What the Blues Is All About and Before You Accuse Me
I Got A Rich Mans Woman
The Road To Zen
So, as you can plainly see, if you are into the blues this is certainly an act worth going out of your way to go check out. He is touring the upper Midwest starting TONIGHT! The tour schedule is posted below, but first I would like to treat you to an
Exclusive Interview.....
What attracted you to blues and roots music in the first place?
Interviews with the Rolling Stones, Allman Bros live album & the album called Howlin Wolf the London Sessions
Who were some of your early influences?
Duane Allman, Clapton, Keith Richards & Chuck Berry
Are there any young blues players today that you're listening to?
Brandon Scott Sellner
Did your career grow gradually, or was there a single event which really
helped you get noticed?
Gradual, but a 1995 record deal got me a lot of rock FM airplay
Are there any individuals who helped you get recognition?
Too many to list
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Touring all summer with Lynyrd Skynyrd, releasing each of my CDs they all have special meanings & memories, certain shows like my first huge show on a big stage in NY I opened for Foreigner & got a standing ovation
Do you do anything differently if you're playing a really big place versus a
small place? Is it just having the right P.A.?
You naturally are more excited if there's tons of people but small packed clubs can be more fun like a party- guys buying you drinks & girls grabbing your butt on the walk up to the stage
Do you think it's better for the audience to see music performed in a
smaller place?
Depends. If I go to a small venue and can go right up to stage I do. I love to hear the sound from the stage not just the PA. Most people seem to shy to do that. It's a pack mentality. If enough go up it fills up. I'm a lone wolf I guess.
What is your opinion of the blues music scene today?
It's finally coming back. It never went away. But the old wave has left the planet. Festivals still try to find the originals but the fans today like contemporary blues.
What advice do you have for aspiring blues artists?
Figure out how to make a huge time commitment to music. And don't waste your time with lazy musicians.
What do you think is the greatest blues album ever made?
This one we can talk about in (Upcoming exclusive video) interview. But my fave is a best of Muddy Waters so whatever album had the debut Sugar Sweet, Hoochie Coochie Man, etc
If you're writing songs or anything like that, do you have any kind of a
home studio that you record song ideas on?
I have a full blown studio but usually don't need to record as I'm writing. I have a good memory.
Do you have a songwriting routine?
Not really but I take my time. In the early days I wrote songs faster. Now I let it happen over a longer time frame.
Before a performance do you warm up?
Usually
Do you have any long-term goals?
Expanding my touring. Now I have CA and the northern Midwest. I am finally getting back down to FL in December.
What would you say are the keys to a happy and successful life?
Knowing what you need as opposed to what you want. People confuse the two. I have a lot of time to work on music which to some would be a dream come true.
Corey, thank you so much for your time and courtesy. Safe travels and best of luck on your tour. I look very much forward to your next show in Vegas and hearing about all the fun you had in our next interview.
For more videos, information on Corey Stevens (Really cool and interesting bio) and to purchase CD's you can visit his website at http://www.coreystevens.com
Music is also available for download & preview at the iTunes Store
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
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With The Band
June 4, 2010 Friday
Willow River Blues & Brews Fest
In Mary Park
New Richmond, WI 54017
(715)246-2900
http://www.willowriverbluesfest.com/
Showtime 8:00 PM
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With The Band
June 5, 2010 Saturday
Bob's Blues & BBQ Fest
120 2nd Avenue Southeast
Elgin, MN 55932
(507)280-5887
http://www.bobssmokestackribs.com/events.html
Showtime 7:00 PM
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With The Band
June 12, 2010 Saturday
Lakeside 4th of July Fireworks Fundraiser
131 Lake St. North
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Showtime: 9:00 PM
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Solo Acoustic Show
June 16, 2010 Wednesday
Famous Dave's Minneapolis
3001 Hennepin South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612)822-9900
http://www.famousdaves.com/other-saucy-stuff/minneapolis-bbq-blues-club/
Showtime 8:00 PM
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With The Band
June 19, 2010 Saturday
Santiago Shakedown 8
Santiago, MN 55377
http://www.baileysrays.com/
Showtime 10:15 PM
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With The Band
July 17, 2010 Saturday
JazzFest
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/3-DMXH
http://www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com/
Showtime 10:00 PM
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With The Band
July 31, 2010 Saturday
Fargo Blues Fest
Newman Outdoor Field
1515 15th Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102
(866)55-BLUES
http://fargobluesfest.homestead.com/index.html
Showtime: 4:30 PM
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With The Band
August 8, 2010 Sunday
Taste of Marina Del Ray
Marina Del Ray, CA
Showtime TBA
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With The Band
August 14, 2010 Saturday
Arcadia Blues Club
16 East Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626)447-9349
http://www.arcadiabluesclub.com/
Showtime: 9:30 PM
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With The Band
August 20, 2010 Friday
Forada Fest
Alexandria, MN
http://www.foradafest.com/
Showtime 11:30 PM
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Solo Acoustic Show
September 9, 2010 Thursday
Knuckleheads
Kansas City, MO 64120
http://www.knuckleheadskc.com/
Showtime 8:00 PM
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Solo Acoustic Show
September 11, 2010 Saturday
POW/MIA/KIA Poker Run
Elmo's
2925 Lemay Ferry Rd
St Louis, MO 63125
Showtime 4:30 PM
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With The Band
September 18, 2010 Saturday
Pierce County Fairgrounds
364 North Maple Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Showtime 10:15 PM
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With The Band
October 14, 2010 Thursday
Pearson Lakes Art Center
2201 Highway 71
Okoboji, IA 51355
(712)332-7013
http://lakesart.org/tickets.php
Showtime 7:30 PM
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With The Band
October 15, 2010 Friday
Blues On Grand
1501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
Showtime 9:15 PM
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So if you live near any of those places then you REALLY do not want to miss the chance to go check them out. Seriously.
Now get out and see some live music and do your part to help keep the blues alive! It's good for the soul. Have a GREAT weekend everyone!
-Doctor Mojo
Exclusive Las Vegas Correspondent
American Blues Blog
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