2023 Show
SUGAR BLUE, a New York native, born in 1949 in the famous Harlem, is, for almost half a century, probably the most visionary harmonica player in the blues genre!
A winner of 2 GRAMMY Awards, Sugar Blue was considered from the late '70s and early '80s a Jimi Hendrix and a Charlie Parker of harmonica, a musician with a virtuosity that transcends the supposed limitations of his instrument.
His rise to fame come with his work with the famous The Rolling Stones on albums: SOME GIRLS(with the notorious hit MISS YOU), EMOTIONAL RESCUE & TATTOO YOU and for his two years stint in the famous WILLIE DIXON's CHICAGO BLUES ALL STARS.
In the mid '90s he released two revolutionary albums on Alligator Records: BLUE BLAZES and IN YOUR EYES(considered the first Progressive & Fussion Blues Album in the blues history!).
Since then, Blue's incendiary harmonica virtuosity and visionary modern approach on blues genre, resulted in some stellar albums that stand as great examples of what we can call "21st Century Blues"!
His more recent album, "COLORS", was received with rave reviews, and it'll be a real treat to watch this great master perform at 2023 edition of Brezoi Open Air Blues Festival
About artist
★ Born and raised in New York, harmonica genius Sugar Blue began his career as a street musician, he grew up listening to the jazz greats and then honed his chops by wailing along with Bob Dylan (with whom he would later record...) and Stevie Wonder songs on the radio.
Like many american musicians before him Sugar Blue left these shores and relocated to Paris, where he became a first-call studio musician and performing artist. That’s his harmonica blasting on the Rolling Stones’ platinum disco hit “Miss You”.
Considered to be one of the first harp pyrotechnicians, he uses awe-inspiring high-register runs, circular breathing and electronic effects on his harmonicas blending them into his unique, visionary and singular style, technically dazzling yet wholly soulful.
Grammy winner Sugar Blue has been called the Jimi Hendrix of harmonica: he has played and recorded with Willie Dixon, Prince, Rolling Stones, Stan Getz, Bob Dylan, only to name a few...