Event
Lazy Lester dance concert in Nevada City
Lazy Lester (born Leslie Johnson in Torras, Louisiana, 20 June 1933) is a swamp blues harmonica master whose half-century career spans the 1950s to the 2000s. Best known for regional hits recorded with Jay MillerÂs Crowley, Louisiana-based Excello Records, Lester also contributed as a side-man to swamp blues classics recorded by Excello label-mates including Slim Harpo, Lightnin Slim, and Katie Webster.
Contrary to his colorful sobriquet, (supplied by prolific south Louisiana producer J.D. Miller), harpist Lazy Lester swears he never was all that lethargic. But he seldom was in much of a hurry either, although the relentless pace of his Excello Records swamp blues classics "I'm a Lover Not a Fighter" and "I Hear You Knockin'" might contradict that statement, too.
While growing up outside of Baton Rouge, Leslie Johnson was influenced by Jimmy Reed and Little Walter. But his entree into playing professionally arrived quite by accident: while riding on a bus sometime in the mid-'50s, he met guitarist Lightnin' Slim, who was searching fruitlessly for an AWOL harpist. The two's styles meshed seamlessly, and Lester became Slim's harpist of choice.
In 1956, Lester stepped out front at Miller's Crowley, Louisiana studios for the first time. During an extended stint at Excello that stretched into 1965, he waxed such gems as "Sugar Coated Love," "If You Think I've Lost You," and "The Same Thing Could Happen to You." Lester proved invaluable as an imaginative sideman for Miller, utilizing everything from cardboard boxes and claves to whacking on newspapers in order to locate the correct percussive sound for the producer's output.
Lester gave up playing for almost two decades, settling in Pontiac MI in 1975. But Fred Reif (Lester's manager, booking agent, and rub board player) convinced the harpist that a return to action was in order, inaugurating a comeback that included a nice 1988 album for Alligator, Harp & Soul. His swamp blues sound remained as atmospheric (and, dare one say, energetic) as ever on subsequent releases including 1998's All Over You and 2001's Blues Stop Knockin', featuring Jimmie Vaughan.
His songs have been covered by (among others) The Kinks, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. In the Âcomeback stage of his career (since the late 1980s) he has recorded new albums backed by, among others, Mike Buck, Sue Foley, Gene Taylor, Kenny Neal, Lucky Peterson, and Jimmie Vaughan, and has reaped accolades and awards as a surviving blues legend.
Grease, Grit & Grime - Seth Miner, Mark ÂBooms McCartney, Scott ÂPhilharmonica Hickman, Chad Conner Crow and Shelby Snow - have quickly become one of the busiest bands in Northern California. The group started as a three-piece drawing inspiration from Mississippi Delta greats, such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Albert King and Ray Charles. Their sound grew naturally and expanded their dynamic to accompany blues styles similar to Cream, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. ÂThe blues has recently become more popular. This may have to do with our nation's economic situation, Crow said. ÂThe blues is the people's music. Listening to the blues doesn't give you the blues. Like Taj Mahal said at the Fillmore this year, Âwe're liftin' Âem up off of ya!'Â
Their dedication to the roots makes them the perfect choice to to back up Lazy Lester for this dance show.
Opening the show will be Paul Emery and Eli Rush
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LocationThe Miners Foundry
325 Spring Street
Nevada City, CA 95959
United States
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| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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