Toby Walker, Phil Wiggins and Piedmont Bluz
Sometime in the early part of 2013 my friend Frank Matheis of The Country Blues.com had the idea of putting together a concert with myself and the legendary harmonica player Phil Wiggins. Also on the bill were Valerie and Ben Turner of The Piedmont Bluz who make sure the Piedmont music tradition is alive and well.
For 35 years Phil Wiggins played alongside the Piedmont guitarist and singer John Cephas - billed as 'Cephas and Wiggins' - until John passed away in 2009 at the age of 78. This duo were probably the best example of Piedmont blues in recent years.
I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was at the opportunity to play with one of my all time heroes of the blues harmonica. In my opinion Phil Wiggins is the absolute harmonica player alive today.
Here are some videos of Phil and I rehearsing at Franks home the day before. Pictures are below the videos.
For 35 years Phil Wiggins played alongside the Piedmont guitarist and singer John Cephas - billed as 'Cephas and Wiggins' - until John passed away in 2009 at the age of 78. This duo were probably the best example of Piedmont blues in recent years.
I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was at the opportunity to play with one of my all time heroes of the blues harmonica. In my opinion Phil Wiggins is the absolute harmonica player alive today.
Here are some videos of Phil and I rehearsing at Franks home the day before. Pictures are below the videos.
with Phil
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with my buddy Frank Matheis
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Valerie and Ben Turner... Piedmont Bluz
What a pleasure it was to share the stage with my new friends... Piedmont Bluz ... wonderful music in the Piedmont tradition. Be sure to check them out.
Valerie Turner... a wonderful lady and fantastic picker and singer in the Piedmont tradition
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Her husband Ben who doubles as Valerie's percussionist, harmonica player and graphic designer.
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Here's Valerie and Ben doing a song at the show.
A BIG TIME THANKS to my buddy Frank Matheis for organizing this entire event. Be sure to check out this man's website: The Country Blues.com
Frank, me, Phil, Valerie and Ben