Blues is a Woman
By Patty Castillo Davis
Pamela Rose said something very provocative to me that got me thinking.
When you think of the Blues, what does your mind conjure?
A man and a guitar.
This is contrary to the whole message behind her original musical retrospect-The Blues Is A Woman.
This show was born out of a deep love for Blues music and a genuine respect for the females who popularized those longing, aching and sometimes bawdy Roots songs. Extensive research, writing, rewriting and workshopping this labor of love took over two years. Choosing the particular legends and their experiences with historic accuracy, selecting the cast of musicians who embody the stories behind the songs and exacting the vehicle that would become this amazing musical event is a true labor of love.
At a time in American history when women of color, mired in poverty, were the most disenfranchised sector of the public, these founding mothers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey became huge superstars, traveled across the country singing their “truth telling songs” giving a voice to the voiceless. This became the creation of the archetype, a fierce woman, an independent woman, a woman who demanded to be heard.
Ladies who can be identified simply by their first name- Etta, Aretha, Tina, Janis and Bonnie, all picked up the torch ( song) and continued to popularize the “heart of the Blues”.
Pamela Rose, Author, Songwriter and Creative whirlwind behind The Blues Is A Woman has become the caretaker of this feminine facet of America’s most enduring art form.
Carrying you through time from the early days of when hearing a song speak to your “personal rumination” and knowing that somebody feels like you do, into the present is an all woman band of seasoned virtuoso players.-Pat Wilder, noteworthy Singer and versa-style Guitarist for three decades in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. She boasts work with Billy Dunn, Zakiya Hooker, Luther Tucker amongst others.
Ruth Davies, upright Bassist who has collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop and Van Morrison.
Kristen Strom, Saxophone and Singer whose credits include headlining the 2015 Monterey Jazz Festival and stints with Roberta Flack, Manhattan Transfer and Natalie Cole.
Daria Johnson, Berklee College Of Music Alumnus, Drummer and Singer whose work with India Airie, Erykah Badu and John Legend has taken her across the world and make her a renowned percussionist.
Jennifer Jolly Pianist, Composer, Bandleader and Educator- a Renaissance of Roots Music plays in nine groups from honky-tonk to South African.
This show has played to a cross section of Blues enthusiasts, educators students, and families alike-selling out crowds.
You will chuckle at the cheeky anecdotes, cry over the sad truths, cheer the victories over insurmountable circumstances, sing along to the iconic tunes from your memories and groove to the original songs.
Rose says she is very excited to be bringing her show to Modesto and experience the beautiful Gallo Center For The Arts.
Blues Is A Woman comes to town Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 pm.
Visit GALLOARTS.ORG or call 208-338-2100 for ticket information.
