I saw Grammy-nominated Mississippi blues guitar player and vocalist Vasti ("vast-eye") Jackson and his band at the Blue Nile club in New Orleans. (Hint: get away from the cover bands of Bourbon Street and head towards the jazz and blues clubs of the French Quarter.)
Jackson is one rockin' soulful guitar player and he worked up a sweat on this steamy New Orleans evening with some rockin' reggae and blues vibes ranging from Bob Marley's "Stir it up" to a satiny smooth rendition of Sam Cook's "You send me" (with a little Marvin Gaye thrown in for good measure.) Jackson deftly supplied vocals and an amazingingly full guitar sound with speed, precision and subtlety. There's no doubt that as Jackson has made the move to front his own "Vast-Eye" band he has stepped full into the limelight that brings to front and center the energy and creative guitar playing that has marked his career. His sideman are excellent, including a powerful bass, subtle swirling keyboards and even keeled drumming, but, --make no mistake-- Jackson is the main attraction. He's got the presence and the command not only of his band but of the audience.
Jackson brought the full power of his Gibson Les Paul and a custom handmade Strat-style guitar power to give a vibrant clean sound through a Line 6 Flextone amp. Don't miss a chance to see Vasti Jackson live in New Orleans or in California later this summer. Check out this sample of "The Fix It Man" on CD Baby or buy the album "No Borders to the Blues".
Jackson is playing in and around New Orleans in June:
- June 2 - Blue Nile
- June 8 - Lafayette Park with Michelle Shocked
- June 9 - Blue Nile with Henry Butler
- June 13 - Old Point Bar with Mark Stone
Later in the summer Vasti will be touring Northern California. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Vasti on his guitar technique, his equipment and why he loves the blues.
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