Doug Wamble, Charlie Hunter and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie at Iridium Jazz Club

The Iridium Jazz Club is the calm amidst the storm that is Times Square. Located on Broadway and 50th St., this little music oasis that was guitar great Les Paul's haven houses some of the best sounds in town and Saturday, July 17, 2010, was no exception when Tennessee-born singer-songwriter/guitarist, Doug Wamble, hit the stage with jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter and legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. They kicked off the 8:00pm set with Hunter's instrumental, "Mestre Tata," a bluesy concoction of downhome riffs and funky flair, followed by "John the Revelator," with Wamble's voice a rich, clear texture, infused with soul. One doesn't expect this smoky, hard-hitting blues voice to come from the baby-faced Wamble, but it does and it's potent. Veteran drummer, Purdie, who's one of the most recorded drummer's in history, and influenced thunderous John Bonham's "Fool in the Rain" drumming, showcased his true rhythm chops with the trio's rendition of Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," closing his eyes, transporting the crowd to his realm.

Wamble, at ease with the intimate audience, talked about what album he'd like to have if he was stuck on a desert island, affectionately naming Aretha Franklin's Amazaing Grace, which Purdie played on. They then launched into a song from this quintessential gospel album, "Mary Don't You Weep," doing a riveting, tender interpretation of this beloved spiritual. Wamble's composition,"Think About it All," had a rock/bluegrass feel, heartfelt in lyrics and delivery, a perfect segue into a heartfluttering version of Jimi Hendrix's "Waterfall," making his guitar "gently weep." They topped off the hour-long set with Wamble's "Bitter Angels," a southern-fried, multi-tempo jam.

On April 20, 2010, E1 Music released Wamble's third indie album, a self-titled work that has ten original songs and a cover of Fiona Apple's "I Know." After hearing the conviction and dedication of Wamble's live performance, his album, available on iTunes and Amazon.com, is sure to be comprised of songs that are a satisfying mix of substantial lyrics, passionate musicianship and earnest singing. Long live the blues.