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Syl Johnson, Wikipedia
"Places, like Wilebski's Historic Blues Saloon- memories are made. The blues came up from the Mississippi Delta and this band added some funk, some soul and created the real deep blues. Syl Johnson!" KFAI's Lady J introduced the band at Wilebski's Friday night.
Memories were certainly made Friday, February 19, 2010 at Wilebski's Blues Saloon, 601 N Western Ave, St Paul. Syl Johnson's band warmed the audience with a few songs before Johnson made his grand appearance. He opened with his 1967 hit "Come On Sock It To Me." His hips gyrated with the drum beat and he immediately introduced us to a screaming guitar answering each of his signature "oh yeahs."
Wilebski's, Facebook page
Then, we saw what separates the professionals from the rest of us. Unknown to the audience, there was an equipment problem on stage. Syl Johnson handled it with grace, ad libbing lyrics to his opening hit by singing in perfect time, "I can't hear my vocals," and grunting "Whatcha doin, huh?" when the sound tech walked on stage to fix the issues.
Johnson played on his full set while the technicians worked on the equipment issues. Toward the end of the set, a young Australian soul singer, Mellow-d joined the stage, singing, perhaps telling us, "The Thrill is Gone" and giving Syl Johnson time to regroup.
The second set and the thrill was back, with new microphones and an improved sound. Syl Johnson pleased the audience with his biggest hit, 1975's "Take Me to the River," which got almost everyone out of their seats and swinging their hips.
At age 73, Syl Johnson continues to work and play hard. Nothing seemed to slow his spirit on stage and his grooving body kept each beat from the funky to the soulfully slow tunes. This show is definitely worth seeing. Syl Johnson plays again tonight, February 20, 2010 at Wilebski's Blues Saloon, 601 N Western Ave, St Paul, Doors 7pm, Music 9 pm. Cover is $15.
Be sure to check back next week for St Paul Live Music Examiner's interview with Blues Saloon owner Ted Wilebski.
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