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Natalie Wells Band: Playing the blues
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Photo courtesy of the Natalie Wells Band
Many folks around town, here in Nashville, know that I've personally been playing the blues for over forty years. Now, I don't know if that exactly makes me an expert, but I believe I can tell a bad note from a good one; particularly when it pertains to the blues. That being said, it was only this morning that I got the surprise of a lifetime from a friend of mine in Knoxville. He sent me some links to the music of the Natalie Wells Band, whose music totally blew me away! The band's existence is no secret to people in Ohio and Kentucky, so I imagine it won't be long before Tennessee gets to know the music of Natalie and her band.
When I listened to my first choice of tracks on the Natalie Wells Band MySpace page, choosing Crossroads (a favorite oldie that I've played for years), I noticed that Natalie was doing the Clapton (Cream) version. She did an amazing job of recreating the original guitar parts; better than I ever have. So, I thought, "She's awesome! She can reproduce the feel of early Clapton!" But, when I clicked on The Sky is Crying, an old blues tune done by Stevie Ray, I noticed that she did none of Stevie's licks, but rather played her own version of the blues. That's when I instantly became a true fan of Natalie Wells. In praise of Natalie's guitar playing, one music critic has even said that Jimi "better move over", although there's plenty of room for a talent like this, in my book.
In 2003, before Natalie was even 21 years old, her Cincinnati-based band (which includes Rich Stonely on bass and Dan Gavin on drums) had already been nominated for--and won--the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for blues. They were nominated again in 2004 and also 2007, proving that their home town had an eye on their expertise. They have received critical acclaim in such diverse publications as the Charleston Gazette and Freewheelin' Magazine, are extremely popular in the Cincinnati and Covington, KY area and have a performing schedule that's booked into early December of this year. In fact, if you're up for a road trip to Newport, KY, this 4th of July, be advised the Natalie Wells Band will be playing at the motorcycle rally, being held there that weekend.
I'm personally planning to spread the word around town; Nashville needs to be able to see this band live.
Photo by Donald Phelps, July 2007 - Courtesy of the Natalie Wells Band
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