| Barikada
- World Of Music - Backstage 2007 |
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| SKOPJE BLUES
& SOUL FESTIVAL 2010
July 2010 - Skopje, Macedonia |
Skopje Blues & Soul Festival 2010
July 2010, Skopje, Macedonia
As is always the case, this year's edition of the festival
was huge success due to an excellent choice of musicians who did a great job
and confirmed their
high status in blues hierarchy. Weather conditions were great, blues fans enjoyed
every moment of the proceedings, not mentioning cold beer! We are talking about
July 1 and July 2, 2010.
Each we present some local blues talent and this year natural
choice was one of the most promising young guitar slingers in the area: Igor
Stanoevski
who
has obviously inherited talent from his father, well known personality in
Macedonia. Worldwide known "Yamaha" company recognized the talents of Igor
and became
his endorsee which speaks for itself. Bruce Iglauer, head of "Alligator Records"
from Chicago was impressed by this young man, comparing him favorably with
US guitarists of his generation. Accolades aside, Igor Stanoevski played
his heart out and expanded his already big fan base. He did some well known
blues
classics in his own inimitable way and crowd responded big way! "Down In
Mississippi", "It Hurts Me Too", "Hey Joe" went especially well with fans,
as he did them
in his original style. You may call him star of the festival as he was invited
later on stage to play along with Nick and the other night with Gregg Wright
.There is no doubt that this young guy will go places and we can only wish
him best of luck!
Nick & The Backbone |
Nick & The Backbone |
Nick Dounoussis & Igor Stanoevski |
Nick Dounoussis & Igor Stanoevski |
Nick & The Backbone were on the stage after Igor
and proved once again why they are top Greek band whose quality has long been
recognized beyond the
borders of their homeland. Nick Dounoussis is familiar face when it comes to
"Skopje Blues & Soul Festival", this was his third appearance here,
previously he backed blues legends Phil Guy and Louisiana Red. "Trustworthy
Woman" was
an opener Nick and his band did and afterwards it was smooth and rocking ride
all the way! He played some great classic stuff plus tracks from the bands
"Crackin' Under Pressure" CD, great stuff! After all, he played with the likes
of Buddy Guy, John Hammond, Big Time Sarah and did a tour with legendary Nick
Gravenites of Janis Joplin, Electric Flag, Paul Butterfield and Quicjsilver
Messenger Service fame. Nick & The Backbone are always welcome in Skopje,
so there is no doubt that we will enjoy their blues in the future.
Gregg Wright |
Gregg Wright |
Gregg Wright & Igor Stanoevski |
Gregg Wright & Igor Stanoevski |
Festival's natural closer was Gregg Wright and his band! What
a musician and what credentials he has. He played 55 concerts as Michael Jackson's
guitarist
on his legendary "Victory Tour" in the eighties! Not to mention work
with Mick Fleetwood, Gap Band, Spencer Davis and many more or his session work
or sharing
the stage with the likes of Albert and Freddie King in earlier stages of his
career. His gig was absolutely a scorcher, no wonder people in the know dubbed
him as king of rocking guitar! His standard set include numerous classics between
Albert King and Jimi Hendrix plus his own material which is on the same level
as other people's material he did. Spirits of Albert and Jimi were haunting
the stage and blues fans were mesmerized! Gregg Wright fired from all arms
and easily confirmed his high ranking within the blues and rock community,
a gig to remember.
So these concerts passed and will be affectionately remembered by all present
there. Next year festival celebrates it's 15th anniversary, so have no doubt
that it will be awesome!
Gregg Wright & Vasja Ivanovski |
Gregg Wright & Vasja Ivanovski |
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