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Brandon Santini and Delta Highway by Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms
Posted on 4/05/2010 by Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms
(Memphis, Tennessee) Last week I had the pleasure of sitting in with my friend, Brandon Santini, and his new version of Delta Highway. Victor Wainwright, who took the photo of the band above, invited the traveling Terry Lape and me to come down to Mr. Handy's Blues Hall at Third and Beale. Victor said he was setting up a piano that night and that I could drop in and play some with brother Santini's new band.
Of note, Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots' new album, Beale Street to the Bayou, has just hit #2 on the blues charts. You heard about him here first, at the American Blues News. Victor is scheduled to fly overseas with me and the Reba Russell band during an upcoming tour to Norway in October. We will be backing up Victor on the big cruise ship between Reba Russell sets. Here's an earlier article I wrote about Victor Wainwright: Victor Wainwright, Blues, Boogie and More
Handy Hall, where family pictures of Mr. Handy still hang on the walls
View from the street looking inside Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, or Handy Hall as it is known(photo courtesy of Carson Lamm, Rum Boogie Cafe)
As Gatorman and I dropped in on this Thursday night, the band was just getting ready to play and I got to say hello to Victor and Brandon. Since American Blues News' Monica Yasher last wrote about the band, Brandon has gotten all new personnel. Click here to read Monica's article: Interview with Delta Highway by Monica Yasher
The last band was great and this band is actually even better. The instrumental virtuosity and tastefulness of accompaniment are not to be rivaled by many blues bands on this earth, and I have seen quite a few. I watched with delight as the band masterfully plowed through a wide selection of old blues with grace and fluidity. The band goes up and starts out the night with some instrumental numbers and is then joined by bandleader Brandon who guides the show with some good vocals, excellent crowd rapport and fine harp playing.
Brandon Santini and Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms on Beale StreetThe last band was great and this band is actually even better. The instrumental virtuosity and tastefulness of accompaniment are not to be rivaled by many blues bands on this earth, and I have seen quite a few. I watched with delight as the band masterfully plowed through a wide selection of old blues with grace and fluidity. The band goes up and starts out the night with some instrumental numbers and is then joined by bandleader Brandon who guides the show with some good vocals, excellent crowd rapport and fine harp playing.
(photo by Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms)
My old friend and band mate, Slim Lewis, is still playing bass with Delta Highway. Slim is a steady hand at the bass and he has been a denizen of Beale Street almost as long as I have. He has many hours behind the bass on these stages. He is not only a valued old friend to me but also a real asset to all the younger players in the band. Tom returns to the band after a year and half absence. He recently toured with the Rockin' Jake Band and was also a member of Jason Ricci and New Blood.
Brandon moved from his home in North Carolina to pick up the sounds of the Delta, which he absorbed like a sponge in short order. He currently plays about 3 nights a week with the band at their home base of Mr. Handy's Blues Hall. Like most Memphis' professional musicians, he is planning more lucrative and far-reaching tours in the near future.
Brandon Santini (photo by Victor Wainwright)I played many, many nights at the Rumboogie Cafe while Brandon Santini played next door with Delta Highway and his harmonica playing has truly metamorphosed, going from being an excellent beginner into a first rate professional, delivering the goods with an eclectic blend of styles. Rather than being just another guy out there copying songs and styles, he has incorporated the best and owns it as his own now, playing with confidence that comes from paying your dues for so many nights in clubs and on the road.
The band now has good dynamics and more sophisticated playing skills. You can look for great things from Brandon. He has already been nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2009 as "Best New Artist Debut" and toured internationally, re-forming his band along the way.
The band now has good dynamics and more sophisticated playing skills. You can look for great things from Brandon. He has already been nominated for a Blues Music Award in 2009 as "Best New Artist Debut" and toured internationally, re-forming his band along the way.
Elliot Sowell(photo by Victor Wainwright)
Elliot Sowell, guitarist for Delta Highway(photo from MySpace)
Delta Highway's new guitarist, Elliot Sowell, is a truly tremendous talent, with a style that incorporates the best of blues and even some rockabilly influences. His playing sounds like it would be coming from a guitarist much older in years. This is what you want coming out of the guitar amp if you are leading a blues band, tasty accompaniment and searing lead lines. Elliot originally comes from Texas and he has also lived in St. Louis during the past few years, playing with the Rockin' Jake Band. I really enjoy Elliot's playing and would encourage you all to seek out the new record that these guys are producing for release this spring.
Derek Bonn and a few friends(photo from MySpace)
I also got a few moments to speak with Derek Bonn, a superb blues drummer who knows the value of backbeat in the mix of a good blues band. Derek is not only talented but a very affable and genuine person as well.
Derek Bonn, drummer for Delta Highway
(photo by Victor Wainwright)
He formerly resided in St. Louis and was a member of the band, Los Carnales. He has also backed up many other artists, among them Arthur Williams, Nick Curran, and Kirk Fletcher. Derek adds a lot to this band. I don't think you could find a better drummer for the job.
Derek Bonn, drummer for Delta Highway
(photo by Victor Wainwright)
Derek Bonn (photo from MySpace)
These guys just rocked the joint, just killing the capacity crowd in this little joint and they were particularly enjoyable when accompanied by piano virtuoso Victor Wainwright. I had a great time sitting in and playing a few numbers with these guys as they are a bonafide blues band. They deliver the real sound and are not just some guys calling themselves blues players. Lots of nights they will have a bigger crowd in this little club than the bigger club next door.
Likewise the members of Delta Highway share a camaraderie that is built on trust and respect for their fellow musicians. This trait is not shared by all the bands who have played on this stage. One such bandleader, who shall not be named, does not pay his band, only shares tips with them. His musicians put up with this repugnant, predatory behavior so I suppose they get what they sign on for, but you will never read his name on this page. To insure that we keep our music scene vibrant, I strongly encourage all of you musicians to refuse to participate in such ill-advised arrangements. Have some pride and respect for your brothers, for God's sake. Regardless, I am encouraged at younger bandleaders like Brandon and his guys who overcome the obstacles together and are doing it the right way.
Delta Highway's sound was full and hard driving without being too rocked out. They sound like a real blues band and this is something that is pretty rare in a world saturated by weekend warriors, misplaced hard rockers and dilettantes. Without reservation, I strongly suggest you make your way to see them on Beale Street and elsewhere. Don't forget to drop some tips in the bucket.
More NEWS:
Memphis Blues Society
I attended the Memphis Blues Society's Blues Jam at Neil's in Memphis and had a great time, visiting with loads of good friends and even leading a group at the end of the night. God have mercy on you all, as I will be the Jam Master on the next event on the 15th of April, starting at 7 PM in the big back room at Neil's, located in Midtown Memphis at McLean and Madison Avenue. It promises to be another extraordinary night with some special guests slated to attend and play.
I spoke with John Gemmil, Vice President of the Memphis Blues Society and he is arranging a method by which we can gather funds for the renovation of Memphis Slim's original Memphis home. We hope to have this set up in the next few days so that you can donate directly at their site. Here's the article I wrote about Slim and his house: Resurrecting the Home of Memphis Slim
To join the Memphis Blues society, just click on this link: Memphis Blues Society
While you are at the site, order a copy of the Memphis Blues Society Compilation CD. It is excellent and features a rare performance of Beale Streeter Earl Forest and the late Richard Hite(formerly of Canned Heat) along with my band, the Wampus Cats. There are also great cuts by Billy Gibson, William Lee Ellis, the Pocket Rockets and Blind Mississippi Morris, Larie "Waddy" Mitchell, Krash Kole and the Blues Souls, the Eric Hughes Band(with me on keys), Victor Wainwright, Phillip Dale Durham and Bobby Lawson. These talented artists are all my friends and I really dig this record.
How do you get a copy?
This compilation is not for “sale”…you won’t find it in any music stores, on-line, etc. The only way you can get a copy is to join the Memphis Blues Society. The compilation is another benefit of MBS membership. Join/renew today, and start listening to some of the best blues in Memphis (or anywhere else for that matter).
The Memphis Blues Society thanks the artists for their awesome contribution and support of the blues and for Keepin' the Blues Alive!
click here:
Memphis Blues Society
Before the Music Dies
I would encourage you all to watch this video on Hulu and also to support live music and independent musicians in order to protect and nurture the music we all love and enjoy. The message of the video is self-explanatory, but to recapitulate, suffice it to say that greedy bastards everywhere are doing their best to turn art into a commodity not unlike fertilizer. We all need to be cognizant of this fact and do our best to cherish what we love to insure its survival for our descendants.
It features Erykah Badu before her naked public debut/misdemeanor/publicity stunt in Dallas and a host of other musicians. Check it out here:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/62945/before-the-music-dies
The Blues Foundation
Speaking of supporting our music, let me encourage you all once again to join the single largest protector of the blues, the Blues Foundation. An entry level membership is now available for a nominal charge and this will allow you to vote for the winner of the Blues Music Awards in many categories. You will also be supporting the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Hall of Fame.
Please take a minute to do your part to support the music we love. It's easy to join online, here's the link:
Join the Blues Foundation today!
Check out my website at: http://www.RobertNighthawkTooms.com
RCT
Photographs, ©Victor Wainwright, 2010
Photographs and text, © Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms, 2010
Likewise the members of Delta Highway share a camaraderie that is built on trust and respect for their fellow musicians. This trait is not shared by all the bands who have played on this stage. One such bandleader, who shall not be named, does not pay his band, only shares tips with them. His musicians put up with this repugnant, predatory behavior so I suppose they get what they sign on for, but you will never read his name on this page. To insure that we keep our music scene vibrant, I strongly encourage all of you musicians to refuse to participate in such ill-advised arrangements. Have some pride and respect for your brothers, for God's sake. Regardless, I am encouraged at younger bandleaders like Brandon and his guys who overcome the obstacles together and are doing it the right way.
Delta Highway's sound was full and hard driving without being too rocked out. They sound like a real blues band and this is something that is pretty rare in a world saturated by weekend warriors, misplaced hard rockers and dilettantes. Without reservation, I strongly suggest you make your way to see them on Beale Street and elsewhere. Don't forget to drop some tips in the bucket.
More NEWS:
Memphis Blues Society
I attended the Memphis Blues Society's Blues Jam at Neil's in Memphis and had a great time, visiting with loads of good friends and even leading a group at the end of the night. God have mercy on you all, as I will be the Jam Master on the next event on the 15th of April, starting at 7 PM in the big back room at Neil's, located in Midtown Memphis at McLean and Madison Avenue. It promises to be another extraordinary night with some special guests slated to attend and play.
I spoke with John Gemmil, Vice President of the Memphis Blues Society and he is arranging a method by which we can gather funds for the renovation of Memphis Slim's original Memphis home. We hope to have this set up in the next few days so that you can donate directly at their site. Here's the article I wrote about Slim and his house: Resurrecting the Home of Memphis Slim
To join the Memphis Blues society, just click on this link: Memphis Blues Society
While you are at the site, order a copy of the Memphis Blues Society Compilation CD. It is excellent and features a rare performance of Beale Streeter Earl Forest and the late Richard Hite(formerly of Canned Heat) along with my band, the Wampus Cats. There are also great cuts by Billy Gibson, William Lee Ellis, the Pocket Rockets and Blind Mississippi Morris, Larie "Waddy" Mitchell, Krash Kole and the Blues Souls, the Eric Hughes Band(with me on keys), Victor Wainwright, Phillip Dale Durham and Bobby Lawson. These talented artists are all my friends and I really dig this record.
How do you get a copy?
This compilation is not for “sale”…you won’t find it in any music stores, on-line, etc. The only way you can get a copy is to join the Memphis Blues Society. The compilation is another benefit of MBS membership. Join/renew today, and start listening to some of the best blues in Memphis (or anywhere else for that matter).
The Memphis Blues Society thanks the artists for their awesome contribution and support of the blues and for Keepin' the Blues Alive!
click here:
Memphis Blues Society
Before the Music Dies
I would encourage you all to watch this video on Hulu and also to support live music and independent musicians in order to protect and nurture the music we all love and enjoy. The message of the video is self-explanatory, but to recapitulate, suffice it to say that greedy bastards everywhere are doing their best to turn art into a commodity not unlike fertilizer. We all need to be cognizant of this fact and do our best to cherish what we love to insure its survival for our descendants.
It features Erykah Badu before her naked public debut/misdemeanor/publicity stunt in Dallas and a host of other musicians. Check it out here:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/62945/before-the-music-dies
The Blues Foundation
Speaking of supporting our music, let me encourage you all once again to join the single largest protector of the blues, the Blues Foundation. An entry level membership is now available for a nominal charge and this will allow you to vote for the winner of the Blues Music Awards in many categories. You will also be supporting the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Hall of Fame.
Please take a minute to do your part to support the music we love. It's easy to join online, here's the link:
Join the Blues Foundation today!
Check out my website at: http://www.RobertNighthawkTooms.com
RCT
Photographs, ©Victor Wainwright, 2010
Photographs and text, © Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms, 2010
