Bobby Rush – July 03, 2024, Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
Bobby Rush was born in Homer. Louisiana in 1933. The son of a pastor, Rush began performing in his teens. Playing the juke joints of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana before moving to Chicago in the 1950’s. Since then Rush has recorded and toured relentlessly. Rolling Stone named Rush “King of The Chitlin’ Circuit” because of his non-stop touring. During the later half of his career, Rush has been recognized for his contributions to the blues genre. He has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, been awarded three Grammys, and is an 18 time Blues Music Award winner
On the eve of Independence Day, an enthusiastic crowd witnessed a performance by the blues legend, Bobby Rush. The history of the blues is as storied as the days of yore of the United States. Rush’s contemporaries were renowned musicians such as Elmore James, Muddy Waters, B.B.King, Pinetop Perkins, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, and Buddy Guy. .Rush has shared the stage with the best. At this time Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush are the only original bluesmen who continue to play in concert. Recently Buddy Guy has announced that his touring days are coming to an end leaving only Rush to carry the torch.
I was not about to miss the opportunity to see Bobby Rush in such an intimate setting. The stage setup was simple, a microphone, amp, acoustic guitar, one chair, and a barstool in which a bottle of water and harmonica were placed..A little after 9 p.m. Mr. Rush walked on stage, greeted the hushed crowd and gave the attentive audience an autobiographical history lesson on his life and the blues.His stories were informative and entertaining, sprinkled with humor, keeping it light hearted, and making everyone comfortable by interacting one on one with a number of fans
Afterwards, for the next 90 minutes Rush alternated between sitting and playing guitar and standing while blowing the harmonica.His voice was strong, his playing was forceful, showing no signs of his age. Highlights included “Let Me In Your House,” “Bow Legged Woman, Knock Kneed Man,” “Chicken Heads,” “Garbage Man,” “You’re Gonna Need A Man Like Me,” and “I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya.” Interspersed between songs Rush charmed the crowd with jokes, sex and relationship advice which included anecdotes on how to keep your woman, girlfriend, and wife happy, and stories of the origin and recording of his songs. I couldn’t believe how fast the time passed. This was an unforgettable performance and a night I won’t soon forget.
I strongly recommend going to see Bobby Rush in concert. He is one of the last of his generation of great bluesmen still alive, performing his historical style, and advocating for the blues tradition. He defies his age and lives up to his reputation.
Bobby Rush will be playing Europe through July. He will return to the U.S. for dates in August and has shows scheduled in 2025.
https://www.bobbyrushbluesman.com/