An Evening With Catfish Keith

As a stalwart of Jumpin Hot Club one of our favourite bluesmen/songsters from USA Catfish Keith makes his annual return. Catfish Keith is the quintessential acoustic blues pioneer and par excellence. He’s the real deal. No argument. Here he is again , after 30 odd years of touring and recording, & releasing over 22 album’s….. Catfish was born in East Chicago, Indiana in 1962; since age 6, he’s been settled in Davenport, Iowa, so it follows that “the mighty Mississippi, with all of its ghosts and legends, is at the heart of his life and musical heritage, with wellsprings of powerful, timeless music…”. That means a full-blown immersion in that seemingly bottomless pit of blues and roots music, Allied to an acute compositional talent that enables him to pen the most authentic of original songs and tunes, many in direct homage to his musical heroes. And he’s got the instrumental and vocal chops to deliver all of these (and how!) Taking in both time-honoured and undeservedly obscure repertoire classics that run the stylistic gamut of deep Delta blues, gospel, old-time country, early jazz, ragtime and even down-island pieces. All his tunes are expertly arranged for solo acoustic guitar, vocals and feet, with that special Catfish trademark of the magic you get when all the parts are coming from one guitar! And invariably, it’s all given added spice and interest by a constantly varying roster of instruments: The Guardian ‘Raging slide guitar, intricate fingerpicking and infectious vocals.’ Guitar Player.- “Legendary Bluesman ‘Catfish bends entire chords as well as the neck and body of his guitar to wrench emotion from his songs. Knock yourself out! ‘