Jerry Portnoy Trio featuring Rick Russell November 1, 2012

DATE & TIME: Thurs., November 1, 8, and 15 at 8:30 pm

“Jerry Portnoy is one of the most stimulating musicians I have ever played with...”-Eric Clapton

In November, they will be having blues royalty in the house as Smoken Joe’s presents The Jerry Portnoy Trio for a special artist residency on Thursday nights, featuring Ricky “KING Russell on guitar and Bob Worthington on bass. Widely known for many work with Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters, Jerry Portnoy is the most expressive blues harp player around today. Ricky “King” Russell one of the blue’s most seasoned talents, bring his legendary guitar riffs to the group. As one of New England’s preeminent Blues Masters, Ricky Russell has been entertaining audiences with his astounding technique and encyclopedic repertoire. Joined by seasoned veteran Bob Worthington on bass, the trio is a welcomed and highly anticipated addition to the Smoken Joe’s stage.

Jerry Portnoy is the very essence of the blues . The Houston Chronicle described his work as“Exciting, soulful riffs that make your hair stand on end.” Born in 1943, he grew up in the blues-rich atmosphere of Chicago’s famous Maxwell Street Market during the golden age of Chicago Blues. He began his professional career in the late 60s and since that time has performed, live and on television, for millions of people around the world. During a career that includes six years as a member of the fabled Muddy Waters Blues Band, another six as leader of the Legendary Blues Band, four years at the head of his own band The Streamliners, and another four as a featured member of the Eric Clapton Band, his touring schedule has carried him to every state in the union and twenty-eight foreign countries on six continents, with performances at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Smithsonian, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and at major jazz festivals worldwide, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Warsaw International Jazz Jamboree, the Hawaii Pacific Jazz and Music Fair, and the Grande Parade du Jazz in Nice, France.

Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/events/233627996763588/