WORDS BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine
The blues were alive on Friday, July 19 at The Astro in La Vista as Slash‘s. Slash is taking a page from the Clapton playbook and started his own blues festival, titled S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival aka Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality, N’, Tolerance. Not many can say that, but Slash has had a long career and this was the perfect time to do this in between GNR and Conspirators recording and touring.
Jackie Venson from Austin, Texas opened up the festival. If you’re from Austin, and you’re on a touring bill with Slash, you REALLY know how to play. She was backed by her drummer, but she controlled some effects where she was standing, which was some incredible multitasking. I was quite impressed by how she sang along to her guitar playing. She knows how to promote herself on stage, telling people what song she is playing and its availability online. It was an amazing set from Jackie Venson to kick things off.
Next up was ZZ Ward from Los Angeles. She had a three-piece band to back her up. ZZ Ward had such a swagger to her, with the singing and the amazing harmonica playing. Some of the songs she played were her latest single, “Mother” and “Ride” from the film, Cars 3. I was also really impressed with her guitar player, some incredible finger-licking playing by him. It was a good set from ZZ Ward to keep the show rolling.
5x Grammy-winner Keb’ Mo’ was the direct support of the bill. I had never heard of him before the concert, but was impressed to see how long he has been playing music. He had such an old-school blues type of feel to him, but with a modern twist. There was another amazing backing band, this time a four-piece, including a keyboard player. Keb’ Mo’ not just played the electric guitar, but he also brought out a dobro to play some slide guitar and a harmonica. I love a versatile musician and that is what Keb’ Mo’ is. I was very impressed by his performance, especially at the ripe age of 72!
Finally, it was time for Slash Blues Band to end the night. I’ve seen Slash with his Conspirators and GNR, but this Slash was like the down-to-basics. Slash there wasn’t any music from his other bands, just straight down-the-line blues covers. And that’s all you need. What I thought was unique was that he didn’t had his signature Gibson Les Paul with him. He would play other Gibson guitars, including a different Les Paul you won’t usually see him play, but I just thought that was interesting. Many of the songs were driving blues tracks like “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Oh Well”, which I appreciate because it kept the energy up. He had an amazing band with him, all incredible players that kept up with his vibe. I’m so happy that Slash got this passion project of his out there out on the room finally, and I would be open to seeing him bringing it back some time in the future.
Slash Blues Band
Keb’ Mo’
ZZ Ward
Jackie Venson
All images © Robert A Chadwick | Robert Chadwick Photography
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