Blind Lemon Peel opens the Titans of the Blues Tour on February 28, 2019, at the Rose Theater in Pasadena. The Titans of the Blues Tour stars Coco Montoya and Tinsley Ellis, both top Alligator Records blues artists. Blind Lemon Peel is no stranger to the LA Beat, having been interviewed here before. His blues style encompasses New Orleans-tinged, old-style blues with a little funk thrown in, expertly played by his band that includes former members of bands led by Swamp Dogg, James Brown and Albert Collins. His songs, are primarily original, with a classic yet modern feel to them and lyrics that sometimes remind one of the offbeat songs of writers such as Dr. John. Inspiration comes from some of his eclectic heroes such as Big Joe Turner, Howlin’ Wolf, Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa.
Blind Lemon Peel (aka David dot Hale) has kept a pretty busy schedule over the years, playing locally at places like Harvelle’s, the Whisky-a-Go-Go, the Blue Beet, BB King’s Blues Club and the Arcadia Blues Club. Blind Lemon Peel has also appeared at festivals such as the Long Beach New Blues Festival and the Hayward Blues Festival. David was also a judge at the recent Six String Showdown and regularly tours back east as well. When Blind Lemon Peel opens at The Rose Theater for the Titans of the Blues Tour, he’ll be starting off the show for some amazing performers.
Coco Montoya, interviewed in the LA Beat here, has long been acknowledged as one of the top blues guitarists in the world. Playing drums with Albert Collins before following in the footsteps of guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor and Peter Green as guitarist for John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Coco has gone on to a very successful solo career and is a perennial favorite for those who love live blues/rock.
Tinsley Ellis started his guitar playing in the South, with influences ranging from Eric Burdon and the Animals to BB King and The Allman Brothers Band. Since then he has become known as a “guitarist’s guitarist” and has put out many popular albums, with guests including Derek Trucks and Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones and Allman Brothers). He’s also been a guest on major albums from artists such as the Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule.
David had this to say about the upcoming Rose Theater show, “Alligator is the Michael Jordan of blues labels. To be invited to be a part of their Titans of the Blues Tours, play on a bill with Tinsley Ellis and Coco Montoya is a like dream come true. We’re gonna debut a new song, a saxophone anthem love song I wrote for Bobby Hurricane Spencer called Too Little Jesus, Too Much Sax, that we never played out before. This is the show of my life, we’re gonna tear the roof off with it.”
Opening a great concert isn’t all that Blind Lemon Peel is doing these days, however. Having won acclaim with their “Don’t Tear My Clothes” album and winning both Best Blues Song and Best Blues Album at the 2016 Akademia Music Awards, they are working on a new record deal for a forthcoming album. In the meantime, with some nice upcoming shows including this not-to-be-missed concert opening the Titans of The Blues Tour, there’s great opportunities to see one of the great LA blues bands around.
Blind Lemon Peel Titans of the Blues Tour
The Rose Theater – 300 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, 91129 – 888-645-5006
Blind Lemon Peel at The Rose Theater with the Titans of the Blues Tour tickets and info. More information on Blind Lemon Peel on Facebook.
