Birdlegg (live) - Why i sing the blues (HD) — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Birdlegg (live) - Why i sing the blues (HD) — DeepCutsArchive

Bay Area Blues Master Gene “Birdlegg” Pittman "Burning down the house" to open The 2019 Eastside Kings festival with The B.B. King classic - why i sing the blues. If you like this Birdlegg live video help me out and CRUSH THE LIKE BUTTON. Cheers Shot live at The Full Circle Bar on Saturday September 14th in Austin, Texas as part of The 2019 Eastside Kings Festival The Band Gene "Birdlegg" Pittman - Harp & Vocals Shimi(Hiroki Shimizu) - Guitar Charlie Harper - Drums Burley Manor Jr - Bass (RIP) PeeWee Calvin - Keyboards (RIP) (RIP) Miss Margaret White ..The lady seated that Birdlegg sits down on. Birdlegg headlines blues festivals in Europe and South America as well as the prestigious East Side Kings Blues Festival here in Austin. His performances are always memorable, high energy and fun, and the Tight Fit Blues Band includes an A-list of players… While practically every other blues harmonica player of his generation fell under the spell of Little Walter, Birdlegg is, and always was, different. Instead, he was captivated by the generation before Jacobs—the one which inspired the virtuoso to completely redefine postwar blues harmonica in the early 1950s. Harking back to a style reminiscent of two of the greatest early postwar and country blues harmonica players, Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller) and Sonny Terry, Birdlegg’s expressive, full-tilt playing and singing also brings a fresh and distinctive approach to traditional, gut-bucket blues—something which has become all too rare these days. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1947, Gene “Birdlegg” Pittman grew up listening to his Georgia-born grandfather, who was a professional touring musician himself, play country and Delta blues on his National steel guitar. While in his twenties Birdlegg started picking up the harmonica, learning every Sonny Terry lick he could wrap his ears around. After a brief stint in college and a few restless years hitchhiking across the country looking for answers that he couldn’t find in school, he bought himself a one-way bus ticket and hopped a Greyhound to California determined to make it as a musician, landing in Oakland in the mid-1970s. Once there he dove headfirst into the thriving Bay Area blues scene, sitting in at every jam session he could find and honing his chops at such notorious local blues joints as the Eli Mile High Club, the Shalimar Club and the Fifth Amendment. A natural performer with boundless energy and enthusiasm, Birdlegg quickly befriended and began performing with some of the best bluesmen in the area like Sonny Rhodes, Massala Talbert, Haskell “Cool Papa” Sadler and Mississippi Johnny Waters. After several years of gigging as a sideman throughout the Bay Area and encouraged by some of his mentors to branch out on his own, he formed his own group, Birdlegg and the Tight Fit Blues Band, in 1980. The band’s lineup would change from time to time but regularly included Texas-born bass player and singer Country Pete McGill and even once featured legendary Chess session guitarist Luther Tucker. Birdlegg slowly started making a name for himself around Oakland with his high-octane performances, appearing regularly in area clubs and at festivals throughout the Bay Area. His popularity also eventually led to several tours in Europe. As self-confident and assured as ever, his band became one of the hottest around the area for many years as he realized his dream of making a living playing music. As he liked to tell people, “I don’t do floors, windows or shoes—I play the Oakland blues!”

About This Footage

The 2019 Eastside Kings festival footage of Gene "Birdlegg" Pittman performing "Why I Sing the Blues", a B.B. King classic, is a rare and notable gem in the blues archives. The clip, shot live at The Full Circle Bar in Austin, Texas, showcases Birdlegg's unique style, which sets him apart from his contemporaries.

What makes this footage particularly interesting is its juxtaposition of old and new. While most blues harmonica players of Birdlegg's generation were influenced by Little Walter, he was captivated by the pre-Walter era, drawing inspiration from Sonny Boy Williamson and Sonny Terry. This distinctive approach brings a fresh perspective to traditional blues, making it all the more remarkable in today's musical landscape.

The clip itself is a masterclass in blues performance. Birdlegg's energetic playing and singing are infectious, transporting viewers to the world of classic blues. His harp work is reminiscent of the greats, with a full-tilt approach that brings a new level of expressiveness to the genre.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Shimi on guitar, Charlie Harper on drums, Burley Manor Jr on bass (RIP), and PeeWee Calvin on keyboards (RIP) all contribute to a tight and soulful sound that complements Birdlegg's virtuosity perfectly. The late Miss Margaret White, seated beside Birdlegg, adds an air of warmth and camaraderie to the performance.

As a blues aficionado, it is heartening to see artists like Birdlegg carrying on the tradition with such passion and dedication. His performances at festivals in Europe and South America, as well as his appearances at prestigious events like the East Side Kings Blues Festival, are a testament to his commitment to preserving the blues legacy.

The clip's rarity is also noteworthy. With only 4:03 minutes of footage, it is a precious snippet of live performance that offers a glimpse into Birdlegg's unique style and artistry. For fans of the blues, this clip is a must-see, providing a window into a world of raw emotion and musical expression.

In an era where blues music often gets lost in the shuffle, artists like Birdlegg are keeping the flame alive. His dedication to traditional blues, combined with his innovative approach, makes him a true master of his craft. This footage is a reminder that, even in the digital age, there is still room for authentic, heartfelt performances that speak directly to the soul.

The Eastside Kings festival, where this clip was recorded, is also worth noting. As a celebration of blues music, it brings together artists and fans from around the world, creating a vibrant community that shares a deep love for the genre. The fact that Birdlegg headlines such events speaks to his reputation as one of the leading lights in contemporary blues.

In conclusion, this clip is not only a rare gem but also a testament to the enduring power of traditional blues music. It showcases an artist who is carrying on a legacy while forging his own path, and it offers a glimpse into a world where raw emotion and musical expression come together in perfect harmony.

Curated from public records and music databases.