Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado, the man NPR calls “an icon” with “a huge voice,” is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. Salgado is famed not only for his powerhouse live shows and ten previous albums, but also for his passionate and insightful original songs. He has been nominated three times for the Blues Music Award for Song Of The Year, winning in 2018 for Walk A Mile In My Blues from The Beautiful Lowdown. In total, he has won nine Blues Music Awards, including the B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year. DownBeat calls his songwriting skills “an impressive gift.” Billboard says Salgado’s music is “inspired and powerful.” Now, after 40 years of recording, performing, touring and songwriting, Salgado is back with Damage Control, his first full band album in four years, and it’s packed with fresh, original material.
With Damage Control, Salgado has created what he calls “a rock ’n’ roll record with lyrics that hit.” The 13 songs—12 originals and a raucous cover of Larry Williams’ Slow Down (famously covered by The Beatles)—will surprise and delight longtime Salgado fans. Salgado has crafted a soul-searching, street-smart collection of vividly detailed, instantly memorable songs. From the defiant opener The Longer That I Live to the bouncy New Orleans crime story You’re Going To Miss My Sorry Ass to the foot-tapping history lesson of Hail Mighty Caesar to the plaintive honesty of Always Say I Love You, Salgado’s vocals weave, bob and soar, at times jabbing with nuance, and then striking with unlimited power. Of the title track, he says, “Life is all about damage control...trouble and then some. It’s about dealing with what gets thrown at you and saying, ‘I ain’t finished yet.’”
Damage Control was produced by Salgado and recorded in three studios with three different groups of musicians, featuring some of the very best players in the business. At Nashville, Tennessee’s Rock House Recording, top notch support included guitarist George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt), keyboardist Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, Delbert McClinton, Tinsley Ellis), singer Wendy Moton (Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton) and special guest Cajun accordionist and vocalist Wayne Toups. At Studio City, California’s Ultratone Studios, guitarist/ bassist Johnny Lee Schell (Otis Rush, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt), pianists Mike Finnigan (Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon) and Jim Pugh (B.B. King, Etta James, Robert Cray), drummer Tony Braunagel (B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt) brought the goods. And at Greaseland in San Jose, California, guitarist/bassist Kid Andersen (Rick Estrin, Charlie Musselwhite), bassist Jerry Jemmott (B.B. King, Aretha Franklin) and drummer Kevin Hays (Robert Cray) added their fuel to the fire.
For all of his successes, Salgado is no stranger to adversity. During his career, he has overcome multiple health challenges, battling back from liver cancer in 2006 and lung cancer in 2008 and 2012. In March 2017 he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. He’s not only come back stronger, he’s become one of the genre’s most prolific songwriters, going from writing a few songs per album to writing full albums of original songs. In 2016, many critics declared The Beautiful Lowdown—featuring 11 original songs—as the best of his career. According to Salgado, Damage Control is even better. He’s excited to bring his new songs to the stage, where the crowd fires him up even more. “I want people to relate to the songs,” he says. “You can dance to it but the words have to carry the weight. I know if a song hits me, it’ll hit others just as hard.” On Damage Control, the hard-hitting songs just keep on coming.
“Glorious and memorable… Salgado’s voice is center stage just as it should be. Highly recommended” –Blues & Rhythm UK
“Salgado’s vocals are soulful beauty. Fresh, unexpected, authentic, percolating…perfectly executed… simply delicious” –Living Blues
“Salgado inspires chills. Upbeat and original…poignant and wise with a great sense of humor” –Blues Music Magazine
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About This Footage
A [Rare](/tag/rare) Glimpse into [Curtis Salgado](/artist/curtis-salgado)'s Creative Process
The 2018 "ALL ACCESS LIVE with CURTIS SALGADO (PART 2)" clip is a treasure trove for fans of the blues and blues rock genres. At 1:17:03, this footage provides an intimate look at Curtis Salgado's creative process, offering insights into his thought-provoking songwriting skills and electrifying live performances.
As a highly acclaimed artist, Salgado has been nominated three times for the Blues Music Award for Song Of The Year, winning in 2018 for "Walk A Mile In My Blues" from "The Beautiful Lowdown." With nine Blues Music Awards under his belt, including the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year award, it's clear that Salgado is a master of his craft.
This particular clip is notable not only because of its rarity but also due to its relevance to Salgado's latest project, "Damage Control." Released in 2018, this album marked a return to form for the artist after four years, featuring fresh and original material. With 13 tracks, including a raucous cover of Larry Williams' "Slow Down," Salgado has crafted a soul-searching collection of songs that showcase his impressive songwriting skills.
The clip's live setting provides an opportunity to witness Salgado's ability to weave, bob, and soar through his vocals, at times jabbing with nuance and then striking with unlimited power. His performance is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling through music. As he himself says about the title track "Damage Control," it's about dealing with life's challenges and saying, "I ain't finished yet."
The production quality of this footage is excellent, capturing Salgado's energy and charisma as he performs in a live setting. The fact that this clip was recorded in 2018 adds to its significance, providing a snapshot of the artist at a pivotal moment in his career.
For fans of Curtis Salgado, this clip is a must-watch. It offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of one of the most respected blues artists working today. Even for those unfamiliar with Salgado's work, this footage provides an excellent introduction to his music and artistry. With its blend of live performance and behind-the-scenes insights, "ALL ACCESS LIVE with CURTIS SALGADO (PART 2)" is a rare treat that will leave viewers eager for more.
In addition to its artistic merit, this clip also highlights the importance of preserving live performances for future generations. As an artist who has been active since 1954, Salgado's legacy is already well-established. However, clips like "ALL ACCESS LIVE with CURTIS SALGADO (PART 2)" serve as a reminder that even the most accomplished artists continue to evolve and grow throughout their careers.
Overall, this clip is a testament to Curtis Salgado's enduring talent and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. As an artist who has been nominated for numerous awards and has won nine Blues Music Awards, it's clear that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues and blues rock.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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