CTBS is proud to announce the winner of the *13 th Annual Solo Duo
Challenge* is *THE BALKUN BROTHERS*. Their outstanding performance scored
at the highest levels in technical skills (vocal & instrumental),
originality, blues content and of course, stage presence. Steve's confident
vocals, wild guitar paying, rapport with the audience, and Nick's
spectacular drumming put this act at a premier level. Their previous
appearances at the International Blues Challenge have led to gigs and
festivals around the country (including European tours). There is no doubt
the Balkun Brothers perform at a level worthy of being booked for major
festivals. Steve dances around the stage as a man possessed, playing his
home made guitars.Nick's drumming is a perfect compliment to Steve's
playing, and is the development of many hours of working together.They both
add visually to the stage show. *Been Driven*, from their latest CD, opened
the set and let us know we would witness something special. Followed by the
great party song I *Wanna Get High*.Their *Down* *to the Pawnshop *evoked
John Lee Hooker. The only cover was an outstanding version of Johnny
Winter's *Mean Town Blues* - with a trace of Bo Diddley and Blues Had a
Baby and Named it Rock and Roll. Electric blues rock for all ages.
*JAKE KULAK AND JEREMY PECK* - Jake on guitar & vocals and Jeremy on drums
and 2 nd guitar are teenagers who perform a professional and mature set of
electric blues. They started with a solid interpretation of Robert
Johnson's* Ramblin on my Mind* and *Stop Breaking Down.* Jeremy joined Jake
on guitar for So Sweet. On the following song, he was back on drums
(playing a Mississippi hill country style). Jake played an excellent guitar
solo on Willie John's Need Your Love So Bad. A highlight was an upbeat
adaption of the traditional blues song *Hesitation Blues*. Jake Kulak and
the Low Down will be representing the CTBS in the Youth Showcase, at the
IBC, in Memphis again this year.
*THE COFFEE GRINDER DUO* - The Coffee Grinders have become the foremost
proponent of traditional Delta Blues, in CT. They are well versed in the
history and culture of the blues. their interest and respect for the genre
comes through in their music. Jim Choquette has a great voice, with a wide
range. His amplified harp carries you back to the Delta or up to Chicago.
Frank Breen plays authentic traditional blues, whether fingerpicking or
using a slide. His deep bluesy voice evokes Charlie Patton. Jim did an
excellent version of Robert Johnson's *Stop Breaking Down *and Frank
followed with a fine rendition of Tommy Johnson's *Bye Bye* *Blues* (
including skillful fingerpicking). Frank provided the driving beat of Kind
Hearted Woman, while Jim hit some very high notes. They did an original
song based on Charlie Patton and closed with a rousing version of Memphis
Minnie's *When the Levee Breaks* ( many will remember the recording by Led
Zeppelin). When you see the Coffee Grinders in clubs, they will be joined
by Howie Horn, on washtub bass.
*SHAWN TAYLOR* - Shawn is blessed with a unique Tom Waits like voice. He
performs on acoustic guitar with a racked harmonica. He started, using a
guitar from his father, and singing in a gravely voice that immediately got
the attention of the audience.Tom Wait's *Woke Up This Morning* fit Shawn's
style perfectly. *You Gotta Be Kidding Me* had the audience interested in
his stories.Shawn changed guitars and stood up for the emotional Have
Mercy on Me. His wondering roots music told us about his rambling to
Georgia and back. A highlight was his version of* Georgia on my Mind*,
reminding is of Ray Charles and including a soulful harp solo.
*MARK ZARETSKY AND MIKE BLOOMER* - Mark and Mike are talented veteran
musicians, who have supported the CTBS by performing in various events and
appear regularly around CT. You can always count on them to do an
entertaining set of original material. Mark plays Chicago style amplified
harp and Mike plays guitar (including slide), both do vocals. Mark joked
that Mike does songs from the swamps of eastern CT and Mark does gun songs
from the streets of New Haven. They opened with Mark's *Cool Rockin Mama*,
featuring excellent harp. Mike's song about Willimantic *(Frog City Blues*)
had nice slide and "the talking blues" showed his sense of humor. Mark was
"down in the alley" and walking the streets on the deep blues of* I'm
Crying*, with another nice harp solo. The most contemporary song of the
night was Mark's " Put the Guns Down Baby, got to be another way".
Thanks to Steve Vastakis and his staff at the Pine Loft for hosting the
Challenges. Joe Marturano for the Sound. Sue and Ray the Event
Coordinators. Terri the timekeeper. Sue for the raffle ($100 for the sound
man and $100 for the winning ticket). All the judges. The jam band while
Ray was tabulating (River City Slim, Mike Bloomer, and Howie Horn on
washtub bass). Kent and Dom for taking pictures.And the audience, who
encouraged the musicians and gave attention to the performances.
Ed Stack Connecticut Blues Society
