The 20th Coral Gables Blues Fest gigs at the Fritz and Franz Bierhaus went swimmingly for Barry Cuda and the Sharks. In a sea of “Blues Brothers meet Stevie Ray Vaughn” electric guitar/bass/drums/harmonica bands, our acoustic instrumentation of piano/drums/trumpet stood out. Likewise, our set list – an assortment of New Orleans blues rumba, archival blues roots dating back to the 1890’s, 1940’s jump and rockabilly – helped demonstrate the breathe and scope that is the majesty of the blues. I was a bit worried that the audience would not accept us as we refuse to embrace the sun glasses pork pie hat cliche of what most audiences consider to be “real blues” these days but this did not happen. It seems they were ready for something different and our musicianship held sway. Mick on drums and my left hand holding down the rhythm section, Kenny’s mastery of melodic phrasing teased, pleased, and ultimately seduced them.
