Sunday Line-up }{ Santa Cruz Blues Festival

	Al Green He’s been called the voice of soul music, responsible for a string of classic R&B hits that have become American classics, selling more than 20 million records worldwide, and earning nine Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Al Green dominated the airwaves during the 1970s, the master of velvet romantic compositions crafted with a rhythmic sway and heart-stirring falsetto. His latest recording, Lay It Down (scheduled for release May 27), proves that he hasn’t lost his magic touch: The recording, produced by Roots drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, features down-and-dirty grooves, spot-on songwriting, and star cameos by the likes of Corrine Bailey Ray, John Legend, and Anthony Hamilton (who have followed a path established by Green some 30 years ago). read more...
	The Subdudes The Subdudes is a true amalgamation of American music. Starting with its New Orleans musical heritage, the band’s sound combines soulful R&B, meaty grooves, gospel inspiration, romping rock ’n’ roll, down-home bluegrass, and stirring harmonies with some of the finest songwriting around. It’s music that moves you, grooves you, and leaves you wanting more. In 1987 four musicians with ties to the Continental Drifters and the Percolators decided to play a one-time gig at New Orleans’ famed Tipatina’s. The response to their acoustic, harmonic sound was huge, and they decided to see where it could go. Ten years, lots of touring, and five successful albums later, the band decided to part ways and pursue other interests. But in 2002, three of the original members decided to give it another go and recruited some musician friends to help them out. Composed of Tommy Malone (lead vocals, guitar), John Magnie (vocals, keyboards, accordian); Steve Amedée (vocals, tambourine, percussion, electric mandolin, drums), Tim Cook (vocals, percussion, bass), and Jimmy Messa (bass, guitar, vocals), the new Subdudes created such joyful noise that even longtime fans swooned—and new ones quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Miracle Mule (2004) was an enormous success (as any KPIG listener will attest), and showed that this was truly a band for our times. A string of hit recordings followed, each one showcasing the tremendous musicianship of its members and the relevance of the music they played. Street Symphony (2007) possesses all the uplifting grooves, soaring harmonies, and poignant lyricism that we’ve come to expect from this stellar band. And with songs such as “Poor Man’s Paradise” “Thorn in Her Side,” and “Brother Man,” the Subdudes prove it isn’t afraid to tackle the sticky issues of the human condition, and will keep you moving all the while.
	The Boneshakers Featuring Randy Jacobs SweetPea Atkinson Malford Milligan Stephen Bruton & The Texacali Horns The Boneshakers have already proved itself a crowd favorite at the SCBF. This year the dynamic Randy Jacobs ups the ante by bringing together for a one-time-only musical event two world-class vocalists along with the legendary Texas songwriter and guitarist Stephen Bruton, and the powerhouse Texali Horns. Formed in 1994 by Jacobs, guitarist for Was (Was Not), the Boneshakers soon proved itself as a band that not only attracted top-tier talent but one that absolutely rocked the house. The band’s original formation included Was (Not Was) vocalist Sweetpea Atkinson, and its debut CD, Book Of Spells (1997), which featured Jacobs’ explosive arrangement of James Brown’s “Cold Sweat,” became a top pick at radio stations across America. The band also gained a reputation as a live show monster. After three years and a second CD, Shake The Planet (1998), Atkinson took a break and former Storyville vocalist, Malford Milligan, joined the group. Milligan and Jacobs released Pouring Gasoline in 2001. They followed up with Put Some Booty On It, Vol. 1 (2002), a live offering that captured the Boneshakers’ stellar musicianship and crowd-pleasing stage performance. A few years later Jacobs reconnected with Atkinson (who had gone on to tour with Lyle Lovett’s Big Band) at a recording session for producer Don Was. The reunited duo released Put Some Booty On It, Vol. 2 (2006), another live offering featuring Atkinson’s show-stopping vocals and the original Boneshakers band. Coming full circle, in this, its fourth SCBF performance, the Boneshakers will bring both Atkinson and Milligan to the stage. Jacobs has also recruited Bruton (Bonnie Riatt, Kris Kristopherson) and the Texicali Horns (Darrell Leonard and Joe Sublett). And of course, this performance would not be complete without longtime Boneshakers Nathan Brown on bass, Tio Banks on keyboards, and power-funk drummer Les Fisher. We’re also excited to announce that this incredible lineup of musical talent will also perform Sunday night at Moe’s Alley music club in Santa Cruz.
	Trombone Shorty If you’ve ever attended the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and been carried away by the musicianship in the jazz tent, stomped the ground at Congo Square, or found yourself joining in the parade and shaking down to “When the Saints Come Marching In,” you have an inkling of what to expect from Trombone Shorty. This horn virtuoso is a New Orleans native, raised in the music-rich Treme neighborhood, and he embodies his city’s musical heritage, the vitality of youth, and the “hipness” of someone of the iTunes generation. At 22, Troy Andrews has been a bandleader most of his life. While attending the prestigious New Orleans Center of the Creative Arts, whose alumni include Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Nicholas Payton, he honed his musical skills and learned to channel his abundant energy to lead other musicians. His bandleading skills were further tuned playing in Jackson Square, where the goal was to keep people listening for as long as possible before they drifted away to the other sights and sounds that beckoned. Andrews says that while some people believe he sounds like a jazz musician, jazz musicians wouldn’t call him one of their own. Instead he blends blues, ragtime, some jazz, hip hop, and rock ’n’ roll into a dynamic, infectious mix he calls Superfunk Rock. And that it is. In 2005, Andrews was tapped by Lenny Kravitz as a featured member of the horn section for his world tour. The next year he performed with both U2 and Green Day during the opening of the New Orleans Superdome during the NFL Monday Night Football pre-game show. He went on to join the cast of the recently cancelled “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” His current release, Orleans Avenue, is a funk/pop/hip-hop blend that’s pure octane and utterly contagious.