News
Ms. Taylor P. Collins Review
It no doubt shows my ignorance, but when I got to the Monterey International Blues
Festival all I knew about Ms. Taylor P. Collins was that she was a soulful singer with
a 7-piece band. When I left, I had made a new friend, learned a thing or two about
passion, and experienced one of best big band sets of soulful blues Id seen in a very,
very long time.
Led by Ms. Collins, the winner of numerous California Entertainer Awards and a
protg of Ruth Brown, the band took the crowd on a scintillating musical journey
from the opening riff to the final chord of the set. Whether they were gettin funky
on Pass The Peas, or slow and easy on Bring Me Down Bluz they demonstrated
both power and sophistication in the choice and presentation of material. Ms.
Collins dedication to Etta James on At Last was absolutely magical.
Based on their performance, it was difficult to believe the band hadnt played
together for a bit, as Collins had taken some time off due to health issues. But
theyre reunited now and the chemistry developed over multiple years of working
together, in some cases over 20, was on full display.
As for the return of the Monterey Festival (now known as the Monterey
International Blues Festival) Collins is grateful to the folks behind the revival and for
providing her the opportunity to play at the inaugural event. It feels absolutely
wonderful to be back and I look forward to performing in the area more and
building a very positive relationship with the festival and the devoted individuals
who are putting in their absolute best efforts to make sure that this event is around
for many years to come, she says.
Bottom line: dont be ignorant like me. When you see her name on the bill, GO!
Youll learn somethin and probably make a new friend.
Don Priest
AKA The Hound Dog
Host of The Blue Buffet
90.7 KFSR, Fresno
www.kfsr.org
It no doubt shows my ignorance, but when I got to the Monterey International Blues
Festival all I knew about Ms. Taylor P. Collins was that she was a soulful singer with
a 7-piece band. When I left, I had made a new friend, learned a thing or two about
passion, and experienced one of best big band sets of soulful blues Id seen in a very,
very long time.
Led by Ms. Collins, the winner of numerous California Entertainer Awards and a
protg of Ruth Brown, the band took the crowd on a scintillating musical journey
from the opening riff to the final chord of the set. Whether they were gettin funky
on Pass The Peas, or slow and easy on Bring Me Down Bluz they demonstrated
both power and sophistication in the choice and presentation of material. Ms.
Collins dedication to Etta James on At Last was absolutely magical.
Based on their performance, it was difficult to believe the band hadnt played
together for a bit, as Collins had taken some time off due to health issues. But
theyre reunited now and the chemistry developed over multiple years of working
together, in some cases over 20, was on full display.
As for the return of the Monterey Festival (now known as the Monterey
International Blues Festival) Collins is grateful to the folks behind the revival and for
providing her the opportunity to play at the inaugural event. It feels absolutely
wonderful to be back and I look forward to performing in the area more and
building a very positive relationship with the festival and the devoted individuals
who are putting in their absolute best efforts to make sure that this event is around
for many years to come, she says.
Bottom line: dont be ignorant like me. When you see her name on the bill, GO!
Youll learn somethin and probably make a new friend.
Don Priest
AKA The Hound Dog
Host of The Blue Buffet
90.7 KFSR, Fresno
www.kfsr.org
