From Baton Rouge to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and far
beyond, guitarist, pianist, vocalist and songwriter Chris Thomas King has
blazed a uniquely rootsy musical path. For these anniversary shows he'll
perform with his trio and shine a light on some of the legendary blues players
and styles of our state's Capitol region while also showcasing his original
tunes.
His father's music and legendary Blues Box (which closed
after 24 years in November 2004) are an enduring influence on King, whose
screen credits have included the roles of seminal bluesmen Tommy Johnson (in
the Grammy-winning "O Brother") and Lowell Fulson (in the Oscar-winning "Ray").
Over the years, King has worked in a wide variety of styles,
from his pioneering hiphop blues to the Appalachian sounds of the "Down From
The Mountain" tour to a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi." He has also
appeared in and scored a number of films and documentaries.
"Rise," his mostly acoustic 2006 album, was a soulful,
bluesy requiem for the victims of the 2005 Gulf hurricanes. His latest release, "Nawlins Callin'," mines pop, jazz and blues influences. "When people ask me
why I go out on a limb with my music," King says, "I tell 'em because that's
where the fruit is."
Selected releases:
"Nawlins Callin'" (EP), 21st Century Blues, 2009
"Rise," 21st Century Blues, 2006
"The Legend of Tommy Johnson," Stony Plain, 2001
reissued 2007
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Original Soundtrack,
Mercury, 2000
Click here to purchase tickets.
