NORWICH – The Chenango Blues Association will kick off its annual Summer Concert Series with a bang at 7 p.m. Thursday in West Park, as blue-eyed soul singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric Lindell makes his way back to Norwich.
Lindell – who first appeared at the Chenango Blues Fest in 2007 – has remained a favorite of festival organizers and fans over the years. Known for his soulful vocal delivery, original songwriting and a larger-than-life, foot-stomping, boogie-down live show, Lindell has been steadily gaining in popularity ever since his 2006 debut with Alligator Records, Change in the Weather. On Aug. 30, he’ll release his latest offering – West County Drifter – a combination of two independent albums which will mark his debut with M.C. Records.
“I’ve seen him many times and he’s a great singer, a great songwriter and a great guitar player,” said Chenango Blues Association Board President Eric Larsen. “Like all great artists, he has his own unique style. He’s just a tremendously talented guy and he’s as good as you’re going to get as a singer and songwriter.”
It’s Lindell’s attitude and personality – just as much as his musical talent – that sets him apart, added Larsen, who called him a “great guy” and “one of those you like to see have success come their way.”
As for Lindell, he’s simply excited to visit Norwich – and the many friends he’s made here – once again.
“I’ve been there a bunch of times, five or six I think, and I’m just excited about coming up and seeing everybody,” he said. “It’s been such a pleasure to work with the association and they’re just awesome people. We’ve had some killer shows up there and we’re excited.”
According to Lindell, music has always been an huge part of his life. And while it wasn’t until he hit the age of ten that he first picked up the guitar – a gift from his mother’s musician boyfriend – he said he’d always loved his mom’s music, which leaned heavily toward that one-of-a-kind, unmistakable Motown soul sound.
“To this day that’s something that’s stuck with me and has always led me back to people like Curtis Mayfield and Sly and the Family Stone,” stated Lindell. “People like Junior Wells – one of my all-time favorites – Don Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, I’ve been listening to my whole life.”
On Thursday, local music lovers will have an opportunity to experience what music publications the country over have called Lindell ever since he burst on to the scene – the real deal.
Beginning with Lindell, Larsen said this year’s Summer Concert Series and Blues Fest is – by far – one of the best the association has ever put together. Thanks to an extremely successful fundraising effort, the group had a little more money to work with than in previous years. With Summer Concert Series performances by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, J.J. Grey and Mofro and The New Riders of the Purple Sage forthcoming, it’s obviously money well spent, he added,
“This is the most we’ve ever spent, from beginning to end, and having more money to work with was very helpful,” stated Larsen. “We’ve been trying to get the Glenn Miller Orchestra and J.J. Grey for years. This year the stars aligned just enough to get it done and we’re excited to present this caliber of music for free.”
Larsen added he’s hoping for a good turnout and that – even those who might not know what the Summer Concert Series is all about – once exposed, people will realize how top-notch the assembled talent truly is.
Due to the unfinished state of East Park, this year’s Summer Concert Series performances will take place in West Park, as in previous years. In the event of rain, performances will be held at the Chenango County Council of the Arts. For more information visit www.chenangobluesfest.org.