A journey to the deep south inspired Nanaimo’s David Gogo to create his latest album.
The blues musician took a pilgrimage through Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabaman, travelling along the path that has become known as the Blues Trail.
“It was a really cool trip,” he said.
During his trip he toured through recording studios where some of his idols once created their albums.
“Being in the room where so much wonderful music was created … to be in that room with the instruments … was incredible,” said Gogo.
Gogo made sure to capture the treasured moments on his trip through photographs. He took hundreds of photos and when he came home to Nanaimo decided he just didn’t want to keep them in digital form and ordered them for a scrapbook. He also ordered duplicates for his 600 photos.
During a discussion with one of his band mates over the photos the idea for his song Come on Down was created. It’s one of the songs and the name of his 13th album released this July. The album features six original songs by Gogo and six classic covers he stamped with his own style.
Gogo will sing some of the new songs during his opening performance for the Robert Cray Band Wednesday (Aug. 14) at the Port Theatre at 7 p.m. Jason Buie is also performing during the opening act.
“Robert Cray is a great blues guy,” he said. “I’ve listened to his music for a long time.”
Cray has won five Grammy Awards and received 15 nominations. He is often considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. Recently, at age 57, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. That honour made him the youngest living performer to receive the induction.
Tickets range in price from $59 to $66.50, depending on seating location.
Tickets are available by calling 250-754-8550, at www.porttheatre.com or at the Port Theatre box office.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com