Blues To Do's-Achived Feature Stories

March 2003 Cover Story

Pinetop Perkins

by Phil Chesnut

3/11 & 3/12 @ Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Seattle, all ages, 8pm each night featuring Jack Cook, Sue Orfield, Mark Dalton and Les Merrihew one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen, legendary pianist Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, will perform two nights at Seattle's Jazz Alley in March. Pinetop's style has influenced generations of piano players and will continue to be the gauge by which all great blues pianists are measured. Perkins began his career as a guitar player at house parties and juke joints in the Mississippi Delta. After an injury made it hard for him to pick the guitar, Pinetop concentrated on the piano, and the rest is blues history.

For decades Pinetop honed his own unmistakable sound playing with such blues legends as Robert Nighthawk, Sonny Boy Williamson II, BB King, and Earl Hooker. Then in 1969, Muddy Waters hired Pinetop to play piano in his band. For the next 12 years Pinetop held down the piano chair in the great Muddy Waters Band, during the highest point of Muddy's career. Pinetop helped shape Waters' sound and anchored Muddy's memorable combo throughout the '70s with his brilliant piano solos.

Along with other former Muddy bandmates, Pinetop then formed the Legendary Blues Band where he first shined as a frontman. Although labeled as a sideman for most of his career, Pinetop has blossomed into a terrific headliner with his superb piano, memorable vocals, and stage presence.
Considering Pinetop turns 90 this year, he's still a road warrior too, with an impressive schedule that could wear out younger men. Northwest blues fans will be able to experience this living blues legend and true gentleman of the blues at the newly remodeled Dimitriou's Jazz Alley.

In a real treat for Northwest blues fans, Pinetop will be accompanied by four Northwest favorites who've played with him on previous dates. Look for the masterful Jack Cook on acoustic guitar, sweet Sue Orfield on sax, one of the most desired rhythm sections in the Northwest of Mark Dalton and Les Merrihew on bass and drums, respectfully. Remember, all ages are welcome for all sets now with the remodel at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, so bring the kids!

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