“national treasure” – Downbeat
Jazz icon Ernie Watts and blues harmonica ace Corky Siegel first met in Mumbai. They were each invited by the distinguished violin virtuoso, Dr. L. Subramaniam to perform in his Global Fusion project. Then, they became best friends from the moment they met. Further, they continue to collaborate in celebrated performances and on acclaimed recording projects. Here, the evening will be a display of musical fireworks from these iconic masters, filled with remarkable stories and humor. In Corky’s words: “Innocent victims of incredible good fortune.”
Corky Siegel is hailed as one of the world’s great blues harmonica and keyboard players. Corky has a pivotal influence in modern music. He has close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues through his Siegel-Schwall Band. Furthermore, he has achieved a surprising level of success in bringing together blues and classical audiences. For all these reasons Downbeat Magazine calls him a “national treasure.”
Ernie Watts is a two-time Grammy winning saxophonist. Watts played in the Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen for Johnny Carson for twenty years. He toured with the Rolling Stones, Charlie Haden, Buddy Rich and Pat Metheny. Additionally, he recorded with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa and others. Also, Watts appears on over 1500 recordings, always exhibiting his unforgettable gift for improvisation.
Randy Sabien has over forty years of performing experience as a contemporary violinist. He worked with Jim Post, Greg Brown, Kate Wolf, Corky Siegel and more. Additionally, he has played notable stages including Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion. Further, Randy founded the string department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1978.
Recommended for fans of Leo Kottke, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.