Real juke blues from New Orleans at the Alberta Rose Theatre
It’s not often that we have the opportunity to see legends like Little Freddie King. Those in attendance at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Sunday, September 21 were treated to a night of juke joint blues, shuffles and boogie they won’t soon forget. Backed by his manager and drummer “Wacko” Wade Wright, Will “Hillbilly” Jordon on bass, Portland’s Wade Hilts on guitar, and harmonica master Mitch Kashmar, this show was a special treat in one of Portland’s best venues.
At 74 years of age, the spry King took us back to his Mississippi roots with his laid-back blues style. When he gave his rooster crow as he started his “Chicken Dance” song, King shuffled across the stage to the delight of everyone in attendance. I left the Alberta Rose on Sunday night feeling like I had witnessed something very special—not just being immersed in the blues, but I had somehow captured the spirit and energy of a great soul.
