28th International Blues Challenge
The Orpheum Theater
February 4, 2012
Memphis, TN

Lineage: AM1's>CA ST20A Preamp>Zoom H2 (44.1kH/16b,line in)>Audacity (fades, normalize)>FLAC

Location: Mezzanine, left wing, about 40ft from the stage

Notes: This was my fifth IBC and each year it is different, yet the talent level increases. For some history and better understanding of this competition go to Blues.org and click on the IBC logo at the to of the page. This year none of the finalists were from the 'blues belt' of Mississippi, Alabama, or West Tennessee areas. The closest was Nashville which makes me think of country music.

As before, I offer these a single tracks for the entire 20 minute set allowed for each band. The sonics of this theater, which I once thought were distracting, I have come to appreciate as part of the performance. The Orpheum is a early 1900's movie houose that has been refurbished in grand style and is absolutely beutiful to see. I encourage everyone to make the trip to Memphis next year for 2013 IBC. The finals alone prove to be 4-1/2 hours of great music in a competitive arrangement. The nine bands presnsted here are the reduction of about 225 bands that traveled from all over the world to participate.

I hope you enjoy the variety of styles and the music in total.

GB

Setlist (in order of appearance):

1-Mikey Junior & the Stone Cold Blues (Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation)
2-Noah Wotherspoon Band (Dayton Blues Society)
3-Sherry Pruitt Blues Project (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
4-The Bart Walker Band (Nashville Blues Society) SECOND PLACE
5-The WIRED! Band (Washington Blues Society) FIRST PLACE
6-Selwyn Birchwood Band (Suncoast Blues Society)
7-Taylor Scott & Another Kind of Magick (Wyoming Blues & Jazz Society)
8-Paula Harris (The Golden Gate Blues Society) THIRD PLACE
9-The Lefty Collins Band (Magic City Blues Society)

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