Community: Susan and Derek at The Apollo

Went to Howlin' for Hubert show at The Apollo up in Harlem the other night. It was a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America in the name of Hubert Sumlin, who was a legendary blues guitarist and Howlin Wolf's lead guitarist for many years. Got to see Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Warren Haynes, Gary Clark, Keb Mo, Elvis Costello and too many others to mention.

I'm definitely biased, but many I spoke to agreed that the appearance by Derek and Susan stole the show. They did two crowd-pleasing numbers: How Many More Years (a song I didn't know) and Three Hundred Pounds of Joy. The night featured alot of traditional acoustic blues, so Derek and Susan really raised the roof with the short time they were alotted.

I just couldn't help thinking that these are two people who are really, really enjoying this time in their lives and that they are totally peaking musically. It's a real treat to watch them..can't get enough!!!

Two other huge bonuses to the evening: just prior to the start of the show Derek and Susan appeared in one of the private side boxes of the theater to watch the first couple numbers. My two musical heroes were now just a few feet in front of me enjoying the show just like everybody else! Then I got to meet Susan at the after party. This was the second time I got to (briefly) meet her and she was just as sweet and generous as she appears when she speaks onstage.

Still playing the heck out of Revelator and waiting for their next visit to the NYC area...can't wait.

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