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BB CHUNG KING And The BUDDAHEADS
LIVE
At the Orange County Blues Bash
As if
eleven hours of top notch blues, including a stunning performance by
Greg Serrato and his band wasn’t enough, the patrons at Chaser’s
Lounge in Orange, California were then treated to the incredible BB
Chung King and the Buddaheads, one of Southern California’s
premier blues bands.
For those not acquainted with BB Chung King, let me first say that
he is nothing like B.B.
King. BB Chung King
plays with a speed, style and imagination that puts him in the
category of Guitarslinger. He can play whatever he wants, however he wants and
as fast as he wants, and that’s FAST, folks!
If Jimi Hendrix hadn’t died in the 60s and spent the last
thirty-five years playing in Texas Roadhouses,  this is what he might
sound like. BB plays
the blues with impunity; turning up the frenzy dial to eleven, much
like the late Johnny Copeland except faster, faster, faster.
You know that you’re hearing some hot riffs when any song
on the set could have been the closer.
BB rivals the immortal Robert Johnson in his ability to make
his one guitar sound like two.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Lee Spath on drums
and Boyd Lefan on bass. Anyone
that can keep up with BB deserves mention, and they performed
admirably.
Because this was a blues bash with a large lineup of fine
entertainment, BB’s set wasn’t near long enough to properly
showcase the BUDDAHEADS’ new album, REAL,
featuring BB Chung King.
I hope you check out my review in this month’s SBM.
This is definitely one
for any record collection.
Despite the general pandemonium at Chaser’s, I was able to
introduce myself to both Greg Serrato and BB Chung King.
I can tell you that both of these guys are not only superb
musicians, they are the kind of people that you’re happy to
support in their profession. Both
were friendly, concerned with my comfort and just a pleasure to
meet. Greg was the
perfect host to a great party.
As for BB, well, I haven’t met anyone with a personal aura
like his—a field of energy, if you will, since I met John Lee
Hooker in 1984. I’ve
always said “The nicest people have the blues,” and these two
gentlemen and their respective bands are a case in point.
http://www.buddaheads.com
--Pat Benny
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