520 Etc.: Blind Boys of Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama are living musical legends that will grace the stage at tonight's Bijou Theatre performance. Knoxvillians will have to opportunity to bask in the glory of the Grammy-winning, gospel-based harmonies that have entertained and inspired audiences for over 60 years.
The soulful energy of the Blind Boys of Alabama sparked back in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind and has continued to gain momentum over the decades. Since its inception, the group has evolved from a traditional vocal ensemble on the gospel circuit into a musical powerhouse of broad harmonies, rhythmic vitality and the wisdom gained only by years of struggle and perseverance.
Part of their graceful evolution through has been their ability to keep their finger on the pulse of contemporary musical influences. The Blind Boys of Alabama have a remarkable gift for interpreting current songs in their own unique style. Executive producer, Chris Goldsmith, describes their sound as "gospelizing" of contemporary songs that aren't necessarily traditional gospel pieces. The group has covered works by Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Fatboy Slim and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. No matter what song or style they take on, the end product always reflects the group's talent for one-of-a-kind representation. Perhaps one of the best examples is their version of Amazing Grace eerily set to the tune of The House of the Rising Sun.
Tonight, The Blind Boys of Alabama (with Ms. Jodie Manross as opener) are sure to entertain and breathe life into new and old songs, alike. Tickets are still available by clicking here. If you'd like to read more about the Blind Boys of Alabama, check out recent articles by area writer Wayne Bledsoe.
Local songstress, Jodie Manross, will open the show tonight