Two generations of high-energy performers will take the stage in Essex when blues giant James Montgomery performs with "American Idol" semifinalist Ayla Brown, who will make her Cape Ann debut June 4.
Montgomery, known for his spirited shows and harmonica playing, is glad to join forces with an up-and-coming performer.
"This will be a high-energy show. Ayla has a tremendous amount of stage presence and charisma. When she comes on stage, it's as though she hit the basketball court and she's looking for a 3-pointer," said Montgomery, referring to Brown's talent as a Boston College basketball player. "She's very talented and a great soul and very competitive."
The two have worked together before. In November 2009, Brown released her first live album on which she collaborated with The James Montgomery Band and The Uptown Horns.
Montgomery is about to release a new CD, "From Detroit to the Delta," inspired by the blues player's recent work with Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. Montgomery wrote and recorded the title song for "Delta Rising," the blues documentary in which Freeman stars, along with Willie and Ruby Nelson and many others.
Montgomery brings to the stage a lifetime of performance with some of the world's biggest acts, ranging from playing as a member of the much-loved "Blues Brothers" band to working with Aerosmith and recording with Kid Rock. He even has given Mick Jagger a few lessons in the blues, lessons he learned in Detroit from blues legends James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Junior Wells.
Although Montgomery has played and recorded with some of the music industry's biggest names, he is a humble musician when interviewed. He even spoke of his stage fright, something that has not diminished over more than 40 years of performance.
"But as soon as I put my foot out onto the stage, I'm fine. I'm more comfortable on stage than anywhere else in my life," he said. "Sometimes I wish I was that James Montgomery on stage — that guy is fearless."
Although a consummate showman with stories to last several lifetimes, Montgomery also has his routines like everyone else, whether it is going to gym or meditating, or waiting to see the finale of the hit television show "24."
He is an avid reader and a poet. He attended Boston University to study English and literature. His favorite book of all time is Dostoevsky's "Brothers Karamazov." He's also quite fond of the works of James Joyce. His favorite poet is Pablo Neruda.
In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band and it has been a musical life ever since. In addition to his work with his own band, his credits read like a Who's Who in the music world. He has toured with Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers and Steve Miller. He has performed with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle and Peter Wolf.
Montgomery remained in New England and now resides in Newport, R.I., where he lives in a condo in what was once one of the first free black churches in America.
This is not his first show in Essex; he has performed in benefits over the years to help local organizations.
"We just had a ball there at Woodman's. I loved the room and the family. I love everything about it and I'm excited about playing there," he said. "We want this concert to be a lot of fun for everyone."
His band will include David Hull, on bass, who has just returned from touring in Europe with Joe Perry, a former Aerosmith bass player; George McCann, who played with Joe Cocker and Steven Tyler's solo band; and Seth Pappas from Marblehead on drums, who has toured with Barrence Whitfield.
Maureen Woodman of Woodman's of Essex said it will sell 400 tickets to the show.
"He's such a great guy and an incredible performer," she said. "We're excited to have him back."
Gail McCarthy can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3445, or by e-mail at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.
IF YOU GO
Who: Blues giant James Montgomery and Ayla Brown, American Idol semifinalist, together in concert
When: June 4, doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Woodman's of Essex function hall.
How much: Tickets are $20, cash only, available at the clambake catering office at Woodman's in Essex off of Route 133. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday only. Tickets also available at the door if not sold out.
Details: For more information, call 978-768-2559 or follow the details on Woodman's of Essex Facebook fan page. The show is for 21 and over.
VH1's 'Single Ladies' Launches Season 2
RPatz Swaps Cullen for Cronenberg
Stars Crowd Red Carpet for AmfAR
Knick's Anthony on NY Life, Linsanity, New Role
Zefron Gets Eroticised
Kristen Stewart 'On the Road' to Cannes
Mads Mikkelsen on 'The Hunt' in Cannes
Brad Pitt Dispels Wedding Date Rumors at Cannes
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
ShowBiz Minute: Gibb, Billboard, Smith
Robin Gibb of Bee Gees Dies at 62
Raw Video: Will Smith Slaps Journalist
Wes Anderson Makes His Cannes Debut
Tony Nominee Josh Young on Judas Role in 'JCS'
Jaime King's Southern Belle Secrets
ShowBiz Minute: Summer, Gaga, Beckham
Fans Pay Tribute to Donna Summer
Glenn Frey on New Solo Record, Eagles
Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies at 63
Brooklyn Decker Talks Career and Gowns
