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Come to Mama – Etta James Birthday Celebration
One of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven-decade-career. Her music lives on within the Portland music scene as an all-star cast celebrates EJ’s birthday (B. January 25, 1938, D. January 20, 2012).
The line-up of vocalists for this production reads like a “who’s who” of the Northwest’s finest female leads— LaRhonda Steele, Rae Gordon, Lisa Mann, Amy Keys, and Lady Kat— all band leaders, powerful vocalists, and songwriters in their own right.
Backing this powerful vocal quintet is an all-star rhythm section that includes award-winning guitarists Whit Draper and Peter Dammann, keyboard ace Pat McDougall, drummer Ed Pierce and bassist Joseph Conrad. Joining them on harmonica is special guest Kim Field. One of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James established her reputation with numerous indelible hits spanning a seven-decade career.
Saxophonist/arranger Chris Mercer — a British expat who toured and recorded with such blues and rock legends as John Mayall, Dr John, Freddie King, Billy Ocean, and Bryan Ferry before relocating to Portland, where he has worked Paul deLay, Lloyd Jones, Kevin Selfe — took over the reins of this project as Musical Director with the passing of DK Stewart. Mercer has assembled an expanded six-piece horn section for this version of the Etta Tribute that includes: Allan Kalik and Rick Rier, trumpets; Chris Mercer and Scott Franklin, tenor saxophones; Rob Rayfield, baritone saxophone; and John Gordon, trombone.