Raised in Rochester, N.Y. and trained as a classical violinist, Lionel Young is not your typical blues performer. The young Young found his way to the blues and using his “distinctive electric violin” forged a new sound to the old art form. Young, also a guitarist, songwriter and singer, is the only double winner at the International Blues Challenge, taking grand prize in 2008 in the solo/duo category and with the Lionel Young Band in 2011. With the addition of band mates AnDre Mali (trumpet), Dexter Payne (sax, clarinet, harmonica), Kim Stone (bass) and Jay Forrest (drums, vocal), the LYB creates one of the more unique instrumentations for a blues band on the road today. The list of famed performers Young has worked with includes Count Basie, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Elvin Bishop, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Otis Taylor, Kenny Neal, Tommy Castro and Jimmy Thackery and he’s played major world venues and festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, 1988 Olympics and Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Pacific. Now he can add the Illinois Central Blues Club’s Blue Monday to the list.
Lionel Young Band
Monday, Feb. 25, 8pm-12am
The Alamo
www.lionelyoung.net
