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From: wlgrog~ae.ssu.umd.edu
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 1995 08:53:05 EDT
Subject: Mississippi Heat

Harpers,

I had an opportunity to attend (all too briefly) the 7th Annual Blues Fest held on Sat. 9 Sept. sponsored by the DC Blues Society. This nearly all day, free event was held outdoors at the Carter Baron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park in Washington.

I got a late start, and after stopping for an amp purchase for my son in tow, arrived late (5:15) to find a gathering of folks inside the entrance to the park huddled and sitting on the ground a small group with one harper. The harper I discovered was DANNY WISE, who was conducting a harp workshop. I soon noticed a handful of harpers playing unamplified while Danny gave instructions as to key, etc. and caught the eye of Steve Levine of Harp-L fame. I worked my way around to Steve and introduced myself (finally, after nearly a year of schmoozing with him on the list) and learned from him that the workshop would be brief as MS Heat was due to begin at 5:40. Never did get to solo myself, but just wait until next year. Steve informed me that he had to leave then to get ready for his own gig that evening.

Proceeded to catch MS Heat in progress, the headliner band for the day. We worked our way down one side and found seating one or two rows up from the front but on the far right side. After a song or two, several folks walked out from front center row and we slid into their seats for a better view. This 5 member band featured two guitarists and a cajun harper named Pierre Lacocque, and BTW ALL wore hats except for the drummer. Pierre did not vocalize in song very much but it soon became obvious that he was the standout soloist in this band. He played with
a Shure Green Bullet with added volume control knob, through a black/silver faced Fender Champ (?reissue) which was driven (?slaved) through a reissue Bassman, both of which were miced through the PA system. He got plenty of volume with this set-up and cut right through the bass/guitars readily when he opened up on solos. I found his playing to be tasteful, not too slick, but he could really wail and get a little speed going if he really wanted to. I was very impressed by his playing abilities and phrasing as I had not heard this band before even though they already
have two CD's on the market and a 3rd in development.

Approximately 40 mins. into their act, they brought out a "big momma" to belt out some tasty tunes. This continued until and through a light rain and eventual downpour which unfortunately curtailed their act by about 10-15 mins. We got so soaked that we decided to begin the long drive back home and also missed Steve Levine's gig (drat).

Thanks go to Steve for providing information about this event, and I am making plans to attend again next year.

Bill Grogan