Opening with the first cut from their debut CD Heavy Loaded, "Who's Blues" introduced the crowd to bluesy funk. Guitarist Scotty Scott wasted no time in launching a great solo, backed by a great horn section.

Bluejay Saunders' vocals recall David Clayton-Thomas, early Chicago or the Sons of Champlin, and he kept the groove going with "Rosie's Window" and "Dress Up and Lie," both from Heavy Loaded. Check out my review of the CD in this issue of Cosmik Debris.

One of the set's highlights was their funked-up cover of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." No matter how hard I try, I'm not usually a funk fan. It's usually too off-beat or got too much rhythm for my tastes, 'cause I can't keep up. Live and on CD, though, the Roosters got me converted.

Changing planes last month at Los Angeles International Airport, I met Stevie as he ambled down the concourse pushing a luggage cart dressed in African print pants and shirt. He was flanked by a buffed bodyguard and an important-looking woman juggling a day planner, cell phone and notebook. Stevie has this unique way of moving his shoulders and head left to right and going forward all at the same time. I noticed a few flecks of gray in his beard and mustache and wanted to tell him about the Voodoo Roosters.

I was tongue-tied. As I approached him on the concourse, I thanked him for his music and mumbled. He shook my hand and smiled. Before I could ask him what he thought of the Voodoo Roosters' version of "I Wish," dozens of his fans crowded around behind me at LAX.

Sorry, Scotty, I guess should've been more assertive. Anyway, I think Stevie would appreciate the funky bass and drum parts that Roosters Cory Sandahl and Howdy McFarland add to the tune, not to mention the punchy Roosters horn section.

As the crowd warmed up to the Roosters' funky blend of blues and rock, Bluejay tossed copies of Heavy Loaded to fans dancing in front of the stage. Their "Pennies and Love" got more people out of their seats and dancing in the aisles. That's part of the excitement of festivals like the Bite of Seattle, an opportunity to get up close and hear some great music (when it's not raining, of course).

"We play a lot of festivals," Bluejay told the crowd. "It's great to see you all having a good time. We try to play a lot of these types of things where people can eat and hear live music, too."

Bluejay introduced one new song during the set, "Leave Your Girlfriend Home." This song also featured the Roosters' punchy horn section and showed that they were more than the next big thing out of Redmond, Washington that's not software.

This summer, they'll continue playing outdoor venues throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Renton River Days, the Issaquah Blues Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon.

As the crowd gave the Roosters a standing ovation, Bluejay asked the stage manager if they could do just one more song. The next band was waiting in the wings, and the Roosters continued with their cover of "Killing Floor."

As Bluejay and company wrapped up their set, my hunger for the blues was satisfied. Check out the Voodoo Roosters' website at www.voodooroosters.com for great pics, downloadable songs, and up to the minute tour reports.

© 1999 - Eric Steiner
Photographs by Eric Steiner