BANDS WHO ROCK:
OSGOOD & BLAQUE - Been wondering what so and so band that's always playing at such-and-such club is all about? We'd like to make a bold statement about [Vicksburg, Ms]. Undoubtedly some excellent local artists have slipped through the cracks. Members: Greg Osgood (vocals,keyboard)) and Cee Blaque (vocals,harmonica. From:Crystal Springs and Vicksburg. Influences: William Bell, Johnny Taylor, Roscoe Gordon, Fats Domino, Etta James, Dorothy Moore, Bessie Smith. CDs released: Two solo cds by Greg Osgood, "Back To Back" and "The Good Is In The Man".
RIVERFEST'S DUO MUSICAL ACT OF OSGOOD & BLAQUE TO OFFER A BIG-BAND SOUND:
Cee Blaque and Greg Osgood are used to people looking around to find their backup band whenever they perform together. Osgood's keyboard and Blaque's harmonica, backed by their dual vocals, could easily be mistaken for a full-sized band. "We try to go against the norm = we're not what everybody expects. Don't let the two of us fool you," Osgood said.
The variety of tunes the two-member group Osgood & Blaque will bring to Riverfest's Center Stage Saturday night at 8 are not typical of a duo, but they are sure to get feet moving, Blaque said. Osgood, who has performed since high school, has a keyboard that brings out the sounds of 100 instruments, which resemble the music of big band, he said. [Osgood] and Blaque have been performing together for about three years and are so sure of their ability to entertain that they will perform a 30-minute show for free just so people can hear their music, which ranges from soul to R&B to blues. It even has some pop and jazz sounds. "You've got to pay your dues," Osgood said. "We've performed free shows - it's the best way to do it because of our act. In the South, people aren't used to seeing one or two people with a big band sound." The duo has compared themselves to The Carpenters and Captain & Tenille, two successful duo performance group. "We don't need a big band - we're proud of that," Blaque said. "We're as good or better than some groups we've seen".
Osgood & Blaque have been getting their name out around town. Their first "big" performance was at Rainbow Casino for the Vicksburg Blues Society's Regional Blues Challenge. It has been since that performance, in which they didn't place, that Blaque, a Vicksburg native, and Osgood started playing regularly to live out their motto of keeping the blues alive. "We are here to support Vicksburg and the blues societies - to stick with the heritage that goes back to the foundation of our lives (and of Vicksburg)," Osgood said. They hosted the Vicksburg Blues Society's Jam Session at Ameristar Casino, performed at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, several spots around Jackson and recently landed a permanent spot at Borrello's downtown on Wednesdays and Friday evenings, which has helped them develop a fan base - and not just among locals. They have been known to play "Proud Mary" as tourists pour in to the downtown restaurant after the riverboats dock at City Front, Blaque said. "In Vicksburg, we meet people from all over: Japan, Canada..." Osgood said. "When we 're playing at Borrello's, we play a set list that is a mixture of music-and I'm thinking American. Well, I started finding out most people there are not from around here."
They have performed four-hour shows, pulling from 400 to 500 songs they rotate from show to show. "We're a top-quality performance group that doesn't cost an arm and a leg," Blaque said. "We can do the same thing six people can." Osgood and Blaque met when Osgood's band in Jackson, The Dominoes, was looking for a backup singer. Blaque, who began singing in her church choir at a young age, was hired. She sang backup until the group disbanded in 1999.
"The band wasn't making enough money, so Cee and I talked about doing the duo thing" Osgood said. Most of the music they perform is well-known covers, but Osgood has written some songs that they perform regularly. His song "Back to Back" on a CD with the same title has been played on radio stations across the [USA] since its release in 2000. Since he collaborated with Blaque, the two have released a CD called "The Good Is In The Man," which is the title of another song they perform. In addition to the originals, Blaque belts out songs by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Patsy Cline. She once received a $100 tip to sing Etta James' "At Last," Osgood said.
Osgood & Blaque practice non-stop, they said, to maintain their momentum.
"We're up sometimes until 1,2 and 3 in the morning," Osgood added. "You have got to work". The two have been hoping and working to perform at Riverfest for the last two years. Now, they see it as a chance to show people how hard they've to perfect their two-person big band sound that comes from two musicians and two voices. "This is an opportunity to let Vicksburg hear what we can do," Blaque said.
OSGOOD & BLAQUE'S INTERVIEW WITH CROSS HARP CHRONICLES:
Osgood and Blaque is a duet with a difference. Although you offer dynamic vocals, and what can be called a seductive blues harmonica, you can also hear drums, bass, piano, strings, horns. How is so many different sounds achieved between the two of you?
ANSWER:
GREG: I've been a fluent keyboardist for several years. What I've always loved about the music industry, particularly when it comes to instrument manufacturers, is that they produce keyboards now that are equipped with extras, the ability to replicate many instrument sounds including drums, bass, horns, strings and so forth. The sound that we have is a culmination of various tones that reflect the musical culture in which we live and perform. For the most part, I have mastered the technique of replicating several instrument sounds by splitting the keyboard so that the bass sound can be played on the left or lower end of the keyboard, while piano, strings, horns or some other instruments are layered with another and played simultaneously. This procedure has never been hard to do, for me anyway, but with the passage of time and much practice, I have refined the procedure so that when we perform before an audience, the music flows like a unit. We have had quite a number of newspaper, radio and television sources who have seen our show document how we sound as a duo when compared to standard bands that have at least six or more members. Because of our versatility and stage experience, we are able to operate like a full-sized band.
A typical case in point is this: Sometimes during a live show, people who like to dance may hit the dance floor somewhere in the middle of a song. If I'm using a pre-recorded track, then the song will end at its pre-recorded time when the song is over. Most songs are about 3 1/2 to 5 minutes long. But, when we perform live, I'd rather play the song. This way we have more control over audience participation enabling us to play the song a little longer or adding medleys and entertaining skits in the middle, things that people are used to because its common with bands. Now, Cee plays harmonica, as well. I like the term "seductive harmonica" because men are often fascinated when they see a woman playing harmonica, as this is not very common. Whenever she plays hamonica during our shows, she makes the music sound really good, especially blues music, which we both absolutely love.
Dwayne, your musical career goes back quite a while. How did you get your start in music?
ANSWER
GREG: Please, call me Greg. I guess I'll start by saying that I'm one of those artist who grew up in the days when professional, experienced or "seasoned" musicians would tell new artists things that would help them along in their career. Many times, their words proved to be more valuable than money itself. I had been performing at private parties, a few restaurants and people who knew me called me "the one man band" after my performing style. At this point, I had never really had a chance to perform for a huge audience or anybody "BIG" in the music business. My first break came in April 2000 in Jackson, Mississippi. An annual festival called The Lynch Street Festival was hosting the Chilites as the headlining act. I was asked to play some soft piano instrumental music prior to the first act. However, when the event started that evening, the piano was not located conveniently so that the audience could see me, so they asked me to play my keyboard instead. I had no problem with that suggestion. I love playing piano, but it was a far cry from what I had in mind to do with my keyboard. This was "my big break", as it were! I would be performing before an audience of somewhere between 800 to 1200 people, maybe more. When I looked out at the audience prior to hitting the first note, all I saw was a packed house and all I new was I was opening for The Chilites! The set went really well and by the time I finished forty-five minutes later, people were joyfully swaying and clapping in sync to the beat. A few other acts came behind me and many left when they finished their set. I remember Rick Lawson, Sweet Miss Coffee and a few others. I stayed around to enjoy the show and because I wanted to see the Chilites perform. I was already backstage. What better privilege could one have? Anyway, the Chilites were delayed for reasons unknown, but I was told that there was an emergency involving a family member. The Master of Ceremonies asked me if I would be willing to perform a little while longer to hold the audience. The proposition was good so I accepted. The audience welcomed me back with open arms. I entertained for another forty-five minutes to an hour and was shocked when I received a standing ovation. Before I left the stage, one of the Chilites members came up to me, shook my hand tightly and said: "Thank you. I really enjoyed your performance. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll go a long way". I replied: "I will...its a pleasure to meet you guys in person!" I must say that I felt like this was the beginning of a new day, and when the Chilites started their performance, it was everything I expected it to be? OUTSTANDING! Now, I had been a performing artist for several years prior to this event, but this particular day was the beginning of something good, and I knew it!
Cee how did you start performing professionally?
ANSWER
CEE: After The Dominoes parted, Greg formed another blues band which he named Mississippi-145 Blues Band. This time, however, Greg would split the keyboard and play bass and piano with accompaniment instruments. Again, I was background vocalist but he asked me to open the shows for the him. We had a guitarist and drummer. I would perform my own set with the band before bringing Greg out. This put me out front, which also meant that I had to learn every aspect of leading the opening performance from welcome to the introduction of Greg Osgood to the audience. When you're the opening act, every show you open determines whether or not you work again. I say this because word of mouth from your audience spreads fast and I never want to leave a show with my fans saying: "What the hell was wrong with Cee tonight?" Greg expected the band to take their careers seriously, just like he did, but some had more important things on their mind, I suppose. The guitarist was more about trying to direct the show rather than learn his part on the guitar. The drummer we started out with was late all the time or didn't show up at all, and eventually, Greg ending up playing bass, drums and piano, but the shows still went over well. Of course, that meant that he had to be on stage at the beginning of the performnce, so there was no room for me to bring him out like we had previously planned. So, after we were stood up one too many times, the light came on in my head and I knew what we had to do. Greg was really "the band". He was playing everything except guitar! We didn't need five or six people that we had to chase down to play. I pointed at his keyboard and said: "The six-piece band has been right there in front of you all this time!"
The two of you did not always perform as a duet. How did you start performing together?
ANSWER
GREG: Let's see, I was performing with a local band, The Dominoes, out of Jackson, Mississippi. There were five of us, a bass player, drummer, guitartist, a background vocalist and I was the lead singer. We performed up and down Mississippi mostly and the band was quite good. After a few years, egos started to manifest themselves. Now, as a songwriter, I was working on my own album. I wanted to get the band in on the recording but all they wanted to do was demos and covers of somebody else's songs. So, I decided to record the album myself, at home, in my own studio using my keyboard, a mixer, a 4-track recorder and a state-of-the-art cd burner. I put the album together
in a relatively short time since most of the songs were written a few years earlier and I already knew how they would be arranged. In April, 2002, I took the song to the local radio station WMPR in Jackson, Mississippi and one of my favorite DJs promised to play the first track entitled "Back To Back". The song went over really well and the station requested copies for all its DJs. Other stations were requesting copies also. Soon enough, we started getting requests for the song at our shows from those who had heard it on the radio, but the band didn't know the song. So, after a band meeting I insisted that the band learn to play this song so that we could perform it at our shows. The song was in the same genre of music that we perform all the time so there was no conflict. People knew us as a top-40 R&B/Soul group with a good sound. We played 60s, 70s and 80s covers and a lot of my influences were from this era. However, after numerous tries to get the band to play atleast three original songs from the album, the ones that were receiving airplay, the band flat-out refused to play those songs and ignored me whenever I brought it up. So, after deep consideration and much thought to the question: Where do we go from here?, I met with the members and told them I was quitting. I explained that by being a singer, songwriter, musician and independent recording artist, I have much more to offer than just one talent. Most serious groups would feel privileged to have a multi-talented, gifted artist like me in their group. So, without putting the group down, I just told them that I was quitting.
After a few weeks the group fell apart. In the spring of 2003, one of the former members called me and asked if I would consider rejoining the group. I agreed on the condition that they would play my original songs. We rehearsed a lot but the background vocalist demanded extravagant compensation for her time, an amount the band could not afford, even though she was frequently late for rehearsals and shows and put out an even worse performance. A few weeks before, I had met a female singer at a local club where I was performing, so I asked the group if she could audition for a background vocalist part. They agreed, and we brought in Cee Blaque from Vicksburg, Mississippi. The band really liked her vocal skills and felt she should be part of the group. This didn't go over well with the other background singer. She felt threatened by "the new girl" even though there was no reason for this. Eventually, egos clashed, everybody took sides and the next thing you know, the band was dissolved. So, I considered playing solo again. However, Cee brought up an idea that was just what I needed to hear and I felt that she could compliment what I was doing on the keyboard. We made a pact that we would stick together no matter what and help each other nurture our talents and skills as we progressed along the road to success. Since I met her, I have no regrets except that I didn't meet her sooner! We have been performing as a duet for well over three years now. We perform over 75 shows annually. I have never had a more dedicated, cooperative companion to work with. My job is to keep the music flowing lively on keyboards while Cee and I alternate songs during our show. She often plays "seductive" harmonica and adds accompaniment background vocals. We sound like a six-piece band and we love what we're doing. I only wish that people everywhere could see us perform. I am absolutely convinced that in the very near future, Osgood & Blaque will traverse boundaries that many duet groups just haven't been able to cross.
Since you started performing together, you have performed at a number of interesting venues at a number of interesting occassions. Tell us about these.
ANSWER
CEE: There are two that really stand out. The first was at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. When you walk in the club you feel the blues still hanging around in the air from great performing blues artists. Every space on the walls, including the support beams throughout the building has the signature of patrons and artists who have been there. The second is Windy City Grill in Como, Mississippi. This is one of the best kept secrets of restaurants that have served up blues with your evening and night meals. Such blues greats that have played there include Jimbo Mathes and a personal friend of ours, the young and very talented guitartist, Slick Ballinger. The moment we walked through the door the people made us feel like family and friends. They were hungry for the blues and believe me, Osgood & Blaque quinched their thirst as well as ours. When your fans really enjoy the performance you give, it makes us emit stronger and deeper. We give our total mind, heart and soul to make our show exciting and enjoyable.
Being as you are from Vicksburg, less than two hundred miles due north of New Orleans, did you experience any affects of Katrina? Can you describe your experiences here?
ANSWER
GREG: I must say that hurricane Katrina's affected just about everybody I know, including many of my musician friends. Fortunately though, we only experienced a few problems with power outages and travel and had to stay in a hotel to beat the heat. Many of our bookings were cancelled or rescheduled, but our desire was to help victims of this catastrophe. There wasn't much we could do outside of supporting the local shelters because gas was scarce, the lines were too long, and you couldn't travel too far anyway. Our regular show schedule at Borrellos Italian Restaurant downtown Vicksburg continued every Friday. Steve Birchill, a well known jazz/blues pianist from New Orleans, sat in on our show one Friday night and everybody just fellowshipped and had a good time. Several weeks later, after full power was restored to Vicksburg, we performed at the Vicksburg City Park Pavillion, a fund-raiser to help victims of Hurrican Katrina. We also performed at a fund-raiser organized at the American Legion Building to raise monetary donations and canned goods to help support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We received no pay for our services, but we were compensated with a few voluntary dollars from the sponsors of the events. Our hearts are with all those who have suffered during this time, but especially our fellow musicians who experienced exceedingly hard times as a result of Hurricane Katrina. As a musician, I know from experience that we have hard enough time tyring keeping our momentum. Lord knows, we certainly don't need any "set-backs"!
With the hurricane season quickly approaching, how are you preparing for things this year?
ANSWER
GREG: Cee and I have decided that our goal is to do our part in keeping the blues alive here in Vicksburg and anywhere that blues lovers exist. Though storms are unpredictable and very hard to circumvent, we want people in our community and everywhere to know that we are available during these times to offer our hand in supporting those who experience difficult times. And we need support too.
You know what they say: "If you haven't experienced the blues yet, just wait." Whether its "Stormy Monday Blues" or "Everyday I Have The Blues", Osgood & Blaque, like the blues itself, is here to stay!
This past year you were elected by the Vicksburg Blues Society to represent them at the IBCs in Memphis in the solo/duet category. How did this come about? How many other artists from your area did you compete against for this?
ANSWER
CEE: Representing the Vicksburg Blues Society at the 2006 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee was truly rewarding. We are active members of the Vicksburg Blues Society (formerly Willie Dixon Blues Society). Everybody knows Willie Dixon was born and raised here in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Blues societies are great avenues that enable blues artist to perform on stage for blues music enthusiast worldwide. We remain active and are currently the only duo blues performers in the Vickburg Blues Society. About two months before the 2006 IBC, THE VBS board met and voted not to have a competition this year but instead, elected Osgood & Blaque as representative act in the solo/duo category. Actually, we were in the middle of our second performance at the Windy City Grill in Como, Mississippi when I got a message on my cell phone asking for our approval to represent the Vicksburg Blues Society in Memphis. We accepted, and it was probably the second-best decision we ever made.
How was your experience at the IBCs?
ANSWER
CEE: Thursday night we led off as the opening act at Handy's Blues Hall. Neither the crowd nor the judges could believe the sound that was eminating from the stage by two people. Obviously, they wondered: "How could two people, without a band, deliver a big-band sound like this?" Osgood & Blaque proved that they could. On Friday night we were scheduled to perform almost last. An unsually development took place. Some acts finished up early before their time was up. Our start time was listed as 10:30 pm. The act prior to us finished at 10pm. We approached the stage to set up but the Venue Coordinator asked us to take our time setting up and stall until 10:30.
GREG: Well, I wanted to know why we should wait since the IBC's rules clearly state that any act that does not start on time will be docked one point. The Venue Coordinator replied: "Because people were leaving other acts up and down Beale Street to see Osgood & Blaque from Vicksburg and they wanted to be here in Handy Hall for your performance. I don't want them to miss it, so stall...a little!"
CEE: Honestly, at 10pm, there was about eight people in the club, but at 10:30 when we took the stage, there was standing room only cheering us on. Greg had brought his camcorder and had asked a fan to record our performance. We got it all on tape. We didn't win this time, but that's fine. And besides, the blues is not something you win, like a prize. You either love it or you don't. We love the blues. In our hearts and minds, we've already won. Next year, our goal is to bring the title to Vicksburg. This would make Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson proud. I say Robert Johnson because Greg was born and raised in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, next to the true birth place of Robert Johnson. Greg grew up with and knows many of Robert Johnson's relatives, friends and descendants. For me, it was my first appearance on Beale Street and, believe me, I was like a wide-eyed child at Christmas, the experience is something I will be talking about until I can't talk anymore!
How many CDs have you recorded together?
ANSWER
GREG: Though I've recorded two solo albums beginning with Back to Back(2002) and The Good Is In The Man(2004) and Walking On The Backstreet(2005, I must say that these past few years with Cee at my side have been most exciting. Osgood & Blaque have just completed and released our first and latest cd entitled Through The Fire(2006, a compilation of songs which combines both traditional blues and modern soul; an original collection of persuasive ballads mixed with smooth vocals and jump blues featuring classic piano and "seductive" harmonica.
Resurrecting styles and techniques similar to those of the legendary Jimmy Reed and Willie Dixon, to name two, "My Mojo's Workin'", "Mississippi Blues Woman", "Candy", "Piano Man" and "Beale Street Blues Here I Come", offer a variety of piano techniques designed to appease all traditional blues lovers. A special addition to this collection are "Through The Fire" and "Never Gonna Give You Up", two original duets that highlight the theme of the album, thus demonstrating the integirty of their determination and dedication to our music. Osgood & Blaque is, undoubtedly, among the first duo/artists to bring this level of soulful, searing emotionality to the stage in the form of a two-piece band, and almost every song they perform bears the distinctive flair that is their signature.
What big things can we expect from Osgood and Blaque?
ANSWER
GREG & CEE: Osgood & Blaque are a virtuoso-duo band that is bringing about new and exciting changes in the world of music, particularly in the area of live performance. We expect that our fans will continue to support us and that blues lovers everywhere who appreciate true blues heritage will begin to see what Osgood & Blaque has accomplished in the duo category. Will we be the next big thing? That remains to be seen. But our sole desire is to continue doing our part in "keeping the blues alive", and to be the best that we can be, supporting our fellow musicians and artist and blues clubs. Maybe we'll sell millions of records, who knows. Nevertheless, we have already proven that two divided into hard work and dedication can do much in "keeping the blues alive!" Just think how far the blues would go if all blues lovers jumped on the band wagon!
What do you think of the state of the Blues music (what condition do you think things are in?)
ANSWER
GREG: My experience in the music industry has taught me this: That if you worry about what people think of you all the time, you'll find yourself trying to please everybody. I'm happy that everywhere we perform people love our music. But I'm very dissapointed that there is not more genuine support from industry professionals in the club, managing and booking areas here locally. The popular 930 Blues Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi has featured blues artist for several years now. Although Osgood & Blaque have never performed there, many 930 Blues Cafe patrons have said that Osgood & Blaque as a duo sound better than many of the full-sized bands that have played the venue. We played at Ground Zero Blues Club, a club owned by the award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, and the people loved us. We played Windy City Grill and were treated like family. We played Beale Street and got a standing ovation from people who do not even reside in our home state. Is it really about whose better sounding? Or is it more about whose dedication and determination moves them to do the work, and show the people, and lead the way. I have enjoyed being entertained by many great performing acts during my lifetime. But variety is the spice of life. I am grateful to the pioneers and trailblazers who paved the way for Osgood & Blaque. Many of them were overlooked for years and are now being discovered. These artists should be utilized diligently while we still have them here on earth so that less experienced acts can learn from them and carry on what they leave behind. That's what Osgood & Blaque is about. Personally, I think that I have been overlooked by the music industry far too long. But, I believe that there are yet many hard-working acts who have paid their dues; who have spent their whole life laboring to meet the quality of talent that is required by the music industry. Should they not be given the opportunity, at least, to show the world what they have dedicated their whole lives to? Another situation I've noticed is in regard to blues festivals. Many successful artist I know from Mississippi, shy away from representing Mississippi. Why is that? Greg Osgood & Cee Blaque are not afraid to tell people they are from Mississippi. Joe Whitmer, Director and Coordinator for the 2006 IBC event said regarding our performance on Beale Street:
"I want to personnally congratulate as well as thank you for making this year's challenge the best in history. You should be very proud of your performance on Beale Street! Everyone is raving about the great talent that you brought to town for the International Blues Challenge. My hat off to you." I'm originally from Crystal Springs, right next to the hometown of the legendary Robert Johnson. Cee is from Vicksburg, the hometown of the legendary Willie Dixon. Everybody gotta be from somewhere. As an artist residing in Vicksburg, should I be ashamed to represent Vicksburg because it has a muriel downtown of the history of Vicksburg but there is not even one picture or clue of the existence of Willie Dixon. And while there is constant debate about where Robert Johnson is really from, should I be ashamed that I grew up in Crystal Springs, that I know his people, that I went to school with many of his relatives. And yet, after receiving a promise from
Steve Johnson, son of Claude Johnson, the son of Robert Johnson, that we would perform at the 2006 Robert Johnson Blues Festival held annually in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, I had to go the web to find the schedule already booked, and this, after I had spoke with Steve Johnson, who promised Osgood & Blaque a performance slot. I feel like the legendary B.B. King when he once said: "It seems they're going to have to pay to see" Osgood & Blaque. Oh yes, I am convinced that Osgood & Blaque will have their day!
ARTISTOPIA ALBUM RELEASE INTERVIEW WITH OSGOOD & BLAQUE BLUES BAND:
ARTICLE TEXT:
Q. To set the tone for the readers, how would you describe your sound?
A. Osgood & Blaque Blues Band has worked hard to produce a sound comparable to the sound that was prominent among the notable blues bands of the 1940s '50s an '60s. Our sound incorporates a heavy volume for just two people. We include drums, bass, horns, strings, organ, electric piano and a host of other instrument sounds that make our music sound good, and in doing so we use a technique that elevates that sound to the status and size of the bands that were prominent during the recording days of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Little Walter Jacobs, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Reed and others of the time. Rather than program our performances, like some keyboard performers do, we prefer to choose a preset rhythm on the keyboard and actually play along with it. So, we actually sound like a six-piece band, at the very least.
Q. So you are about to release a new album, tell us everything about it starting with the name of the album.
A. Our newest CD release is appropriately titled: Re-Birth of the Blues. This album contains several blues-oriented songs, flavored mostly with piano and harmonica overtones. It does have bass and drums in the rhythm, and horns and string accompaniment just like a band would. What we wanted to do when creating this album was to produce tracks that were complete with the elements of a full-size blues band, yet, retain the ability to play the song live and still sound like our recording. The inspiration for many of the songs spring from our experience living in and around the river regions of the Mississippi delta including Vicksburg and Crystal Springs. The blues influences evident in those areas during the early half of the twentieth century still exert a strong presence now. With regard to Re-Birth of the Blues, the feel and mood of the entire album itself is a reflection of that era. Osgood & Blaque was born in the dawn of this millenium. Re-Birth of the Blues is an explanation of that birth or re-birth of the blues. We've made it up in our minds that we are qualified enough to give blues lovers the kind of music they desire. We are very grateful to our fans who have spent thousands of dollars to support us. That shows that people love our music. The album contains seven fresh tracks filled with soul, rhythm, and blues. It's big. It's loud. It's live. When you hear it, you'll be holding on to your seat with both hands!
Q. Who else was involved in helping you bring this album to fruition?
A. As a solo performed for many years, I've recorded albums with some known studios in the Jackson, Mississippi area and met with notable quality. Financially however, many blues artist have felt the enormous pressure of hard times trying to keep work and be able to offer something to the public for sell so as to promote themselves and meet the needs of hard times. Cee and I decided this time to produce our own album using our own equipment, including a state-of-the-art quality mixer, cd burner, mics and so forth. Re-Birth of the Blues was actually produced in our very own studio room. All of the music was written, arranged and produced by myself and Blaque wrote the lyrics for the songs she performs. We write, arrange, record, produce and perform our own music. This is no disrespect to the music industry which has a host of good studio services available, but companies like Yamaha and others are manufacturing equipment that can be used to create and self-produce your own album for those who want to go the whole-nine-yards, as it were.
Q. What would you say some of the challenges you encountered in doing this album were?
A. People love our live performances. When you're at an Osgood & Blaque show, you might hear drums, bass, horns, organ, all that. One particular challenge was to get that same sound onto the recording. Now, some folks say that Blaque's harmonica does not sound like a harmonica. But a little research into the '50s era would explain that. Actually, Blaque's harmonica style has been compared to that of Louisiana born, Little Walter, who achieved a saxophone-like sound on his harmonica, that expressed his highly imaginative improvisations reminiscent of the bop jazz saxophonists of his day. When Blaque told me she wanted to play harmonica, I recall her words emphatically: "I don't want to sound like every other harmonica player on the block". Cross Harp Chronicles called Blaque's harmonica style "seductive". Blaque's harmonica style as portrayed on the CD is a reflection of her ability during our live shows. She brings to the performance a horn-like effect, which contributes much to our big-band sound.
Q. Can you give us some insight into where, what or who motivated you to do the album?
A. Our inspiration for creating Re-Birth of the Blues comes from several factors. We are continually progressing as soul/blues artists and as a small act with a big sound. Performance-wise, our main challenge was in making the transition from being known as a "good duo group" to being recognized as a "blues band". For decades, and maybe centuries, a band has been defined as an act of three pieces or more. But Webster's dictionary defines "band" as: "a group of musicians who play together". Osgood & Blaque consist of only two members who play together on a regular basis. Our performances include original and popular blues and soul from the big band era of blues, jazz and swing. In 2006, we were nominated by the Vicksburg Blues Society to participate in the International Blues Challenge held on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Joe Whitmer, director and coordinator of the event said regarding our performance: "I want to personally congratulate as well as thank you for making this years' challenge the best in history. You should be very proud of your performance on Beale Street! Everyone is raving about the great talent that you brought to town for the International Blues Challenge. My hat off to you". I would say that our main motivation continues to be our love for the blues, our fans, and our deep respect and admiration for the blues pioneers who paved the way blues to exist in our day.
Q. What would you say is the best single and why do you think it is?
A. Blaque loves "Walkin' My Way Back Home". I, [Osgood] personally love "My Blues". "My Blues" reminds you of a situation where you feel you're a qualified artist but get overlooked a lot by the music industry. A line from the song says: "It's too hot baby, I'm tired of bein' yo' fool. It's time for me to move on, pack my bags and 'my blues'." I believe that true pioneers don't wait around for somebody to grab them by the hand to take them somewhere. Even if "My Blues" or "Walkin' My Way Back Home" is not the popular favorite, we're still happy to be a part of the sensation that is bringing tremendous changes to the music industry, especially in the area of live performance here in Vicksburg, MS.
Q. Are you planning to produce videos for any of the songs on this album?
A. No. We have no immediate plans.
Q. Are you planning to tour to promote this album? If so, when and where will you be performing?
A. Yes. Our first performance of the year in Indianapolis, IN, was rescheduled so as soon as we get another date we'll post it. We''re at 88 Keys Entertainment Ballroom, Jackson, MS, Friday, Feb. 23; -the Vicksburg RiverFest Festival in Vicksburg, MS Friday, April 20; -the Robert Johnson Blues Festival in Hazlehurst, MS, May 5, -the Annual Mother's Day Blues Festival in Laurel, MS Saturday, May 13. Of course, we perform about 125 shows annually so we'll be here in Vicksburg every 1st Friday of the month at Borrello's [downtown]. Borrello's is the hottest spot located right off the Mississippi River, and host to many visitors arriving via the Queen Mary, the river cruise ship. We entertain guests from all over.
Q. So how do you see this album propelling your career in the music industry?
A. It is our desire to get a copy of Re-Birth of the Blues into the hands of as many people as possible. This album has been added to our catalogue of original works and we are proud to provide it to blues lovers the world over. In fact, it could be said that this album is a forerunner of what people and the music industry can expect of Osgood & Blaque in the future. Bill Dahl of the All Music Guide, described Memphis Slim as "a prolific artist who brought a brisk air of urban sophistication to his frequently stunning presentation. He was smart enough to take Big Bill Broonzy's early advice about developing a style to call his own to heart, instead of imitating that of his idol, Roosevelt Sykes. Soon enough, other were copying Slim rather than the other way around. His thundering ivories attack set him apart from most of his contemporaries, while his deeply burnished voice possessed a commanding authority." They say "big things come in small packages". How true. Osgood & Blaque Blues Band, though small in size, carries a "BIG" presence. Already, in our local territory, we've introduced a "brisk air" of sophistication, forcing big band groups to stand up and salute us for our hard work and magnificent performances. Carey Miller of The Planet Weekly in Jackson, MS said of us: "Undoubtedly some excellent local artists have slipped through the cracks". Ernest McBride of The Jackson Advocate stated: "Cee Blaque and her partner Greg Osgood are poised on the brink of something great in Vicksburg. And they are destined to make it big as God's loving hand extends to make this beautiful young flower blossom!" And Laughlin Fields of The Vicksburg Post admitted: "Osgood's keyboard and Blaque's harmonica, backed by their dual vocals, could easily be mistaken for a full-sized band". Joe Whitmer of the Blues Foundation took his hat off, so to speak. Of note also is the fact we've been performing at Borrello's for over three years and we've met thousands of people from all over the U.S. and other countries who have never seen anything like us. That means one thing: We have a style of our own. There's nobody doing what Osgood & Blaque is doing. Re-Birth of the Blues is Osgood & Blaque Blues Band at their best. It's just a matter of time, but I feel its the right time for Osgood & Blaque Blues Band, and we'll be here "come rain or come shine".
Q. And we can't forget to ask, of course, when and where can fans buy this album?
A. Re-Birth of the Blues is available now and can be purchased at CDBABY. Or, you can also go to Osgood & Blaque's personal website at www.gregoryosgood.com and you'll find the link to the cd, along with other important information.
Q. One last question for you: What other great things or projects can we look forward to hearing about from you in the future?
A. Ever since our partnership began in 2003, we've been working hard to introduce our original music and our style of performing to the music industry. We're scheduled to perform on the Robert Johnson Blues Festival, the Laurel Mother's Day Festival, and so forth. Fans can look forward to hearing more of our music on public and internet radio. Our music is being promoted in several countries including Czech, Poland, Canada, to name a few. Although we have no immediate plans for producing a video at this time, we have posted some for viewing on our website at www.gregoryosgood.com. We do our own thing. We write, record and perform our own music. We book our own shows. We promote our own concerts. We manage ourselves and do our own marketing. We do our own accounting, legal contracts and publishing. We sell our music on the internet, on the street, in the record stores and right out of the trunk. The best thing about that, is, that all the money we make goes straight to Osgood & Blaque. That's why we're indie artists. We'll keep on writing, recording, performing and promoting ourselves and hopefully, somebody in the music industry who thinks enough of us might come to the conclusion that there are some really talented indie artists out here who deserve some "real" attention. Osgood & Blaque Blues Band is the real deal. Every now and again somebody comes along who brings back to our minds that there is still some uncharted talent ready to explode on the music scene, and this is the moment for Osgood & Blaque. Of course, we'd like to thank you guys at Artistopia also for your help and support.
We would like to thank you for talking with us and we wish you all the best!
GREAT TALENT!:
"I want to personally congratulate as well as thank you for making this year's challenge the best in history. You should be very proud of your performance on Beale Street! Everyone is raving about the great talent that you brought to town for the International Blues Challenge. My hat off to you."
Osgood/Blaque Duo Band (Blues/Jazz/R&B)
Date Formed: April 2002
Genre: Blues/Jazz/R&B:
Principals: Greg Osgood, Keyboardist, Singer, Songwriter; Cee Blaque, Singer/Songwriter, Budding Harmonica Player.
Musical Influences Most Apparent In Your Sound: Osgood--Blues, Great And Vicksburg Native Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed, Roscoe Gordan,, Blaque –Koko Taylor, Dorothy Moore, Harmonica Playing Inspired From Listening To Bobby Rush Since The Early 70s.
Not So Apparent Musical Influences: Ray Charles, Rolling Pete, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Patrice Moncell
Non-Musical Influences/Inspirations: “Both Of Us Were Inspired By Our Late Mothers. They Saw The Potential In Us While We Were Young. They Sent Us To Piano Practice, And Encourage Us To Play And Sing."
FIRST FRIDAY:
First Friday weekend is back and in full force. In fact, Natchez Downtown Development Director Carrie Lambert said this weekend is going to be the best one ever. The staples of First Friday weekend that have been around since its genesis in March will be still be going on.
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today the Downtown Art Walk will be on Franklin and Main streets where local businesses will host local artists and offer refreshments. Lambert said 20 shops are participating in the art walk this month. “Some of the downtown shops are known for their incredible refreshments,” she said. What’s been added to this weekend-long event tonight is a street dance from 8 to 10 p.m. Lambert said the 300 block of Main Street will be blocked off and Andrew’s Tavern and Pearl Street Pasta have kicked in to be a part of the event, bringing in the band Osgood and Blacque for live music. “They play incredible music that you can’t help but up and move your feet to,” Lambert said.
Both Andrew’s and Pearl Street Pasta will be open for business, each having a special drink and a special dish, respectively, for the event itself. Lambert said both businesses are giving 10 percent of their sales to the Natchez Downtown Development to help out with funds. Lambert said she hopes the street dance is a success and will continue for the months to come.
ELECTRONIC PRESS LINK:
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