The Portland Playlist welcomes Ty Curtis; Blues that make you feel good

Wednesday’s ‘The Portland Playlist’ was a Bluesy good time because Ty Curtis, Jerry Jacques, and Jeff Gray paid a visit to the studio to share music influences and original tracks, (recorded and live), off Ty’s latest album “Blame Me.”

Ty is one of those artists that exemplifies the word passion for his performances exude it in spades. The music explodes from his being and he willingly succumbs to its power. Released at last year’s Waterfront Blues Festival, “Blame Me,” is “packed with soul, blues and ripping guitar riffs. This latest effort also features some of the most heart-felt, emotion tugging vocals to come out in several years. It is a great addition to any blues rocker’s collection.” – Blues Rock Review, Dec. 2016

Ty Curtis Trio, photo by Teri Briggs

Ty’s music influences cross genres, elements of which you can hear in his own music. We listened to Sublime’s “Same in the End;” Chris Cain’s “Good Evening Baby;” Luciano’s “It’s Me Again;” ending with “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” from Jimi Hendrix. He first picked up the guitar at the age of 12 listening to his Dad teach guitar to his brother in the bedroom next to his. He spent hour upon hour studying the stylings of those he liked, sitting outside bars like Lefty’s in Salem when he was too young to enter, and taking to stages as soon as he could. His musicality is well beyond the age number that he is, and has earned him the respect of those much older.

Ty Curtis, photo by Teri Briggs

Moving on to the second half, we heard the recorded track Never Get My Love, from “Blame Me” before our favorite part of the show, the live performance. The band performed a more acoustic version of Back Again, Shake it Up, and Blame Me. We were also treated to a sneak peek of Hilo Lovin’, a new song they are working on for a hoped-for Hawaiian Island tour in May. To get the full band effect, we encourage you to get a copy of this album. It is a departure from his previous works in its diversity and is one you’re sure to love.

Ty Curtis, photo by Teri Briggs

You can watch video from his live performance here and here. Following his visit in our studio, he and the band went to Blackwell’s for Dave Kahl’s weekly Soul Cookin’ jam which you can view here and here. They played to a packed house of Blues fans with a stage full of local talent: Dave, Lloyd Jones, Brian Foxworth, Dover Weinberg, and Peter Dammann.

Ty Curtis, photo by Teri Briggs

Despite their geographical separation (Hawaii, Austin, and Vancouver), they manage to have a busy touring schedule. They will be in Texas for the remainder of January before coming back to the Northwest for a busy February. Be sure to follow them on their website or Facebook so you don’t miss a chance to see them. A Ty Curtis Band performance is one you need to see – it will rock you to your core, spin you around, and leave you begging for more.

Jeff Gray, photo by Teri Briggs

Jerry Jacques, photo by Teri Briggs

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Ty Curtis, Jerry Jacques, Jeff Gray, photo by Teri Briggs

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Teri Briggs

Teri Briggs can usually be found pedaling around town, behind the lens of her camera, or at one of the many local music venues in town. She also has a fondness for volunteering for good causes, promoting her favorite bands on her music page, and dressing up in a tutu.

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