I was in the mood for some blues last night – the holidays have been quite stressful this year and I hoped that hearing the blues would lift my spirits.  It did that and more!

I first saw Sue Foley perform almost twenty years ago at Antone’s in Austin, Texas, and loved her. I saw her again at a blues festival in New Hampshire about eleven years ago and not since. I had never heard of Peter Karp, but figured since he and Sue have partnered, he had to be good.  Johnny D’s is quite possibly my favorite venue in the Boston area and was the perfect place to host this terrific blues band.

Peter and Sue

It was a wonderful, mellow evening – mellow because the audience was, not because the performers were. As soon as they took the stage and launched into their set, I could see the chemistry between Peter and Sue. The way they looked at each other and moved around the stage together made that obvious.

Peter and Sue

Anyone who plays the resonator guitar garners a special place in my musical heart, and Peter is no exception.

Peter

Much of their set (which was too short, in my opinion) was taken from the “Beyond the Crossroads” album they released in 2012. The song I liked best was “Analyze’n Blues” but there wasn’t a weak song in the set.

Peter and Sue

Their band is very tight. Niles Terrat plays bass and acts as the road manager. Michael Catapano is on the drums and is also a backup singer. Both provide backbone to the music.

Niles Terrat

Michael Catapano

They unfortunately had to leave the stage after about 85 minutes because there was a late set by another band. I had the opportunity to chat with Sue and Peter for a few minutes after the show – they are wonderful people with big hearts who simply want to share their music. Sue, I will be ordering your CDs as I promised! Next time I see you, I’ll get them signed.