It was this time last year when local Boogie Woogie Blues pianist Ricky Nye brought his musical pals from France to the U.S. for a series of local/regional tour dates to promote Ville du Bois, the album they recorded during one of Nye’s frequents treks to Europe three years ago. Tonight at the Southgate House’s Juney’s Lounge, the international quartet kicks off a new string of shows to support its self-titled sophomore release, Ricky Nye & the Paris Blues Band.
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For the new album (with cover art designed by Lance Kaufman from local faves the Stardevils), Nye re-teamed with his usual deft overseas crew — Anthony Stelmaszack (guitar/vocals), Thibaut Copin (upright bass/harmonica/vocals) and Simon “Shuffle” Boyer (drums). Like Ville du Bois, the new album had a quick turnaround, recorded during Nye’s most recent run of shows in France in late January. That’s no small feat considering how tight Nye’s performance schedule was — besides the Paris Blues Band dates, Nye joined his rhythm section for shows with a couple of their projects (Nico and the Rhythm Dudes and the Drew Davies Rhythm Combo).
Nye and his Paris Blues Band’s local tour schedule is equally packed. After tonight’s free show at the Southgate, the quartet’s Greater Cincinnati tour continues Saturday at The Blue Bar in Covington’s Mainstrasse district. From there, the tour hits the Big Song Music House in Oxford (May 10), Covington’s Chez Nora (May 11), beloved Jazz/Blues hotspot Gilly’s in Dayton (May 12), the Rabbit Hash Barn Dance in Rabbit Hash, Ky. (May 13) and McAuley High School (opening for acclaimed Blues artist Marcia Ball, May 14).
The Boogie express’ last stop is in Covington, where Nye and Co. perform a set for the annual Maifest’s closing day. Ricky Nye & the Paris Blues return to Mainstrasse to play the festival’s Trestle Stage on May 15 at 3 p.m.
Keep an eye on Ricky’s website and Facebook page for any last-minute schedule adjustments and where/when you’ll be able to order the new album online.
Below is a clip from RN&PBB's January tour, filmed at Caveau de la Huchette in Paris.
