An enthusiastic crowd had fun dancing and listening to Mississippi soul bluesman Johnny Rawls Friday night at Suite 147 in Plaza Palomino.
Rawls and a three-piece band played the traditional deep soul blues that has made him famous over the years as part of the Rhythm & Roots Concert Series.
"I love the desert atmosphere. It's a great place and a good entertainment city that people really don't know about," Rawls said.
Rawls took up the guitar when he was 12 and has played with many great artists, including Little Milton and BB King, throughout his career.
"When you play with Johnny you're only one degree of separation from the really greats," said Tucsonan Alex Flores, who accompanied Rawls on the saxophone Friday. "It's always thrilling to play with Johnny."
Rawls has recorded 13 albums, and his 2007 release, "Heart and Soul," won Best Soul Blues Album of the Year from The Blues Foundation.
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"Our mission is for people to have the chance to see a major act in an intimate venue, up close and personal," said Jonathan Holden, producer of the concert series. "It's a real joy to be able to see someone in a living room setting."
Rhythm and Roots has produced its concert series since 1998. The organization has put on more than 20 shows this year in Tucson.
"I love seeing a big star in a small venue because you can just watch the musicians do their thing on stage, and that to me is very precious," said Marie O'Hagin, who danced all night long.
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More info
For more information about the Rhythm & Roots Concert Series go to www.rhythmandroots.org or call 319-9966.
James S. Wood is a Tucson freelance photographer.
