Blues Giants Rogers And Buffalo Cross Paths
It is a rare treat to say the least: the dynamic duo of Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo in the same room, on stage, together.
Alone they are blues favorites, each a master of his craft, a consummate performer and nationally recognized musician.
But together? Well, Rogers probably puts it best: “It’s just one of those combinations - one of those really rare musical combinations - where the sparks fly.”
Buffalo and Rogers come together Saturday at The Met for their first performance together in Spokane in almost four years.
“We don’t get a chance to do this too often, but when we do we certainly have a lot of fun,” Rogers says.
And it’s no wonder we don’t see them together often. Separately, these guys are busy enough for a whole gaggle of musicians.
Rogers - known for his superior slide guitar work and his deft hand as a producer - splits his time between playing music with his band and tweaking albums for the likes of John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. In fact, the Rogers-produced album “Friends Of Mine” by Elliott has just been nominated for a Grammy. In the past, Rogers has helped four of John Lee Hooker’s albums land Grammy nominations (two of which went on to receive the award.)
Of late he’s been playing in support of his own superb album “Pleasure and Pain.” He has also begun performing with and producing an album for Shana Morrison (Van Morrison’s daughter.)
As for Buffalo, critics regard him as one of the most dynamic and talented harmonica players in the industry. A member of The Steve Miller Band, he has also performed and recorded with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash and the Doobie Brothers. He’s shopping his latest album to various record labels.
The two men - both from the Bay Area - met in the mid-‘70s and decided to perform as a duo in the mid-‘80s. They recorded a couple of records together - releasing “R&B” in 1991 and “Travelin’ Tracks” in 1992.
Rogers says it’s the crackling chemistry between him and Buffalo that’s the core of their live performances.
“It’s really a different kind of a show for a lot of people to see. We’re both kind of jostling with each other musically. We’re improvising and, within the material we do, its a very high-energy. That propels the music to a pretty intense level.”
The show at The Met Saturday begins at 8 p.m. with Paul Brasch opening the evening. Doors open at 7 p.m. with cocktails served in the lobby. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $14 at the door, available through G&B Select-A-Seat, 325-SEAT or (800) 325-SEAT.