Behind the Scenes – Meet Silent Partners!
The 2024 Cool Blues Show features five world-renowned blues musicians, food trucks, an art installation, artisan vendors, games, the Expedia Cruises Blues & Brew Beer Garden with beer by Trading Post and the hangout area by Freybe Gourmet Foods, and more!
It’s all happening on July 26, 2024 from 4-11pm at Fort Langley Community Park!
Our incredible line-up features:
Tom Lavin & The Legendary Powder Blues Band
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Miss Emily
Silent Partners, a tribute to B.B. King
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
We sat down with each of the five headliners to find out more about them, what inspires them, how they got started and more. Check out all the blogs here → https://www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com/news
This week, we caught up with Tony Coleman and Russell Jackson of Silent Partners!!
Silent Partners are bringing back the legendary sounds of B.B. King at the Cool Blues Show!
This band knows their B.B. King…Tony Coleman (drums and vocals) played with B.B. King for 30 years and Russell Jackson (bass and vocals) played with B.B. King for seven years!
We're stoked that they'll be joined by Yuji Ihara (guitar), Brad Shigatata (trombone), Vince Mai (trumpet), and our very own Dave Quinn (sax)!
Their recently recorded album “Changing Times” marks a musical journey spanning over five decades.
Read the full interview below!
Introducing Silent Partners!
1. How old were you when you first started playing?
Tony: As long as I can remember! When I was four years old, I had a little drum that I played. That's all I wanted to do. I used to draw pictures of drums. The first gig I had, at around 14 years old, was playing with a disc jockey and I played drums to the song. Had to play with the record - I was learning by doing that. Then I joined a 15-piece soul band in the community when I was 17 years old.
Russell: in 1974. I was 20 years old.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
Tony: Inspired by anybody and everybody that plays music and drums.
Russell: BB King and Muhammad Alli.
3. How did Silent Partners form?
Tony and Russell: We played with B.B. for many years, but we actually met each other in the U.S. Army in 1974.
Along with our other army friend, Welton Everette, we formed the band Solid Funk and performed in Kansas City alongside musicians like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. We later joined Otis Clay's band in Chicago and caught the eye of B.B. King!
Silent Partners was formed with Mel Brown and Andrew “Jr. Boy” Jones years after leaving King, and although we took a hiatus in 1990, we can thank keyboardist Jim Pugh for encouraging the band to reunite in 2022.
4. What inspires you to make and perform music?
Tony: Just hearing it - the music. I've never had a lesson. When I heard a beat as a kid, I'd tap my hands to whatever I heard and I'm like that today.
Russell: The way it makes people feel good and the instant gratification.
5. What advice would you give a young musician starting out?
Tony: Don't take yourself too seriously. Have a backup plan in case you don't make it.
Russell: Follow your heart, and have a game plan.
6. What do you do when you're not playing music?
Tony: Golf, model trains, drawing, painting and being on my tractor.
Russell: Hanging with my family, watching some sports and playing poker.
Learn more about Silent Partners here → https://littlevillagefoundation.com/silent-partners/
Get your tickets!
Group tickets: Buy 5 tickets and get 1 FREE (that’s a savings of $65!)!
VIP Experience: For $89.50, you’ll receive an exclusive VIP entrance, reserved premium seating (BYO chair/blanket), VIP line access at the beer garden, backstage Meet & Greet with Blues Show headliners, and a 10% discount on festival tees!
Regular tickets: $65
Get your tickets here → https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2024-cool-blues-show-tickets-764908400617