"A Bobby Bland Song Book" was arranged and conducted by Wardell Quezergue.
Wardell is the greatest undescovered arranger, producer, band leader and maestro of New Orleans
music. He made people sound good and then they became famous. From the Dixie Cups "Ico" and "Going
to the Chappel" to King Floyd's "Groove Me", from Gene Night's "Mr Big Stuff" and Dorothy Moore's
"Misty Blue" to Robert Parker's "Bare Footin", he could make a band kick better than anybody.-------
Dr. John----------
SPANISH TOWN BALL with STEVE CROPPER, JIMMY HALL and LEROUX
----------------------------The Bobby Bland Songbook
Luther Kent caps a forty plus year career as a roots artist with a deft re-imagination of the Bobby Bland canon into blues-tinged big band standards with help from charts by New Orleans arranging legend Wardell Quezergue.
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Luther Kent was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. At age 14 Luther began singing professionally and signed with Louisiana based Montel Records. His first record was released under the name of Duke Royal, and the song was "I Wanna Know". Luther toured the country for a three year period while being managed by Walt Daisy who also handled Wayne Cochran & the C.C.Riders.
In 1970 Luther became lead singer for a group who previously was the rhythm section for Atlantic records at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida. This group became known as "Cold Grits" who was signed to Lou Adlers Ode Records in Los Angeles. Personal problems erupted within the group and Luther became bound to a lengthy contract. Shortly after the breakup of "Cold Grits" Luther was asked to come aboard as new lead singer for "Blood, Sweet & Tears". He did their world tour dates in 1974-75 and part of 76. During this time he learned he would not be granted a release from Ode records, therefore he was never allowed to record with the world famous group.
Luther now went solo to record his first album at Abby Road studios in London, England. The album is call "Luther Kent World Class" The album featured the Brecker Brothers with members from the London symphony and the London Philharmonic and was arranged by Dell Newman.
In 1978 Luther teamed up with former musical director for Wayne Cochran, Charlie Brent. They formed a large New Orleans horn band which became known as "Luther Kent & Trick Bag". This became the after hours band for many named artists to sit in with, whenever they were visiting New Orleans. Some of these artists included big names such as; Boz Scaggs, B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Slim Harpo, Jimmy Page, Bonnie Bramlett, Greg Allman, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Stevie Winwood, Bo Diddley, Dr. John, Rita Coolidge, Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, ZZ Top, Rickie Lee Jones, Mick Fleetwood, Billy Preston, Ernie K-doe, Mike Post, Average White Band, AL Hirt, Billy Ekstein and Pete Fountain. Many good times were had while listening to Big Luther and told in such books later written by Jimmy Buffet and football great, Kenny "The Snake" Stabler. Luther was also written up in another book titled, " Up From The Cradles of Jazz".
During the ten year period of "Trick Bag" Luther released 3 CD's while winning a Cleo award with another Louisiana artist known to many as John Fred of "Judy In Disguise" fame. From doing many radio & TV commercials Luther is also a multi "Addy" award winner. In 1987 Dallas based Independent record promoter Ernie Phillips signed Luther to FM records. Ernie immediately introduced Luther to Grammy Award winning producer Mike Post who produced the album "Past Due". Mike being one of the hottest producers of TV themes later cast Luther in a singing role of the show "COP ROCK".
Sendin' love your way BIG man with that Big smile and voice! I am up at the San Juan De Fucas Straights with some family....lovin' your music and on our way soon to see some old blues pals. I am a long way from home but way'll worth the journey. Wish you and the boys were with us to boogie and bluseify our souls!
Just wanted to stop by and say hello, hello.....hope all is well and miss hearing you...hope to see you sooner or later...wishing you a great lazy blues Sunday meme
Luther, I've been backing up singers for almost 40 years. I never got to play inyour band, but I've stood next to you onstage and played backup during your performances. I've backed two singers who have absolutely slayed me - Johnny Mathis and Luther Kent. If you ever get to see Johnny, do so. He's as good as it gets right now. I played for two years with Frank Sinatra. Frank's charisma and style are unmatched, but Luther Kent is the singer that hits me hard. It's why I want to play. Randy
"DON'T CRY NO MORE, WIPE AWAY YOUR TEARS,I KNOW YOUR FRIENDSHIP IS REAL,I KNOW YOUR FRIENDSHIP IS TRUE" well ok I changed a few words, You made Barbaras day, her heart rate went up, where it should be, Luther you are a true friend and a REAL PERSON...until we meet again, look for us THREE, THAT SECOND LINE only to your music once again...thank you and you know what I mean to be in New Orleans...Barb was so tickled, laughed, she felt so important, thank you so much Luther, we love you, YOU just don't know...thank you........cathy(meme)
Spring has Sprung Luther and the Boogie is Alive and Well when you throw down your Groove on this Groove Train, let your Mojo be unleashed and we all shall be enriched to what the Boogieman would call Major Flow!
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