Hearing Macy Blackman is like stepping into an uptown New Orleans club such as the Dew Drop Inn circa 1955. Indeed, he's been playing this music since it really wasn't very old.
While in high school, Macy formed The Evergreens, a band which specialized in backing up classic R&B groups such as the Orlons, and Lee Andrews and the Hearts. He moved to New York City in 1966 where he lived until 2000, playing in every imaginable capacity. A renowned musicologist, Macy moved to San Francisco to teach courses at UC Berkeley that explored major American musical styles of the twentieth century - rhythm and blues, swing and classic jazz.
Macy and his band are set to release their latest CD, titled Shoorah Shoorah - The Songs of Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint - a tribute to the music and genius of the Soul Queen and King of New Orleans. Ahead of the CD Release Concert this weekend in Berkeley, Macy and some of the Mighty Fines join host Devon Strolovitch live in the studio this Wednesday 3/15 at 9 pm.