A dollop of Janis Joplin, a slice of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a big load of soulful individuality. That’s Wonderland, a seething-hot Texas singer-guitarist. And she can write too. ~ Boston Herald

Early Sunday Morning

The alarm accidentally went off at 5:00 am, the same time it usually does every weekday morning. Reaching quickly to stop the shrilling sound, I felt a cool sense of ease knowing I didn’t have to get up if I didn’t want to. Of course Lucille, my golden retriever was now sitting beside the bed panting and looking at me with that hopeful gaze. She had different ideas, and preferred I didn’t sleep in on my birthday.

Getting up, I carefully shut the bedroom door trying not to wake my wife TBBW. I went outside onto the deck and collected my thoughts. It was still too early for some of the projects that needed to be done, and the cool summer breeze wasn’t going to last too long today… So I loaded some tunes on my MP3 player from two of Carolyn Wonderland’s CD’s; Miss Understood from 2008 and an earlier one entitled Bloodless Revolution. I grabbed Lucille’s leash and we headed out on our morning jaunt.

My thoughts then turned to how impressed I was with Wonderland’s talent and driving energy. And how lucky people seeing her perform at The San Jose Jazz Fest on Sunday August 15th were; especially those who may be unfamiliar.

Carolyn Wonderland

Wonderland is an outstanding and versatile artist. Not exactly a stranger to the music world, (especially around Texas) she has developed into an incredibly talented singer, songwriter and guitarist who can definitely groove.

“I still get to play most every night, so the adventure continues. Every musical interlude is a new page, another chance to jump into the Ether.” ~Carolyn Wonderland

Along the way Wonderland has generated fans like Bob Dylan and Ray Benson, founder of Asleep at the Wheel. She has been a collaborator with Benson for many years, and he produced her latest CD Miss Understood. Wonderland also gives credit to Austin singer/songwriter Terri Hendrix for inspiration and covers two Hendrix songs on the album.

Carolyn likes to weave different styles from the blues, to country, soul, gospel and some swing to her repertoire; creating catchy soulful tunes along the way.

Born Nov 9th, 1972 in Houston Texas, she first started writing songs while in elementary school at the age of eight. Growing up with music in her blood, Carolyn picked up her mother’s forbidden Martin guitar whenever she’d get the opportunity; further cementing her passion.

Over the years Wonderland has toured with blues greats like Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter, and jammed with mentors and friends like Bob Dylan, Eddy Shaver and Ray Benson. She’s also co-written songs with Ruthie Foster, Candye Kane and Guy Forsyth.

Wonderland’s virtuosity has earned her an appearance on Austin City Limits. Carolyn has also had her music used on NBC’s “Homicide” and Fox’s “Time of Your Life.” At the 2007 inaugural Road To Austin festival, she was accompanied by Bonnie Raitt, and performed to high praise with Kris Kristofferson and Delbert McClinton, backed by Stephen Bruton’s all-star band.

Her Resume Includes Many Awards Like:

Best Female Vocalist – 2009 Austin Music Awards
Best Blues Band – 2009 Austin Music Awards
Best Female Vocalist – 2000 Houston Press Music Awards
Best Blues Songwriter of the Year – 1999 Houston Press Music Awards
Best Blues Band – 1996 Public News Music Awards

And that’s just to name to a few…

SAN JOSE JAZZ FEST

is a 23 year old mission-driven arts organization that produces culturally diverse performance and educational programs designed to build a stronger, more vibrant cultural atmosphere in San Jose and the Silicon Valley. In 1989 the organization produced its first jazz festival, and in 1993 produced its first youth education program. Today the organization is a well-managed, year-round arts organization that produces 9 educational and 4 performance programs annually. San Jose Jazz brings music to over 5,700 school children a year, and produces hundreds of concerts and events.

With this year’s festival and the many acts it features, including class performers like Carolyn Wonderland, the future has never looked brighter. If you’re in the San Jose area next weekend, make sure you stop by The Blues Stage on Sunday August 15th and catch Carolyn and her band.

Several Hours Later

The music from this morning’s outing continued to play as I walked back into the house. While taking my earphones off, I looked up and there was TBBW and my son smiling and waiting with a fresh cup of coffee and a small gift in hand… Taking a sip of my coffee, you could hear Lucille take a deep expressive sigh of relief as she found a cool spot on the kitchen tile to chill. Hmm, perhaps the alarm this morning wasn’t an accident after all.

Is there anyone who is going to the San Jose Jazz Fest next weekend? Are you planning on stopping by and catching Carolyn Wonderland? If you are, I’d love to hear your comments regarding the show or her music in general.

Hope your summer is going well,

The Blues Blogger

“The blues are an integral part of jazz and all music today,” Over the past 20 years, San Jose Jazz has presented some of the greatest blues talent in the world and this year is no exception. This year’s line-up will please everyone from the casual listener to the most avid blues fan.” ~ Bruce Labadie, festival director

Blues Stage Showcases Rising Talent and Audience Favorites

I wanted to briefly mention to TheBluesBlogger readers that if you happen to live or be in the San Jose area this weekend Aug-7-9, 2009, then you don’t want to miss The 20th Annual San Jose Jazz Festival. The festival features world-class blues acts on the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez as well as an entire stage dedicated to blues located on San Fernando Street between Almaden Boulevard and Guadalupe Parkway.

The blues kick-start the festival Friday night with Leroy Bell and His Only Friends, and continue on the Main Stage Saturday with Black Joe Lewis, rising sensation from Austin, Texas… Bettye LaVette headlines the Blues Stage at 7 pm on Sunday, August 9th. An incredibly inspiring and soulful singer, LaVette brings her unique voice to the climax of the Blues Stage on Sunday night.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by Bay Area favorite Chris Cain. Black Joe Lewis makes a second appearance on the Blues Stage on Saturday as well. Inspired by the sounds of Otis Redding, Lightnin’ Hopkins and James Brown, his brash style will generate lots of energy and character to already colorful event… Lara Price and JC Smith will bring their powerful music to the festival over the weekend. Some of the best blues harmonica players in the Bay Area will also be featured in the Harmonica Blowout.

The Blues Stage

is sponsored by Budweiser, Stella Artois and KKUP-FM radio. The stage operates Saturday from 1 pm to 10 pm. And Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm. Admission to the festival is only $15 a day.

Saturday August 8th

1pm: Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88′s
3pm: The Lara Price Blues Revue
5pm: JC Smith Allstars w/Fillmore Slim, John Broadway Tucker/Pat Wilder
7pm: Black Joe Lewis
9pm: Chris Cain

Sunday August 9th

1pm: Tip of the Top
3pm: Harmonica Revue featuring Gary Smith, Aki Kumar/David Barrett
5pm: Ron Thompson and the Resisters
7pm: Bettye LaVette

Summer is a memorable time of season for music. And my favorite part is the variety of festivals/events that take place. Events like The San Jose Jazz Fest help capture those special moments when you see a great band you’re familiar with, or the fantastic feeling of discovering a new talent you least expected… Will you get the opportunity to checkout the festival this year? Have you ever been to this event in the past? If not, now’s your chance… Please feel free to add your comments below.

TheBluesBlogger

About San Jose Jazz

San Jose Jazz, producer of the annual AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival, is a public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting jazz through performance and education to enrich the lives of people in Silicon Valley. Proceeds from the performances help to support San Jose Jazz’s education and outreach programs as well as other year-round performances throughout Silicon Valley. For more on San Jose Jazz, please visit their website: jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org