Add Some Jazz to Your Labor Day Weekend

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, a quintet with Kim Wilson leading on vocals and harmonica, features Johnny Moeller on guitar, Bob Welsh on piano and guitar, Rudy Albin on drums, and Steve Kirsty on bass.

Wilson’s blues journey started in the late 1960s, mentored by blues legends like Muddy Waters and influenced by harmonica greats such as Little Walter. Continuing his musical journey in Austin, Texas, Wilson formed the Fabulous Thunderbirds with Jimmie Vaughan, establishing themselves as a prominent blues act. Wilson’s powerful harmonica style earned him accolades, including a Blues Music Award in 2016.

While Moeller prominently known for his role in the Fabulous Thunderbirds, he also serves as the house guitarist for Severn Records, contributing his artful licks to albums by esteemed vocalists like Darrell Nulisch and Lou Pride, as well as harmonica virtuoso Steve Guyger. With three solo releases under his belt, including “The Return of the Funky Worm” and “Bloogalooin,” Moeller continues to enchant audiences with his dynamic performances.

Welsh, originally from Covington, LA, has become a fixture in the Bay Area’s roots music scene over the past two decades. Beginning with the Rusty Zinn band, Welsh has toured worldwide, supporting luminaries such as Charlie Musselwhite, John Nemeth, and Mark Hummel. His talent has garnered him two Grammy nominations for Best Traditional Blues Album as part of Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

Hailing from Vancouver, B.C., Albin boasts an impressive resume with notable collaborations including Jazz/Blues organist Jack McDuff and iconic orchestras such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. As a sought-after session drummer, Albin has lent his rhythmic expertise to the Brooklyn-based Daptone Retro Soul Label, touring and recording with acts like the Sugarman 3, Lee Fields, and The James Hunter 6, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres.

Meanwhile, Steve Kirsty, born in Schenectady, NY, and now residing in Jersey City, showcases his versatility as a bassist, saxophonist, and piano technician, with performances across America, Spain, and Israel and contributions to albums by various artists, underscoring his multifaceted talents in the music industry.

SuperBlue is a dynamic jazz band that brings together the extraordinary talents of guitarist Charlie Hunter and vocalist Kurt Elling. The band emerged as a creative collaboration, blending Hunter’s innovative guitar work and groovy bass lines with Elling’s rich, baritone voice and lyrical improvisation. Their partnership, marked by a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of jazz, led to the release of their self-titled album “SuperBlue” in 2021, which garnered critical acclaim for its fresh and eclectic sound. The album features a blend of jazz, funk, and soul, showcasing the seamless synergy between Hunter’s rhythmic precision and Elling’s vocal artistry. SuperBlue represents a confluence of two jazz virtuosos, each bringing their distinctive style and vast experience to create a sound that is both contemporary and rooted in jazz tradition. This collaboration not only highlights the versatility of Hunter and Elling but also sets a new standard for modern jazz ensembles.

Kurt Elling, born on November 2, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, is an acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter, renowned for his rich baritone voice and innovative approach to vocal jazz. Elling’s career began in the mid-1990s, and he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional technique, including his ability to scat sing and improvise lyrics. With his debut album, “Close Your Eyes,” he established himself as a formidable talent in the jazz world. Elling has since released numerous Grammy-winning and nominated albums, celebrated for their lyrical depth and sophisticated arrangements.

Charlie Hunter, born on May 23, 1967, in Rhode Island, is a renowned jazz guitarist and composer celebrated for his unique approach to the seven and eight-string guitar. Hunter’s innovative technique, allowing him to simultaneously play bass lines, chords, and melodies, has made him a standout figure in the jazz world. His career took off in the early 1990s with the formation of the Charlie Hunter Trio, and he quickly gained acclaim for his virtuosic performances and eclectic style, blending jazz, funk, blues, and rock influences. Over the years, Hunter has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Norah Jones, John Mayer, and Mos Def, and maintained a rigorous touring schedule.