This is the real deal - The Blues the way it's supposed to be played - the way it's supposed to be enjoyed - in a setting that is, and has been, home to the blues throughout it's history. Theres not much difference between the juke joints of the Delta, the lounges of Chicago's West and South sides, the bars in East Oakland and every other town where working folks gather to unwind, socialize, dance and have fun!

The Bocce Club is one of those places.

On this September night in 1978 some of the best blues musicians on the planet gathered to celebrate the marriage of Joan and George Nicholas and the reunion of Guitar Johnny, Big Walter and Ronnie Earl along with Sugar Ray and his great band. Oh yeah, and about 150 of their closest friends (the Bocce Club only holds 75 people). Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy-this is the blues, the Real Deal.

Listen carefully at the end of Breakin' with the Earl, you'll hear an estatic fan exclaim: "This is Rhode Island?!?!" Yeah, this was the blues in R.I..

The Artists:

Big Walter Horton - Vocals & Harp

John "Guitar Johnny" Nicholas - Vocals & Guitar

Ronnie "Youngblood" Earl - Guitar

Sugar Ray Norcia - Vocal (Every Day I Have The Blues)

Chromatic Harmonica (That's Why I'm Cryin)

Ted Harvey - Drums

Mudcat Ward - Bass

Anthony Giarossi - Piano