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Anson
and the Rockets Shoot Through the Ameristar Casino
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By
Shannon
 On
Friday, October 24, I saw the musical experience
of Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets performing
their Texas jump blues at the Bottleneck Blues
Bar in St. Charles, Missouri. The band includes
Anson Funderbrugh on lead guitar, Sam Myers on
lead vocals and harp, John Street on piano, Wes
Starr on drums, and Eric Przygocki on bass. However,
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that St.
Louis’s own Dick Pruitt from the Belairs
was sitting in on bass due to an unforeseen accident
Mr. Przygocki encountered on the tour. The dance
floor was hopping and the place was jam packed
when I arrived at 9:30 pm. They are promoting
their tenth album release, “Which Way Is
Texas”.
Photo
by Shannon |
Photo
by Shannon |
Photo
by STLBlues |
I must say that I was a bit disappointed
last time I saw the band since it was at Generations.
The band was first-rate, but the atmosphere left
something to be desired. It was the opposite at
the casino. I had a great time and the band sounded
incredible. Anson’s playing is dazzling and
Sam Myers lays down some tasty harmonica stylings
and vocals. They present quite the blues team
with an excellent band keeping it all in check.
I don't recall the dance floor being empty during
any one song. The crowd was enjoying it and the
atmosphere at the Bottleneck is surprisingly bluesy
for a casino when it's swarming with music lovers.
The best (and unbelievable part) of the whole
experience was that it was free to see these guys
play! I was satisfied at the end of the night
with my autographed copy of the new album, which
smokes, by the way, and a good-bye to the band.
Photo
by STLBlues |
Photo
by STLBlues |
Photo
by STLBlues |
I did get a chance to speak briefly
with Anson and John about St. Louis and their
music. Both said they enjoyed playing here, but
casino gigs can be tricky. Anson was a very laid-back
guy with a Texan accent and the southern hospitality
to go with it. He expressed his fondness for the
blues fans here and appreciated the support. The
band is in town playing the casino through Sunday,
along with making an appearance at BB’s for
Henry Townsend’s birthday party. From here,
they head to Louisville, Kentucky for the next
stop. You can visit AnsonandtheRockets.com
for updates, merchandise, and tour information!
~ Shannon
Shannon
has
been busy covering the St. Louis Blues scene,
you'll likely see her around town. The Illinois
scene, the St. Charles scene......if there's good
Blues music to be found, she's on the scene! Member
of the STLBlues Street
Team
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