Mr Downchild

Saturday , June 22, 2002
12:00 am
Location: Elderly Instruments
in-store performance (free)

A rising artist on the American blues scene, Mr. Downchild writes and sings down to earth songs with a passionate, gritty voice. He is known for his deep-toned, heavily amplified harmonica sound. His Mississippi-style electric slide guitar rips like a buzz saw. His acoustic prowess was praised in Detroit Blues Magazine: "This man is one hell of an artist on the National steel guitar." His debut CD, "They Call Me Mr. Downchild," featured the legendary Robert Lockwood Jr.as a special guest. Mr. Downchild will play a free, acoustic-solo, in-store performance at Elderly Instruments, (1100 N. Washington, Lansing) at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22. He will also play full shows on Friday and Saturday June 21 & 22 at Jambalaya’s in Laingsburg. Downchild was born Stephen Brazier in 1950 in London England. His parents were pals of American airmen stationed nearby. The Yanks proved to be an excellent source for rock’n’roll and blues records. Downchild learned the songs and entered and won talent contests. He knew then, at the ripe young age of five, that he would be an entertainer. When he saw Sonny Boy Williamson, he knew he wanted to be a blues man. He bought a harmonica, and formed his first band in 1966. In 1970 he discovered delta-style open tunings and started leaning slide guitar. In 1985 Mr. Downchild came to the US and settled in Cleveland, establishing himself firmly in the Cleveland music scene. Scene Magazine voted They Call Me Mr. Downchild the top CD of 1994, calling it "a fine collection of direct, honest originals that pay homage to their classic roots." Jazz & Blues Report said of Downchild: "Easy, naturally delivered vocals and strong, full-bodied playing, reminiscent of Little Walter." This year Downchild released a live solo CD. Mr. Downchild at Western Maryland Blues Festival captures him playing harmonica, National resonator guitar and footboard on ten tracks of originals and classic blues tunes. Both of Mr. Downchild’s CDs, as well as his custom harmonica microphone, are available at Elderly Instruments.

Check out recordings we carry featuring Mr Downchild