Boz Scaggs, his band and his music arrived in Chattanooga to see those who know him and his songs, but more so his impact on the music world. “Look What You’ve Done to Me” brings out a passionate romantic bluesy jazz mood. Yes, the fans attending for the most part were over 40’s but young people should research some of the quality singers/songwriters from the national level that fill the Chattanooga music venues - llike a young Jason Isbell from last week’s performance will certainly make his mark in music history of the modern age. The 60’s through 80’s influence of Boz Scaggs' music is still enduring into today’s charts with many younger songwriters and artists. His music, songs and style are carefully studied by wanna be artists striving for the same levels of recognition and achievement. Scoring the music to the levels Boz Scaggs has achieved was a long road to get from Haight-Asbury to Chattanooga’s Tivoli in 2015.
Boz was born in 1944 and he calls Plano, Texas his home. His music interest started at a very young age of 12, when he picked up his first guitar. During high school he became friends with Steve Miller and ended up singing vocals in The Steve Miller band, The Marksmen, in 1959. They both ended up attending the same college playing in several blues bands while in school. After college, he moved to London UK then Switzerland playing in blues bands. His first solo vinyl album “Boz” was released in 1965.
My attempt here is to set the scene for what was the beginning of the rock music that began to make an impact on the social and political environment of pretty turbulent times in America. Boz, during 1967, moved back to the U.S. and ended up in the Summer of Love at Haight-Asbury (San Francisco) during a time when there were more Psychedelic Shacks than coffeehouses. It was during this time he reconnected with Steve Miller and performed on The Steve Miller Band “Children of the Future” and Sailor” - both released about 1968. Boz began with a solo record deal with Atlantic Records in 1969 with a self-titled album “Boz Scaggs”. Rising musicians Duane Allman, Eddie Hinton and others started taking notes and praising his work. Boz later moved over to Columbia Records producing more albums (Moments & Slow Dancer). He began to signature his music as “blue-eyed soul genre.” In 1976, he broke into mainstream with his 7th album “Silk Degrees" hitting the chart in the No 2 spot and three top 40 singles. Boz's single “Lowdown” still gets air play .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-hKBmTAADo The song won a Grammy Award for the Best R&B song.
In 1977, his album “Down Two Then Left” reached 11 on the charts. In 1980, “LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWrbelCfMvc reached 14 on the Pop charts. Taking a hiatus most of the 80’s he returned in 1988 with another album “Other Roads.” Today, he continues to work on music projects and is very active on the Live music scene with about 100 concert dates in 2015, not bad for a young man of 71 showing no signs of slowing down. His singing was flawless and his hands on the guitar were tight as if it was his true comfort zone.
The fans gave Boz Scaggs and his seven-piece band one heck of a standing ovation. Those who missed the show, check out the photos and also his music on YouTube and iTunes.
Boz Scagg’s bio info provided by www.songkick.com , www.bozscaggs.comwww.facebook.com/BozScaggsMusic/ Photos provided by www.Facebook.com/ChattanoogaLiveMusic/ www.chattanoogaonstage.com www.acentertainment.com
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Mark A Herndon, certified professional geologist and professional photographer grew up in Chattanooga area, graduated from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. He is the Entertainment and Chattanooga cityscape/event photographer affiliated with Chattanoogan.com and contributor to magazines, venues and various festivals including Riverbend Festival, Nightfall Music Series, Road To Nightfall, Riverfront Nights, Southern Brewery Festival, Roof Top Hop, Wine Over Water, Tivoli Theatre Foundation, AC Entertainment and other events. Check out more at www.facebook.com/chattanoogalivemusic Email atMAHerndon@ChattanoogaLiveMusic.com