DESCRIPTION:
Marty Christian and Joe Edward Live for the "Blues on the Bowery" at the Trails Country Center for the Arts in Winnsboro, TX. June, 2007. Video produced by Conrad Wolfman.

Blues on the Bowery - Concert Review
Winnsboro Today, Winnsboro, TX
Fans of the Blues had a real treat on Saturday, June 23, as the Trails Country Centre for the Arts in Winnsboro hosted Marty Christian and "Joe the Washboard Musician" for an evening of exceptional music.

Marty lives in Lafayette, LA where he was one of the lead vocalists for Thomas Big Hat Fields Zydeco Band in 2003. After collaborating with Fields for over two years, Marty began to focus on his own songwriting and powerful acoustic shows that often feature the well-seasoned accompaniment of Zydeco/Blues veteran Joseph Edward on washboard (formerly of Clifton Chenier, C.J. Chenier, Thomas Fields and Rockin Dopsie.)

Joe has been playing music for "long about 56, 57 years now." He said he learned a "little bit here and a little bit there."

He also said that you really have to listen to the music. "If you hear it and think you can do it, then just do it. But you do have to practice."

It was obvious that Marty and Joe could hear the music deep inside as they performed and they were really connected through the music. It was like a conversation, with each one acknowledging the other and picking up on their lead. At one point Marty said one of the best things that happened to him was meeting Joe about four years ago. "The first time I saw him perfom, I had to stay to the end of the last set. He's amazing, and I'm honored to share the stage with him."

Marty also joked about some lady in Tyler that maybe Joe would like to see again, but Joe didn't commit himself.

The patter was fun, but the music was even better. Some people just play a guitar, but Marty gives it life. It's like the guitar is a third performer, with Marty coaxing the music out and drawing the audience in.