After an almost seven month delay due to the events of Sept. 11th, Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings finally made it to the Railhead at Boulder Station.

From the opening of "LONELY AVENUE", it was obvious that we were in for a real treat of Delta blues. "DOWNHOME GIRL" and RHYTHM & GROOVES' "VIDA'S PLACE" had the packed house screaming for more. Next was the Big Joe Williams number, "MELLOW APPLES". Two of Robert Johnson's classic songs followed, "STONES IN MY PASSWAY" and "RAMBLIN' ON MY MIND", which featured Roy's slidework that showed us just how Robert Johnson must have played his slide.

"BUILT FOR COMFORT" was dedicated to John Lee Hooker, the grand old man of the blues. This song also featured bassist Steve Ehrmann and drummer Jim Sanchez adding some nice solos to this great song. "BABY PLEASE DON'T GO" lead into the set closer, "TERRAPLANE BLUES", which kept the crowd stickin' around around for the next set.

"SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER" continued where the first set left off. Roy threw out song after song, and you never got tired of this band. Robert Johnson's "WALKING BLUES" lead into some of my favorite moments. "DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI" talks of a festival that featured many blues legends. You could almost feel the humidity in the air and smell the barbeque as Rogers wailed on his slide.

"I'M WITH YOU", from Roy's SLIDEWAYS CD, lead into "DUCKWALK", which was dedicated to C.B. (Chuck Berry). The romantic "MY LOST HOME IN YOUR ARMS" lead into "IF I HAD POSSESSION OVER JUDGEMENT DAY", another Robert Johnson number kept alive by this great trio. "AVALANCHE" lead into Johnson's "32-20 BLUES", which ended this amazing set.

The crowd went nuts until Roy came back for the instrumental "FOR THE CHILDREN". He received a standing ovation as he left the stage, and showed the fans just how much he was worth the wait.

Photography by R.J. Bianchino copyright ©2002 Moondog Productions

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