When people think of Southern soul music, the thoughts usually turn to James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. But a lesser-known crop of Southern soul men made substantial contributions to the genre and found exposure through the “Northern Soul” DJs in Europe. Three of these living legends will perform at Bottletree Cafe on Saturday, April 5. Ralph “Soul” Jackson, Roscoe Robinson and Wiley & The Checkmates will give a triple-bill show beginning at 9 p.m.
While each of these artists has his own unique story, Herbert Wiley’s resurgence is perhaps the most unlikely. Forming Wiley & The Checkmates in Mississippi 1960, Wiley led his band through the “Chitlin Circuit” and backed Soul legends including Percy Sledge and Otis Clay. But Wiley quit music to run a business and raise a family before finding the inspiration to perform again. In 2002, Wiley re-formed The Checkmates and the band released the CD Introducing… in 2004. The band’s latest release - We Call It Soul - is currently available on the Rabbit Factory label.
Tickets are $10 - $12 day of the show - and can be purchased at www.thebottletree.com or by calling 533-6288.
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