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| Anthony Gomes |
In 2020, probably the worst year for live music since before songs were invented, musicians had to stop making noise in public, but they found other means to keep their creative drive burning.
Anthony Gomes — the blues guitarist, band leader and thoughtful songwriter — made the most of the lean year by forging a new album, Containment Blues, out of the sorrow of the virus, bringing some urgently needed healing.
He and his band will perform two shows at Shuffle. One is sold out. Tickets for the April 24 show can be bought at Eventbrite. Routine COVID-19 health measures will be enforced, said promoter Monte Lorts.
- No tickets can be purchased at the door
- Tickets are for tables of four, or for individual stools
- Mask required for entry
- No mask needed when seated and eating and drinking
- Mask required when moving around the venue
This show presents an opportunity to hear live music, new music.
“Out of it we birthed this unforeseen baby, a much different album than we would have otherwise,” he said. “We were working on a different album and we just stopped that because it didn’t seem appropriate.”
He realized the historic significance of this global predicament, he said. “Somehow, I needed to archive that, artistically. I’m really proud of the results.”
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| Cover art for album, Containment Blues |
Containment Blues became their best received, best selling album, hitting No. 1 on the Bluebird Blues Chart last year, and doubling the sales of their previous album, he said.
“People need some humor. Blues has always been a healer. We really needed some healing in 2020,” he said. The title song presents a family situation involving scarce toilet paper. “Hell and Half of Georgia” is a drama in which one partner has multiple lovers.
One of several songs with a more serious theme is “Praying for Rain,” an autobiographical song where he reminisces about lessons from his grandfather, such as: “… son, I’m counting on you to finish what we started to find a way … .”
Another serious piece has an unexpected title, “Stop Calling Women Hoes and Bitches.” This song, calling for respect for women, is a huge, powerful moment in the show, Anthony said. He found that listeners respond in one of three ways: 1) women are thankful, 2) men who have daughters appreciate the song, or 3) some other men don’t really understand.
Anthony has spoken about his work as an artistic journey, as well as a worldwide scope for the Blues. The trio is comprised of Anthony from Canada, bassist Jacob Mreen from the U.S., and drummer Chris Whited of Sweden. Additional musicians on Containment Blues are from Brazil, Venezuela and Russia.
His foundation was able to confer modest grants to five musicians in need last year. Meanwhile, he’s “very cautiously optimistic” for 2021 and more upside for 2022, with another album in the works.
“There’s an overwhelming feeling that we’re coming out of the darkness. … We’ve been working hard and struggling and getting by. Soon we’re going to be together again. That’s what living is all about.”
Anthony Gomes Band
Shuffle
Doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.
2550 S. Campbell Ave.
417-883-2166
Tickets from Eventbrite
Saturday, April 24, ticket link:
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