Incorporating original sounds and renditions of some of those inspirational classics, such as cuts from Stevie Wonder or Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the band found themselves making new fans on stages at all sorts of regional events. The Delta Hot Tamale festival in Greenville, the Rockin’ Railroad Festival in Hazlehurst, Ham Jam Festival in Philadelphia, the Vicksburg Bicentennial, and on down to Biloxi’s Ground Zero Blues club… they have made their rocked up blues sound at home across the state. Recently, Ballou kicked off the party for America’s Got Talent contender Jourdan Blue’s show at The Sanctuary with a charming, intimate solo set.
Ballou’s solo set closed with an acoustic version of his original single “Broken City.” Released to streaming platforms in 2023, “Broken City” nicely showcases Ballou’s full rocked up blues sound with rich, soulful singing, crisp, uptempo drums and some fiery, extended guitar picking that fades out into eternity. It’s an instantly appealing track if you’re into that style. The accompanying music video, available on Youtube, is a well balanced visual of an artist on a journey and was shot around the city of Jackson.
In addition to “Broken City,” there are several high quality live videos of the band in action around Youtube and at the links below. His full length solo performace can, at the time of this writing, still be seen via The Sanctuary Biloxi’s Facebook live stream. Catch him online and keep up to date for upcoming live appearances from Brian Ballou and company as their homegrown Mississippi music makes its way abroad.
~Enjoy local music~
@ScottiRedd
scott@coastobserver.com
Instagram: Ballou_music
TikTok: balloumusic
Facebook: Ballou and the Bears
“Broken City” streaming now on major platforms.
Music Video @ BrianBallouVEVO on Youtube
Photos by Allen Cotton Media (fest) and Tim Stanford (acoustic)
