Porretta final day + photos

Sunday, the final day of the Porretta Soul Festival, began with the usual press conference, only this time it was focused on Scott Billington and his new book 'Making Tracks'. This tells the story of his record production career at Rounder and elsewhere and his recordings with artists such as Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, James Booker and Louisiana soul singer Dalton Reed, who died young. This was followed by the traditional photocall involving many of the artists on the steps on the Helvetia Hotel (pictured above). The evening's entertainment as usual was a revue featuring cut down versions of the acts of the earlier nights. The first half was pretty dull, with a repeat set by Johnette and Scott, rather too much of Curtis Salgado and a run through of numbers by the Anthony Paule Band and the background singers which was good, but much the same as on earlier nights. Things livened up with the return of Larry Springfield and the second half, during which the acts were limited to two numbers each, was excellent. Highlights were Terrie Odabi, in a bright green gown, singing 'You're Gonna Make Me Cry', John Ellison, this time playing guitar alongside his sidekick Roger, Selassie Burke doing a duet with MC Rick Hutton on 'Everybody Needs Somebody', Ernie Johnson doing 'Dreams To Remember' and Chick Rodgers reprising a couple of Aretha Franklin songs. As a finale all the acts took to the stage to close what had been yet another highly enjoyable festival.

Now I'm back home I am able to feature some of the photos I took during the four days of Porretta. More will follow. Above is Leon Beal, who was one of the stars of the first day, while the photo below shows Fred Wesley.

Also from the first night here is Martha High.

And from the second night this is J P Bimeni.

Next up. here is Anthony Paule.

This is Anthony's trombonist Derek James.

Boogie woogie keyboard player Mitch Woods.

Background singers Omega Rae, Larry Batiste and Nona Brown.

Here is Selassie Burke.

This is John Ellison.

Final act on day two was Chick Rodgers.