Porretta line up looking good

The Porretta Soul Festival near Bologna is a must for fans of Memphis soul. This year it's also essential for those, like me, who also love the music of New Orleans. As usual, the line-up has changed considerably since the provisional list was posted a few months ago. So no Shirley Brown and no Bar-Kays. But the newly announced line up is still excellent and I will be making my way to this normally sleepy Italian town come late July. The Friday (July 21) line-up alone is worth the trip with Irma Thomas, Bobby Purify, the South Soul Rhythm Section, and the Boogie Blues Band with James Govan and Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns. On Saturday there's the legendary Howard Tate and James Govan and band again (many of those who went on the Stompin' USA trip last year will have seen James at the Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis). And on Sunday there's a New Orleans funk feel with the Neville Brothers and Davell Crawford. Unfortunately I can't make it to Memphis or New Orleans this year, but Porretta is an excellent substitute. I can't wait.