Let’s Hear It For The Blues

For years, Houma has heralded local bluesman Tab Benoit’s talents.

Now, the nation’s blues community has joined in on the chorus, awarding Benoit the Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year honors.

The awards were presented Thursday at the annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tenn. Considered the “Blues Grammys,” the Blues Music Awards are the premier event for Blues professionals and musicians celebrating superior achievements in performances and honoring a cultural tradition.

In typical Benoit fashion, the stage provided one more opportunity to shed light on his biggest concern: Louisiana’s disappearing coastline.

“I appreciate these awards so much,” he said. “This recognition helps me to bring attention to the wetlands of south Louisiana and to explain to more and more people that we need everyone’s help to save our land and culture.”

Equally as famous for his efforts to raise America’s awareness of coastal erosion, Benoit includes a chance to share what’s happening down here n especially after the 2005 hurricanes n at every show.

“What a God-given opportunity I would be wasting if I had this spotlight, this stage, and I didn’t talk about what’s at risk for Louisiana’s culture if we don’t do something to stop the erosion of our wetlands,” Benoit said in an earlier interview with the Tri-Parish Times. “While I have an audience to listen, I’ll be talking about the wetlands. Shame on me if I waste this opportunity.”

Benoit returns regularly to perform in the Tri-parish area, and his annual Voice of the Wetlands (VOW) concert draws global attention to the region’s coastal erosion problem. VOW is concerned not only of the loss of the actual wetlands, but the loss of the unique culture, heritage, wildlife and people connected to it. He founded the organization in 2003.

“Our coast is disappearing so quickly, we don’t have time to wait for someone else to save us. We must help ourselves,” Benoit said.

VOW’s 2007 Festival/fundraiser will be held at Southdown Plantation in Houma Oct. 12-14. Benoit’s Web site (www.tabbenoit.com) announced earlier this month that a live recording of the Voice of the Wetlands All-stars will also be made at the event.

The local bluesman has also found a larger stage n of sorts n in IMAX theatres across the U.S., Canada and Europe. He is featured in “Hurricane on the Bayou,” a McGillivray Freeman documentary that chronicles life in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The film continues to play in New Orleans at the Aquarium for the Americas.

The Louisiana-born and raised artist’s latest accolades come on the heels of a great year. In 2006, Benoit was nominated for a Grammy for “Brother to the Blues.”

The CD melded Benoit’s country and blues roots, and featured musical icons Louisiana’s LeRoux.

“For 16 years, I’ve been recording blues records,” Benoit said shortly after the nomination was announced. “I make a country record backed with Louisian’s LeRoux, a pop band with hits from the ‘70s, and then I get nominated for a Grammy.”

Although the Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy went to someone else n Ike Turner’s “Risin’ With the Blues” won the honor n the CD garnered praise from country and blues fans alike and, as Benoit predicted, helped “put Houma on the map musically.”

His next CD, “Power of the Pontchartrain,” is due out on Telarc on June 26.

Benoit co-produced the 11-track collection with veteran producer David Z, who has also produced works for Johnny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Prince.

Louisiana’s LeRoux also makes an appearance on several of the songs.

Early feedback from critics cites this as his best work yet, according his music label.

“Tab deserves these awards,” said Jason Linder, director of Marketing at Telarc. “He is an amazing artist and performer, producing serious music that still knows how to have fun.”

Photo courtesy of Telarc International * Named the Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award winner, singer/guitarist Tab Benoit (left) and his manager, Rueben Williams, of Thunderbird Management, show off his awards at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tenn.