Eugene Sings The Blues

News Article	Artist News Home

A New Old Face on the Scene

Published on 12/8/2007

By David Booker

Sometimes in this business, an artist appears seemingly out of nowhere, when all along they have been here unnoticed for decades----sounds familiar! such is the case with Eugene B. Carthen, Jr. This is probably due to the fact that he spent 21 years in the Army Reserves Station in places like Fort Knox in Kentucky and Fort Ord in California. All the while raising a family and engageing in allthe usual activities that entail putting food on the table----something that I can sure relate to as ofthe last 6 years! Right now though, Eugene is about to become RED HOT on the scene. I can see the coal burning, aws his musical career ignites before our very eyes. Hailing from Wichita, Kansas, Eugene moved to Denver back in 1978. He tells me that Bobby Bland"s version of "St. James Infirmary" was the most-played record around the house when he was a young lad, and cites John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, and Magic Slim as just a few of many musical influences. He played voilin from 3rd to 8th grade and his mom played piano in the church ... all this background HAD to lead to something, right? For many years in Denver, Eugene was a doorman at the long-gone Brendan's club; many times he sat in with visiting acts like Kenny Neal, Nick Moss, and our own Sammy Mayfield. I recall Eugene sitting in with me over the years on many occasions ... he'd show up, do a few tunes, then dispear into the night! About a year ago he snagged the Wednesday-night slot at Herb's, hosting the blues jam every week. This led to other gigs at Lincln's Roadhouse, Ziggies's Saloon, Midtown Beat, and with me at Sambuca and BB's on Pearl. Right now Eugene is writing More Originals to add to his ever-growing repertoire. He will be gigging with me on selected dates in '07, Conner O'Neill's in Boulder and Oskar Blues in Lyons, While maintaining dates with his regular band.



Article Credits and References

Colorado Blues Society 's Bimonthly News "HOLLER" February-March 2007 pg 5.

Music Artists

News Article

A New Old Face on the Scene