Alvin Sykes: The Blues Dr.
BIOGRAPHY
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Alvin Sykes (a.k.a. “The Blues Doctor”) is one of those rare, awesome talents who, after seeing and/or hearing him for the first time, one can only wonder: “Why isn't this guy a Superstar?” He was without a doubt THE REAL DEAL!!!! Born in Houston Texas in 1940 to an extended family of musicians that include the late Jonny “Guitar” Watson and Charles Brown, Alvin lived and breathed music his entire life.
Alvin started playing drums at age five at St. Johns Baptist Church in Houston and by the age of twelve he was playing drums for cousin Cab Calloway. Alvin's association with Cab Calloway led to touring work with Percy Mayfield and his first recording date with cousin Charles Brown. That session resulted in producing Charles Brown's biggest hit: “Merry Christmas Baby”. From there Alvin went on to tour and record with the biggest names in show business.
Alvin's musical resume reads like a who's who of jazz, soul, pop and blues music in the 20th century. He has played with the likes of: B.B King, Albert King, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and The Jackson Five to name just a few. Just before his death, Alvin was playing drums with bluesmen Jimmy McKracklin and Alvon Johnson when he was not performing with his own band. Alvin was not only a world-class drummer, but also a dynamic singer and entertainer. Anyone who has heard and seen Mr. Sykes perform will agree that the time for Alvin to “step out front” and take the spot light has been long overdue.
Tragically, Alvin lost his life in an automobile accident on September 17,2006 on his way to perform in Sacramento - just 3 months after the release of his current and best c.d. “Better Than Your Used To Be". To his many fans around the world, Alvin's music lives on. It is our hope that he will now be recognized for the tremendous artist that he was.
For video clips please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/alvinsykes
Order by Check
Winner of the "Bay Area Blues Society's Best new CD of 2006!"
| track list: | ||
| 1 | Better Than Your Used To Be | 01:36 |
| 2 | Entertain Me | 05:07 |
| 3 | I Can Do Bad All Myself | 04:54 |
| 4 | I Found A Love | 04:49 |
| 5 | Hey Baby | 04:23 |
| 6 | I'm Not Going Nowhere | 06:40 |
| 7 | The Blues Doctor | 03:44 |
| 8 | What Am I Gonna Do? | 04:00 |
| 9 | That's No Good | 04:34 |
| 10 | Do You Think? | 05:57 |
| 11 | Rodger Help Them | 04:45 |
| 12 | We Will Contact You | 05:39 |
PRESS
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From Blues Revue Magazine, January 2007
Texas born drummer and vocalist Alvin Sykes has been part of the blues scene since his musical association in the early 1950s with Cab Calloway, Percy Mayfield and Charles Brown. His solo release "Better Than Your Used To Be" (Whip 9040) proves him a passionate singer and writer.
Dig the straight shuffle “Hey Baby,” the soul-blues of “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and “The Blues Doctor” and the after-hours “I’m Not Going Nowhere.” Jimmy McKinney (keyboards) and David Landon (guitar, bass) form the band’s core, with horns supplementing the sound. Better strikes a balance between the classic and contemporary.