Jeff Pitchell Brings the Blues to Bridge Street Live to Open Season

By Carl Wiser

Staff Writer

Pitchell with Claudette King, daughter of B.B. King. She's his 15th child!

Jeff Pitchell opened the season at Bridge Street Live in Collinsville on Sept. 26 with special guests Tyrone Vaughan and Claudette King. Pitchell, who lives in Rocky Hill, is esteemed in the world of blues as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Vaughan is the son of Jimmie Vaughan from the Fabulous Thunderbirds and nephew to Stevie Ray Vaughan, a blues legend who died in a helicopter crash in 1990. Claudette King is the daughter of B.B. King, one of Pitchell's heroes. During her set, he played a guitar autographed by B.B.

Pitchell played a mix of covers and originals, including one of his newer songs, "Brown Eyed Blues." That one was inspired by his friend Dan, whose girl did him dirty. When Dan told him she had brown eyes, Pitchell replied, "Dan, you've got the brown-eyed blues."

When Tyrone Vaughan took the stage, they played some of Stevie Ray Vaughan's classics, including "Pride And Joy," "The House Is Rockin'" and "Cold Shot." Tyrone's dad, Jimmie Vaughan, played Bridge Street Live twice.

Claudette King inherited her dad's vocal prowess. She sang "The Thrill Is Gone" and closed with a song her dad often ended his shows with called "Guess Who?" Pitchell got the chance to open for B.B. King, who offered his room when he found out Pitchell's band didn't have a place to stay.

The Bridge Street Live season continues with the Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges Road Band on October 5, and a comedy show on October 18. It's also available for private events. Go to 41bridgestreet.com for details.

Tyrone Vaughan took the stage to play songs made famous by his uncle, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Jeff Pitchell, with his band, Texas Flood. Pitchell performed his song "An Eye For An Eye," which was covered by John Mayall.

Claudette King performed songs made famous by her dad, including "The Thrill Is Gone."