Blind Mississippi Morris, Como Mamas Join Lineup for Oxford Blues Festival

Blind Mississippi Morris, courtesy of oxfordbluesfest.com

The sixth annual Oxford Blues Festival is coming to the Grove on July 18.

The Jeff Jensen Band is playing among many like the Cadillac Funk, Bobby Ray Watson, R. L. Boyce, The TIP Band and The Zedikers Brothers to name a few. This line up recently grew by two more additions.

According to Brad Webb, Blind Mississippi Morris, who he has picked strings with since 1986 a year after he started his studio I-55 Productions, is “the very embodiment of the Delta Bluesman.

Louisiana Red, Blind Mississippi Morris
and Brad Webb at Soulsvaer Festival in
Norway-June 2000. Photo courtesy of bradwebb.com.

Blind since four years old, Morris Cummings hails from a Blues lineage: his cousins, Robert and Mary Diggs, led the Memphis Sheiks as his aunt Mary Tanner performed with the Harps of Melody. The late Willie Dixon is also Morris’ cousin. He also grew up next door to Howlin Wolf’s mother and spent his childhood listening to Sonny Boy Williamson II. The Clarksdale native became well-known on the blues scenes as he performed on the Beale Street with his band, the Pocket Rockets.

Webb states on his website that Blind Mississippi Morris can “suck the reeds clean out of a harmonica” and his “ferocious vocals bring a blues song back to the days of Howlin’ Wolf.” His music can be purchased here.

Joining Morris are the Como Mamas, three lifelong Gospel singers hailing from Como, Mississippi.

Como Mamas, courtesy of Daptone Records

Daptone Records, who produced their newest album Get an Understanding, stated on its website: “…(T)here are only three instruments: the powerful, raspy voice of Ester Mae Smith, the deep soothing voice of Angela Taylor, and the energetic, spirited vocals of Della Daniels. Do yourself a favor and see the Como Mamas sing live – the harmonies they create are so powerful, musical accompaniment is not missed.”

The general admission tickets are free to the public. Coolers are allowed for a fee of five dollars, but glass is not allowed within the venue. There will be food vendors at the Grove. For more information contact Darryl Parket at jdparker@oxfordbluesfest.com or visit the festival website.

Information courtesy of Oxford Blues Festival with additional reporting by Callie Daniels Bryant, senior managing editor at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.