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| Mighty Lester Triumphs at the International Blues Challenge by Shirley Kennedy Mighty Lester has returned home from the International Blue Challenge in Memphis, TN, with two awards in hand. In live performance, Mighty Lester placed third overall among 93 bands and also received top honors for Best Self-Produced CD of 2006. Chosen for the latter honor from among 46 entrants, Mighty Lester's CD, "We Are Mighty Lester, " garnered the votes of executives from five of the world's top blues labels: Alligator, Delta Groove, Yellow Dog, Northern Blues, and Ruf. Lenny Terenzi, Mighty Lester's guitarist and bandleader, shares how the band feels to be honored with these awards: "It was definitely validation for all of the hard work we put into the record—especially after having heard the quality of the other four finalists' CDs, we certainly know that we didn't just walk away with it. It was definitely a battle, and the fact that we were able to come out on top is pretty amazing." Bruce Iglauer, President of Alligator Records, served as a judge in the CD competition and reveals the secret to Mighty Lester's award-winning ways: "Mighty Lester gave an impressive performance. The band was tight, the energy level was high, the band swung hard, and the lead vocals were outstanding. Todd Dewberry's instant communication with the audience, as well as his huge voice and great stage presence, helped them score high points. They won the award for Best Self-Produced CD, which they deserved." Mighty Lester is comprised of guitarist and band leader Lenny Terenzi; the "Mighty Horns, " Joe Sunseri (baritone sax), Jeff Thomas (tenor sax), and Alex Almasy (trumpet); drummer Rick Cassidy; bassist Dave Falardeau, keyboardist Jon Newell, and lead vocalist Todd Dewberry. This band doesn't just come to party—they bring the party with them. Dewberry's powerful, gospel-inflected voice, together with the band's superlative musicianship, gives Mighty Lester a unique, commanding presence that allows the band to stand out among other talented blues bands. The band's award-winning, self-produced CD, "We Are Mighty Lester, " contains ten originals and two covers. Response to the album has been incredible, including positive reviews in leading publications such as Billboard and Blues Revue. Founded in 2000, Mighty Lester has established itself as one of the South's premier blues bands and currently has bookings for a variety of festival and club appearances. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |