News Release

Blues world loses harmonica master Paul deLay

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 8, 2007) -- The Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival lost a big friend today. Paul deLay, "the larger-than-life Portland bluesman," was known throughout the world for his soulful harmonica playing and was a beloved tradition at the Waterfront Blues Festival.

"Paul understood the blues ... the music that gives voice to so much suffering ... in a deep way," said Rachel Bristol, executive director, Oregon Food Bank. "He not only was a popular and beloved tradition at the Waterfront Blues Festival, he also performed at many other Oregon Food Bank events. He was always willing to step up to help. We'll miss Paul and join his family, friends and fans in grieving his loss."

Peter Dammann, blues guitarist and Waterfront Blues Festival talent coordinator, played with Paul deLay for decades.

Read story on OregonLive.com

The Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival will pay tribute Paul deLay, on Sunday, July 8.

The tribute will feature former members of deLay's bands over the past 30 years and other special guests.

The first set will be a reunion of the Brown Sugar band, deLay's fondly-remembered early band from the 1970s, featuring Jim Mesi on guitar, Al Carson on bass, and Lloyd Jones on drums. That set will also convene players from the middle era Paul deLay Band, featuring D.K. Stewart on piano, Don Campbell on bass, and Chris Mercer on saxophone.  

The Paul deLay Memorial Allstars will return for a second set featuring deLay's material since the '90s featuring former bandmates Louis Pain on organ, David Vest on piano,  Peter Dammann on guitar; Dave Kahl and John Mazzocco on bass; Mike Klobas and Jeff Minnick on drums.

Special guests for the Memorial include Linda Hornbuckle, Duffy Bishop, Seattle harmonica ace Mark Dufresne, San Francisco harmonica ace George Bisharat, and more.