What a bizarre year it has been. In addition to the economic events that we all have to endure; in addition to the unbelievable rise and fall of fuel prices that affect everyone, Piedmont Talent had the unusual year in which several artists retired and others passed on.

Little Charlie Baty and John Cephas have retired from the road. We wish the absolute best to these two fine artists. We mourn the losses of the young Sean Costello and the veteran blues shouter Nappy Brown. Sean, with his youthful exuberance and infectious energy, was very inspiring to me. His fresh approach and stark originality in the genre reminded me that not all the best blues has has been done already. Nappy Brown, a giant of an entertainer, was in the midst of a well-earned comeback when he was felled by a long simmering illness.

The names and faces that drive the blues world have changed greatly over the past few years. We welcome our younger and newer artists like Gina Sicilia, Samuel James, Robin Rogers, Eden Brent, Seth Walker, Moreland and Arbuckle and the Homemade Jamz’ Blues Band, who have done an excellent job establishing themselves in a very crowded field.

We look forward to 2009 with several artists that recently joined the agency. Eric Sardinas and his unique gonzo style of dobro playing, Mark Hummel’s Harmonica Blowout’s traveling revue, and the classic West Coast blues of Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers all have us very excited here as we go into the 2009 booking season.

We continue to represent the finest names in blues and I appreciate their loyalty and dedication. I’d like to thank all the managers, talent buyers, labels, publicists and of course the fans who all contributed in their own way to the success of each of our artists.

I would like to send out the biggest thank you to the Piedmont Talent staff who make it all look so easy. Megan King becomes a full agent in January and will handle the West Coast.

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