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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Prominent bluesman Toronzo Cannon, who is deeply impressed with Armenia and the Armenians, has written a song dedicated to the Armenian people. Toronzo Cannon arrived in Armenia from Chicago to give concerts in Yerevan within the framework of Blues Music Week. In an interview to “Armenpress” News Agency Toronzo Cannon told about his impressions, admiration, new song, and album, as well as introduced his future programs.
- Mr. Cannon, this is Your first visit to Armenia. What places have visited and what do You feel in here?
- I love Armenia and the rich Armenian history in particular. We Americans do not have a rich history. Chicago is but 150 years old. I admire your monuments and fascinating churches. I have seen the pagan temple of Garni, as well as a number of churches. I have tested Armenian dishes, and just walked along the streets enjoying everything Armenian.
- People say that You have written a song dedicated to Armenia and the Armenians. How did that idea come to Your mind?
- I had no idea about the Armenian history before, because we don’t study it in the United States. Notwithstanding, I was inspired by Your history and I decided to write a song about the Armenian soldiers, who had to face with everything in their lives and spare no effort to light shine. They believe in everything that is real. Besides that, I’ll also introduce my new album titled “John The Conquer Root”. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)
Growing up in the shadows Chicago's blues mecca, Theresa's Lounge, had a lasting effect on Toronzo Cannon. As a kid, Toronzo would listen to the raw, soulful sounds of legends like Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. "It wasn't just the music that got me, but the effect on the people. I knew right then, that was what I was gonna do." These experiences led him to pick up his first guitar as a teenager and begin to learn to sing and play the sounds he heard. Inspired by the three Kings (Freddie, B.B. and Albert), a little Hendrix and some 70's R&B/Soul, Toronzo soon developed his own sound. "If I wasn’t gigging I was hitting every jam session I could find. I couldn’t get enough." It was during this time that he developed his own powerful, gospel-flavored vocal style and electrifying stage presence.
After playing rhythm guitar with local artists like Wayne Baker Brooks and Joanna Connor, Toronzo decided to form his own band, The Cannonball Express. He immediately was in demand, playing some of Chicago’s greatest blues venues like Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, Kingston Mines, B.L.U.E.S, Blue Chicago, Lee's Unleaded as well as shows from Kentucky to Delaware and Iowa to Indiana. He also became a popular festival attraction, playing The Chicago Blues Festival for 8 consecutive years and the 2008 San Jose Blues Festival with other local young guns Chico Banks and Mike Wheeler. Internationally, Toronzo has been flown into Latvia as a featured solo artist three times over the past few years and has just completed a successful tour in Mexico, Durban South Africa and France 2011.
Interview by Roza Grigoryan
Photos by Arevik Grigoryan