Graham Maby participating in Harry Fest 17!
Fresh off a world tour with recording artist Joe Jackson, Graham Maby will join the Harry Stout-All-Star Band for their evening performance at Harry Fest 17 on Saturday, May 30th. Maby, who has played with pop-icon Jackson since the late 70’s, is eagerly anticipating his appearance with the All-Stars.
“This is unique, no question” said Maby from his New Jersey residence, “But I really like the cause and knowing the performance is being dedicated to the bands bass player makes it even more special.”
The All-Stars, comprised of Harry’s father Joe and several of his musician friends, provides a unique and spirited set of music featuring a wide range of selections.
“We do everything from Led Zeppelin and Uriah Heep to Dusty Springfield and Snoop Dog” said All-Star Keyboardist and vocalist Tommy Orr. “What makes the All-Stars really unique however is the rehearsal time we take to get it right,” Orr stated with a Cheshire grin. “We have one rehearsal which is the night before Harry Fest so everyone learns the songs on their own and then we whip it into a froth the night before. We figure if we can get the beginnings and ending down, we are in good shape!”
This year, the band is dedicating their performance to long-time All-Star bass player Denny Lee who is battling liver disease.
“Denny is without question one of the best bass players and best friends I have ever had the opportunity to know” said Butch Taylor, the legendary guitarist from Indianapolis who will also be playing with the All-Stars this year. “Knowing this performance will be dedicated to him is really special to me.” Taylor and Lee have been friends and band mates since the late 60’s and along with Maby and fellow All-Stars Dave King, Tommy Orr, Chris Glatz, Joe Stout, Pat Kidwell, Nate Cremeans, Kevin Smith and Shapel…the band is ready to rock.
Lee’s fill-in is not without an impressive resume. Known for creating the unique sound that made Joe Jackson one of the most critically respected bands of the last thirty years, Graham Maby is considered by many to be one of the premier bass players in the industry. His bass playing takes center stage in Jackson’s hits such as, “Is She Really Going out with Him,” “Sunday Papers,” “Steppin’ Out,” “A Slow Song” and many more. In addition to working with Jackson, Maby has also worked with Shania Twain, Ian Hunter, Natalie Merchant, Marshall Crenshaw and They Might Be Giants.
“I wish…truly wish Denny was able to play with us, but having Graham Maby joining us is a real thrill” said All-Star drummer Joe Stout. “I have been a fan since the first Joe Jackson record and to be on stage with a guy of his caliber is really amazing.”
The Harry Stout All-Star Band will perform at 7:00 PM at Harry Fest on Saturday, May 30th. The event is held at Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego, Michigan and is a fund raiser for the Harry Stout Foundation. www.harrystout.org