Gig Review: Artur Menezes, Malainey’s Grill, Long Beach, CA

By Martine Ehrenclou

Brazilian blues and rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Artur Menezes and his band of superb musicians, performed at Malainey’s Grill in Long Beach, CA on September 19^th.

Winner of the Gibson/Albert King Award for Best Guitarist by the Blues Foundation and winner of an Ernie Ball sponsored contest to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, Artur Menezes is a superb feel player who blends vintage influences into his contemporary songwriting that draws from blues, melodic rock and funk. This night, Menezes brought with him award-winning Brazilian guitarist, Celso Salim, bass player Gui Bodi and drummer Julian Ho.

Thanks to blues promotor Cadillac Zack who puts on the best blues shows in intimate settings around Los Angeles county and beyond, L.A. blues fans are privileged to see top-tier musicians brought in by Zack from all over the world.

And Artur Menezes is one of them.

Menezes and his band graced the stage and launched into the funky blues tune, “Should Have Never Left” from his album, Keep Pushing. A crowd pleaser to get the party started, Artur treated the audience to crunchy, soulful guitar riffs, showcasing his mastery of tone and feel. He’s an emotive singer, soulful with grit.

Gibson Flying V in hand, Artur loosened up the crowd with the up-tempo rocking blues number, “Come With Me,” also from Keep Pushing. The song drew people from the rear of the venue, their attention on Artur and the band, their cell phones pitched forward to catch video. Celso Salim broke into a ripping slide guitar solo–such an understated person who simply kills it on guitar. Menezes then took a spin on the fretboard with an elegant, groove-based solo with a certain mastery of space between the notes. One might guess he’s influenced by Albert King. At this point, you couldn’t help but notice bass player Bodi who seemed to be having the time of his life. His grin never faded the whole night.

Breaking up the high-energy show, Artur performed slow blues standout “Any Day, Any Time,” a soulful tune of longing. Such expressive and moving vocals. And with guitar playing like his, we could have all gone home happy at that point. Beautiful.

Another highlight of the evening was Menezes and Salim performing together, their guitars in conversation in call and answer. Pure delight for them and for us. These two maestros were having the best time together and you could see the joy between them. This was part of the magic of the night—not just witnessing superb musicians but superb musicians having a blast. There was a synergy between them, an interconnectedness that certainly influenced their playing.

Raw and intense at times, Menezes also played heavier rockers with Hendrix influences including “Fight for your Love” from his newest release, Fading Away, which culminated in a blast of wah on guitar and heavy drums. Artur introduced his song “Green Card Blues,” explaining that the song is about his journey from Brazil to California. Artur moved to Los Angeles in 2016 and the song reveals the struggle to get there. Several of his newer originals allow for Artur’s emotional singing, outlets for strife.

By the time Artur Menezes got to “Chills & Thrills,” a funky blues Bernard Allison cover, a group of people had gathered outside the venue’s side door to catch the show. Some leaned in, others jammed to the rhythm. Celso Salim took a slide guitar solo, followed by Menezes, and they had more fun on stage than I’d seen in a while. Fully immersed in the music, it was as if they were jamming in someone’s living room. Which is what Cadillac Zack’s shows are known for—the juxtaposition of A+ talent in very relaxed, casual settings.

Watch “Let Me Love You Baby”

 
For more information on Artur Menezes see here.