Cristi Dee's Bad JuJu Mystifies Seville Quarter

It was quite a night as D-Lady and I arrived at Seville Quarter for the weekly Monday night blues jam sponsored by The Blues Society of North West Florida. Each and every Monday for years now, Seville's Lili Marlene's has hosted some of the finest blues entertainment in Florida... don't believe The Beatman? Well, if you EVER get a chance to see one of our most loved local favorite bands, Cristi Dee and Bad JuJu are not one to be missed!

A mild Monday evening it was when we entered Seville Quarter's Lili Marlene's. The opening act, Pensacola's own Michael McCartan had just finished playing and the crowd was already near capacity. There was an eerie vibe happening that night when CRISTI DEE took the stage along with a band of musical voodoo whodoo's, BAD JUJU!

You could tell there were spiritual musings about to transpire as CRISTI DEE & BAD JUJU began their set at the blues jam sponsored by The Blues Society Of NW Florida. As this was the only the second time I've had the pleasure of seeing this auspicious band, the first, briefly when they performed at Bands on the beach last year, I was excited to get a front row experience; up close and personal in our intimate Monday blues venue: Lili Marlene's.

One things for certain, when CRISTI DEE & BAD JUJU began to play, the energy level shot up considerably. Their unique style of NOLA blues, funk and rock put them in a category all their own. Have no doubt about what they lay down, as you will agree with The Beatman, this band, is just plain good! D-Lady and I were moved on several occasions to cut a rug... er, or floor as the case may be but I was working, on the case, and very impressed with the magical notes played and the performance before us.

Now... let's meet the band, shall we?

When Jeff Shuler played his guitar, the air changed and everyone took notice.....

I've played with many lead men, however I was enamored and mesmerized at the runs, riffs and licks produced by Jeff's wailing instrument. Man! From eerie screams to outlandish crying, few words can describe the vibe we were all wrapped in while Jeff put his "thang" down! Jeff was in the zone that night, playing like a man that had relinquished all control of his hands to a spiritual force taking control. D-Lady and I couldn't get enough!

The bottom end was well served by Don Shepherd, the bands bass man. Don, a regular on Mondays as he runs sound for The Blues Society of NW Florida's blues jam. Take it from The Beatman, I've played with this man and I can testify he makes it easy to be a drummer. This particular night, Don, and his section mate Randy Rueb were in perfect sync. Note by note, Don demonstrated his addictive skill with fat pickin and hard slappin techniques that boggled the mind.

Lastly, but certainly NOT leastly, Mr. Randy Rueb, Bad JuJu's drummer showed us all how to lay down the beat foundation for all to enjoy.

I must admit, I am a bit biased when it comes to reviewing any particular band in many respects. I confess that most of my focus and attention, outside of snapping pics and shooting vids, is directed at the drummer. I watch them more than any other band member...cant help it folks! I got a lesson in time keeping, grooves and pocket drumming from Randy. His style is cool and laid back...so much so at times you'd think he was meditating...or in a trance! Lol! Didn't matter to me as I was zoning on his chops and riffs. He and Don make an excellent team and keep the rhythm section spot on point!

I also appreciated his gorgeous chrome snare drum, which I had the pleasure of playing after the band concluded their set. Damn thing sounds like a shotgun!

If I may...I should very much wish to say a few words about this most talented and entertaining woman, Folks, may I please present Ms. Cristi Dee!

Believe me when I tell you that when this woman lets loose, not even hell has the fury that pours out her dynamic singing style and melodic tones. There were many moments during this show that D-Lady and I would look at each other and just go..."Wow"! Cristi's vocals put me on a cloud when she sang "Telephone Song" an original creation. Her offering of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" was simply outstanding. At times, Cristi puts so much into her music, you can see the passion in her eyes, and hear it through her golden voice. She ended their set with her take on "Bobby McGee" which, and I'm not being at all humble here, was one of the best I've heard since Janis! Cristi puts her heart and soul into her performance and always strives for perfection.

Thank you very kindly indeed for taking the time to read my review of CRISTI DEE & BAD JUJU. Please subscribe to our platform to receive email updates when your favorite artist comes to our area. We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to see our local artists when they perform.

The Beatman... has left the review... KTB!!