Courtesy of Doug Deutsch

April 15, 2024

Award-winning Louisiana Bayou blues guitarist, Tab Benoit, brings his lauded 2024 Night Train Tour to Newberry, performing at the historic Newberry Opera House, situated at 1201 Kibben Street, on Thursday, April 18. The show, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., features tickets starting from the $50 mark.

Joining him on stage will be Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, who have recently released their album “Cheat The Devil” under Benoit’s own Whiskey Bayou Records label.

Towards a Storied Musical Journey

Benoit’s unique guitar tone, often compared to the likes of blues guitar heavyweights like Albert King, Albert Collins, and even Jimi Hendrix, is widely recognized in the music community. Along with his distinct Otis-Redding-ish voice and his straightforward set up – a guitar, cord, and Category 5 Amplifier, he stands out in the crowded musical landscape.

Born on November 17, 1967, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Benoit grew up in the oil and fishing town of Houma, where he resides today. He was exposed early on to traditional Cajun waltzes and country music, and also began playing drums influenced by his musician father, later switching to the guitar.

Benoit’s career took a momentous turn following his first recording “Nice and Warm”, titled track which became a AAA Radio hit in 1992. This set the stage for his consequent touring career where he played as many as two hundred and fifty shows annually, spanning over twenty years and transforming him into Louisiana’s Number One Blues export.

Striding Towards Distinctive Musical Style

In the late 90s, and into the early 2000s, Benoit started stripping down his music to a more barebones three-piece group structure. This move gave him more freedom as a guitarist and allowed him to focus on creating original sound and style. His evolving music style started reflecting more of Louisiana’s cultural and ecological nuances.

Having signed with the Telarc International/Concord Music Group in 2002, Benoit found the time and space to be part of several creative pursuits. Apart from developing his musical repertoire, he started spending more time in the Wetlands, which in turn began to influence his song-making. His fondness for the Wetlands also saw him launch an all-star band, The Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, through the Voice of the Wetlands non-profit organization.

In 2011, Benoit’s musical progression led to the release of “Medicine” which collected a string of awards, including the “BB King Entertainer of the Year” at the 2012 Blue Music Awards in Memphis. He also established the Whiskey Bayou Records label, launching albums by established artists like Eric McFadden, Damon Fowler, and Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos.

The year 2024 promises to be special as one can expect Benoit to further revolutionize the blues music landscape and continue to pack houses across the United States.