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Biography
Boz Scaggs started experimenting with music at a young age and learned how to play the guitar at the age of 12. While attending high school he befriended Steve Miller and ended up singing vocals in Steve Miller’s band The Marksmen in 1959. Both Miller and Scaggs ended up attending the same university and played in several blues bands during their school years. After school Scaggs moved to London, UK and joined the R&B scene that was on the rise in London. After singing in several bands in London he moved to Switzerland and released his first album as a solo artist, “Boz”, which was released in 1965.
In 1967 Scaggs moved back to the US and settled in San Francisco where the psychedelic scene was starting to explode. While in San Francisco he reconnected with Steve Miller and performed on the Steve Miller Band albums “Children of the Future” and “Sailor”. In 1968 Scaggs was signed as a solo artist to Atlantic Records and released his self-titled album “Boz Scaggs” in 1969. The album received critical praise and included guest musicians like Duane Allman, Eddie Hinton, and David Hood.
Scaggs later signed to Columbia Records and released his third studio album “Moments” in 1971. The album conveyed Scaggs starting to define his unique sound in the blue-eyed soul genre. Scaggs continued to consistently put out albums in the early ‘70s and his album “Slow Dancer” showed Scaggs reaching the No. 81 position on the US Billboard chart.
With the release of his seventh studio album “Silk Degrees” in 1976 Boz Scaggs really broke into the mainstream. The album reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and contained three top 40 singles: It’s Over”, “Lowdown”, and “Lido Shuffle”. The album would go on to be certified 5x platinum. “Silk Degrees” also contained performances by several of the members in Toto. The album nicely blended in blues, rock, and soul elements and presented it in a pop oriented way. The single “Lowdown” is still a staple for radio stations to play and the song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B song.
Boz Scaggs’ 1977 album “Down Two Then Left” was not quite as successful as “Silk Degrees”, but it still did well on the charts placing at No. 11 on the Billboard 200. In 1980 Boz Scaggs released the track “Look What You’ve Done to Me” on the “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack, which reached No. 14 on the US Pop charts.
Scaggs went on a hiatus for nearly the whole decade of the ‘80s and did not release his next album until 1988, which was called “Other Roads”. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s Scaggs became involved with a musical side project called The New York Rock and Soul Revue, which featured the members Donald Fagen, Phoebe Snow, and Michael McDonald. Scaggs continues to release music that follows his signature sound as well as branches off by performing covers of well-known hits and jazz standards. Scaggs also stays busy in the live music scene. He is the co-owner of the San Francisco nightclub, “Slim’s”, as well as a consistent performer. He has headlined sold out shows all over the world, touring countries like the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Live reviews
Boz Scaggs was in great form and he was backed up by a cracking band! He kicked off with a burning "Running Blue" and had the audience in the palm of his hand from that point on. It would be difficult to pick a highlight as he touched on various stages of his career with a set list heavy on "Silk Degrees" and his latest LP, "Memphis." Scaggs still has one of the most distinctive voices in music and the crowd loved it. Midway through he sat on a stool and slowed things down with "Corinna Corinna" and a few other softer selections as the audience relaxed and took it all in. From that point on it was all high notes such as "Lido" and "Lowdown." He came back for an encore that started with "What Can I Say" and then went into "Loan Me a Dime" that just sizzled. The keyboard player played his Hammond B-3 with just enough style to suck you in and when Boz traded licks with his guitarist all bets were off! We were treated to a 10+ minute jam of one of his all-time greatest hits and what used to be an FM AOR station staple. The crowd leaped to it's feet several times during the song to show their appreciation to the players on stage. A rare occurrence - he came back for a second encore! What a night! I hope he comes around again soon.
danny-thomas-jr
Was really thrilled to get to see Rock and Roll Legend Boz Scaggs in concert. I have been a fan since my father played for me his copy of his record Silk Degrees. I also am a big Steve Miller Band fan and like the stuff he did with them. The concert was sold out and he played most of his hits.
He played the classics “lowdown” and the rocking “Lido Shuffle”. The crowd really got into those songs. He also performed a lot of songs from his new album that was recorded in the city of Memphis. Those songs had a lot of Rhythm and blues roots and really were well done. He has created some really good songs and it may be some of his better work since the 1970’s. His band was very tight and they were well in tuned with his type of song and the way he wanted the show to go. He played for about 90 minutes. He did several encores. He did not do any old Steve Miller songs which was kind of disappointing but that did not damper the whole show. His new album is critically acclaimed and hopefully he is picking up some younger fans, because it really is good music.
Everyone knows by now that I am Boz's NO.1 fan. I've loved his music since I first heard "We Were Always Sweethearts" in 1971. Immediately after that I bought previous albums and have collected everything he's done since.
This man is so under-rated as an artist and musician! I've seen him countless times live: little venues and big, and he never, ever disappoints. His gorgeous, silky voice and manner are just beyond words.
While the (newer) music world is full of non-music, it is heaven sent that a man like Boz, (who came from a musical era that will never be bettered!)is still performing, still recording and giving the world his lovely soul filled voice and melodies.
Boz...YOU ROCK!
Ms. Evan Degenfelder
EvanDegenfelder
Absolutely the BEST concert I've ever been to in about 35 years (I'm 49). He is so underrated and so extremely talented (not hard on the eyes either). His voice is still amazing, he's an incredible guitarist and performer. It actually gave me chills everything was so perfect. His band and Monet were extraordinary and I wish I had been even closer. Wow, what a bunch of talented people. Revolution Hall was a great venue as well. I hope I will be able to see him in a small venue like this again before I die! I love him more than I already did. Thank him for coming to Portland!!
sarah-reynolds-12
Exceptional show! When seeing a seasoned performer, who has been in the business for 40 years, one expects certain songs to be altered for vocal ranges changing with age and for some of the catalog to be played differently. NOT the case with Boz Scaggs! Crystal clear, perfectly balanced sound and vocals. Every song was played as it was released to the public. Boz has not lost any edge on his vocals or guitar abilities in the slightest. This is by far one of, if not the best show I have ever seen for a performer of his age and caliber. I HIGHLY recommend seeing Boz Scaggs!
LWLong
Boz Scaggs...what a fun, amazing concert. Even at 75, Boz can still bring it! He did everything from Texas Blues to his older hits. His falsetto is still perfect too.
The band was terrific! Every one of his band members brought precision musicianship to the stage. From the guitar to the tenor saxophone to the keyboards, bass, drum set, and background vocals, each musician was stellar.
I’ve been to many concerts over the years but Boz Scaggs will forever be one of my favorites. Hoping he will tour in this area again! He was fabulous! It was a wonderful time!
jencon1960
Awesome! Almost 71 years old and he rocked the arena. I was in love all over again the minute he started singing! We wore out our 8-track tape of Silk Degrees driving from South Texas to Orlando, Florida on our honeymoon in 1977. Boz still has that beautiful voice and music that moves me! Wish I had the money to follow his concerts while he tours. He knows how to entertain, and employs the sound guys who deliver! Love him!
monica-stehling-fitz
1st time seeing and hearing Boz Scaggs and his band play. His voice is excellent and his band is tight!!! If you have the chance to go to his show you will not be disappointed. His music set list included Rock & Stick, Radiator 110 from his latest music as well Loan me a Dime, Link Wrays “Cadillac Walk”,Chuck Berry’s “You never can tell”, Georgia, Jojo, It’s Over.
timo1955
Awesome show. A mix of his old Slow dancer and silk degree hits with some old blues tunes and some of his new Memphis album. Talented band of musicians who play it tight. Boz shows off how good he can be on the guitar at times but shares the stage. Only thing was I found it over too soon. 1 hour and half. Would have loved to hear Loan me a dime but it wasn't in the set.
les-mcgrath
I LOVE the direction Boz is taking with his music. I like his old stuff from what he refers to as his "Hollywood days". ...But I really love the Memphis album as well as his newest album, Fool to Care. I'm a fan! The concert was terrific. Great band and incredible backup singer (not sure what her name is, but she has an awesome voice!!)
Smark1961
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