Dear Jimi Lee,

I have just returned home from my 4th International Blue Challenge (IBC) in Memphis and wanted to drop you a note about my opinions relative to the event since I never got a chance to talk to you in person. I am sending this email from your website that was listed in the IBC program so hopefully you will receive it.

As is customary for me, I spent Thursday night going from one solo/duo venue to the next. On that night at the Pig on Beale, I happened to arrive when you and John Mason were performing back to back. Based on what I heard from you two gentlemen, I made the decision to spend the entire Friday evening at the Pig on Beale just to catch those 2 acts again. And what a great decision that was!

At the end of Friday evening, there was no question that the Pig on Beale had more talent than all the other venues combined. I know, because I personally saw most all of the 40 solo/duo acts. Not only did I get to hear you two again, but I also got to hear another Jimi (Hocking) who ultimately won the IBC event after winning the Pig on Beale venue.

Without a doubt, at least 4 acts from the Pig were far more talented than the other 4 finalists that performed on Saturday afternoon. In other words, the Friday night event at the Pig on Beale was, for all practical purposes, the true finals of the duo/solo category and I was fortunate enough to have heard the very best acts at the event.

As a veteran Blues fan and to be perfectly candid, I must tell you that I felt you were the most talented act at the Pig with Jimi Hocking second and John Mason a close third. For that reason, it was just a crying shame - due to the luck of the draw - that you and Mason did not get a chance to strut your stuff in the finals. I truly believe that if you had of had the opportunity to perform on Saturday, you would now be the IBC champion.

I also want to make a couple of comments about your performances. In a word, you are a true harmonica virtuoso…pure and simple! Your vocals and lyrics are simply outstanding and its obvious they come from somewhere very deep inside you and your life experiences. In fact, all day Saturday, I just kept humming your “You Ain’t Shit” tune. What great songs, what great lyrics and what great harmonica!!!

In the final analysis, the people who attended the Saturday afternoon “finals” got shortchanged because (other than Hocking) the best solo/duo acts got eliminated at the Pig venue. What a shame for those who thought they were listening to the IBC’s best, because the best acts got left behind at the Pig. Had the judges selected you as the winner at the Pig (on what had to have been a razor close vote), there is no question in my mind that you would now be the IBC champion…no question at all!

Sorry for rambling, but I just thought you’d like to know the opinions of an “old dog” Blues fan. You are an outstanding talent and you came so very, very close to winning it all this year!. I want to encourage to keep on keeping on because if you do, you are going to be very BIG and very soon!

Glenn Whitener
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Friday night's performance at the Pig On Beale

Jammin' Friday night before hundreds of Blues
fans waiting for the decision of the judges

Enjoying late night Memphis barbeque with my little brother Bobby (L), big brother Ed (R) and "my sis" Cindy who all flew in just to support me.