VOA常速英语:Bluesman Tab Benoit Offers 'Medicine' for the Soul

We’ve all heard that old saying “music is medicine for the soul.”  Bluesman Tab Benoit took that advice to heart and named his latest album “Medicine.”

The singer and guitarist reveals his ever-expanding repertoire with his signature blend of Louisiana blues, rock and Cajun music.

Tab discovered the blues while growing up in Houma, Louisiana.  The city, situated along the low-lying canals and bayous of Louisiana’s central coast, is steeped in Cajun culture and tradition.  With guitar in hand, he moved to the state capital Baton Rouge and found regular work playing alongside headliners at a nightclub called the Blues Box.

He soon formed his own band, signed a recording contract, and became a headliner himself on tours across the country.

Tab Benoit performs the title track from “Medicine,” featuring fellow guitarist and songwriter Anders Osborne playing B.B. King’s legendary guitar “Lucille.”

A two-time Blues Music Award winner, Tab admits that spontaneity was the key to making his new album.  He says, “When it came down to playing, we weren’t trying to structure things; we were open to the moment.”

Tab’s other passion is conservation, and, with his organization voice of the Wetlands, he hopes to bring awareness to Louisiana’s fragile coastline.

He’s currently slated to perform two shows at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, including the festival’s opening day on April 29.