Jamell Richardson/"Gulf Coast Blues Boy"

Jamell Richardson has been named the winner of the "Reach the Beach" contest and will now perform at Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores.

Richardson was one of seven finalist who performed as part of a concert series leading up to the festival.

The contest, according to AL.com, was open to unsigned bands based anywhere in Alabama, or anywhere within 100 miles of Gulf Shores.

So who is Richardson?

Per his web site, known as "The Gulf Coast Blues Boy," Richardson was born in Meridian, Miss., and raised in Butler, Ala.

He has toured and recorded with Mel Waiters and had a role in the James Brown movie "Get On Up."

Richardson is scheduled to perform at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, on the Hangout Stage. - Mark Heim

Het voorlaatste optreden is van gitarist zanger Jamell Richardson met een uitgebreide band achter zich met daarin orgel, saxofoon, bas, drums en tweede gitarist. Dit zorgt voor een mooi vol geluid waarin showman Jamell zich als gitarist kan uitleven. Hij speelt geweldig en eist door zijn beweeglijke podiumpresentatie (hij staat, rent, zit, ligt) alle aandacht op. Het is snel, goed, intens, lekkere swingblues. Maar ook de langzamere nummers beheerst men. Als eerbetoon aan B.B. King, zijn voorbeeld, spelen ze The Thrill Is Gone en door het prachtige saxofoonspel krijgt het een extra dimensie. In Sweet Home Alabama zit een verrassend funky tussenstuk uit Sex Machine van James Brown met funky bassolo. - Andre Wittebroek

Jamell Richardson, is making waves with his electrifying, energetic performances and people are taking note.
Jamell was asked this week to open up for American Blues icon Delbert McClinton when he performs at the Mobile Saenger Theatre Friday.

As winner of Reach for the Beach, Jamell opened up the mainstage at Hangout Festival Friday morning, the morning BB King passed. Jamell’s tribute to BB on stage caught the attention of Luther & Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, they asked him to join them for their headlining spot at the annual BB King Homecoming Festival in Indianola, MS, B.B.’s hometown.

Jamell was also invited to join the B.B. King Blues Cruise, but he kept his promise to play the ZEW’s 2nd 2sday series at Azalea Manor, and boy did he play, close to four hours straight! - Lee Ann Camp