The Forty Fours

Mention the words “Music Mecca” and one would think, “New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Memphis, Austin”, but you would be leaving out the great hidden talent that exists on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. In fact, the whole area from Brownsville, Texas to Tampa, Florida, is overflowing with outstanding players. Now mention “Blues Mecca” and you certainly wouldn’t think of Northwest Florida, when in fact, some of the greatest blues players came through this area and have left an immense impact on the music scene in North West Florida. Maybe it’s the heat and humidity. Maybe it’s the Gulf of Mexico. Maybe it’s just that some of the best musicians in the world come from the South.

Now mention “ Best Blues Band” and the name that comes to mind first, is “Shawn Curle & The 44’s“. These cats ROCK! They always pack the house and everyone, I mean everyone, has a good time. Formed in 1992 as an offshoot of the legendary “Curle Brothers Blues Band”, The 44’s consistently live up to the old adage of “Play like there’s no tomorrow”. They have a loyal fan base and over the years have opened for the likes of, “The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Koko Taylor, Chris Duarte and Los Lobos”, just to name a few. They were recently honored by The Northwest Florida Blues Society to represent Northwest Florida at The 25th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

Members of The 44’s include, Shawn Curle and Pat Prichard on lead guitars/vocals, Cliff Jackson on bass /vocals , “Miami Rick” Oaks on drums and, whenever possible, the absolutely incredible Mark “The Harp” Casaday joins in on harmonica. The 44’s deliver from the bottom of their soul giving 110 percent of themselves at every gig. With over 200 years of combined musical chops behind them and a set list that runs the gamut from The Allman Brothers to “Muddy Waters”, plus an impressive array of original compositions that B.B. King would be proud to call his own, The 44’s are guaranteed to rock the house.