The Israeli blues rock trio SOBO, competed at the 20th International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN, January 29-31, 2004. Ninety four bands competed for $25, 000 in cash and prizes at the Blues Foundation's annual event. Blues for Peace, an affiliate organization of the Blues Foundation sent the SOBO band to Memphis.

SOBO did well in the competition although they did not make the finals. One person said, "I can report that even folks who are not die-hard blues lovers were aware of SOBO being in Memphis. SOBO was on all the morning TV shows programs and in the newspaper. Amongst attendees at the Blues First Conference, SOBO was a topic of conversation and interest."

Listen to SOBO interview on "The World" Global Hit - Click here!

SOBO is legendary in Israel for its powerful and energetic mix of blues, rock, R&B and funk coupled with a unique Middle-Eastern flavor. The Jerusalem Report said, "Israel has soul, it's people have the blues, and thanks to a Jerusalem band called SOBO, they can Rock N Roll."...

SOBO's unique sound can be attributed to singer and bass player Assaf Sammy's smoky blues vocals and funky bass lines… slide guitarist and harmonica player Daniel Kriman's nonstop energy of boogie and blues… and drummer Eli Fish's solid beats… paying homage to blues legends Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Stevie Ray Vaughan as well as rockers the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers... Click for mp3's!

SOBO also plays original music with a bluesy flavor like "Blues it Now!" and "Let Freedom Reign" on their "Southbound Train" CD. Whether playing a cover tune or an original, that SOBO "crunch" is ever present. Recently, the band did a special gig, a "Blues Cruise on the Sea of Galilee" for a Birthright Israel program produced by Blues for Peace. (see below)

SOBO plans to perform in concerts in the US to promote Birthright Israel tours and at blues clubs in addition to the IBC. For more info, contact us.

Listen to the Show!

The clip by Zohar Laskov for "Why America?"

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