Albert Collins, Freddie King. In fact, a year after he died I was invited to lead a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute with my band. When I learned the proceeds went to his Memorial Foundation, I said yes and it was really successful. At the same time, I knew I wanted to create my own identity and finally, with the release of Strong Temptation in 1998, I had put my name on my own music.” The next time Chambers said “yes” was shortly after his first album debuted, when he had the opportunity to play with blues great Hubert Sumlin (guitarist for the legendary Howlin’ Wolf). The two connected so well that Chambers led Sumlin’s band for more than four years, learning invaluable life lessons “about the real blues, life on the road and staying humble” as they toured the world. In between it all, more blues albums and more touring followed for a good decade. Then one day, answering a call to audition for the classic Southern rock band Blackfoot in 2012, the course of Chambers’ life took another unexpected direction — this time, by a stylist Blackfoot had employed to evaluate the quality of his “rock hair.” Instead, she found his appearance and stage persona just fine. “They were talking about hair extensions and all I’m thinking is, thank you Karen,” he remembers. “Anyway, that’s how we met.” And that’s how Chambers came to call Fort Myers home, as he and Karen married and they relocated here, to her home. While Chambers is planning his next tour following the October release of Welcome to My Blues — which will see him traveling the East Coast, Midwest and Europe — he can also be enjoyed locally at venues such as Buckingham Blues Bar and the Barrel Room in Fort Myers. “Most of my influences are guitar slingers, so that’s what you’ll hear,” he says. “I love doing those slow burnin’ blues. The blues scene in Southwest Florida is solid and it’s growing. And yes, it’s also a great place to live.” { www.seanchambers.com }
COASTE | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 13
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