Musicians in town keep a busy schedule, but the title of hardest-working performer might go to bluesman Chet Cannon. A gifted singer and harmonica player with a keen sense of humor, Cannon performs both with his band, The Committee, and plays host to blues jam sessions. On stage more often than not, the next week sees him playing seven gigs at six San Diego venues, including three in the area; May 5 at the Point Loma Sports Grill (7:30 p.m.), May 9 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge (7 p.m.) and May 10 at The Harp (7 p.m.). Raised in New England, Cannon came to San Diego in the late 1970s, drawn by “the usual things: the sun, the beach and the great weather.” “It’s beautiful here,” he said. Though best known as a frontman, Cannon started out as a drummer, inspired by his father, a musician in a local country band. The reason for his switch was pragmatic. “The one instrument I’ve been able to afford and carry with me is my voice,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be a singer, ever since I was a little kid and my grandma would make me go to church and sing. For years, I would say, ‘One of these days, I’m going to start a band. One of these days, I’m going to sing the blues.’” Now, Cannon is the host of several jam sessions around town, it was his introduction to a blues jam in Lemon Grove that gave him confidence to pursue music as a full-time endeavor. “I had a good time,” he said. “Everybody enjoyed it, and after that there was no looking back.” It was a meeting with legendary bluesman Muddy Waters that set Cannon on the path he’s been following. “I’d been in a couple of bands,” Cannon recalled. “I mostly sang along to the radio and in church when I was a kid. It wasn’t until my later years that I decided to do this.” Their meeting at the now-defunct Bacchanal nightclub in Clairemont was brief, sharing a bottle of champagne over 40 minutes of conversation — but its effect was “inspirational.” Today, Cannon’s regular set includes Water’s tune “Evil,” as well as other classics like “Messin’ with the Kid” by Junior Wells and “Who’s Been Talking” by Howlin’ Wolf and originals. Cannon said there isn’t any particular tune that can bring the house down. “It depends on the show, as each tune takes on a life of its own,” he said. “We play all of our songs like they’re showstoppers.” Now a seasoned veteran of the local blues community, Cannon has released two albums to date, with production on a third, “Chet Cannon’s Blues Party,” under way. The majority of his time is spent overseeing several jam sessions, nurturing the local music scene. “It can be frustrating, but it also can be very enlightening,” Cannon said. “I’ve met some very talented friends through jams and am constantly inspired by them.” He said he keeps the basics for these events simple. “My concept of a jam is an opportunity for live people to play live music with other live people,” he said. “Live music is an animal of its own, not like playing to a favorite CD. We just never really know what’s going to happen next.” He said the area’s blues scene is healthy — up to a point. “There are lots of talented musicians and great bands, but there are limited resources for them to perform, both clubs and audiences,” Cannon said. After three decades of making music in San Diego, Cannon said he looks forward to his time on stage, though not just for musical reasons. “I can’t afford a therapist, so this is a way I get to work out a lot of my angst,” he said. Chet Cannon performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 at Point Loma Sports Grill, at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge and at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at The Harp, www.chetcannonblues.com.
