BB's Jazz, Blues, and Soups was a somber place Sunday night with the news of Michael Burks' sudden death. Michael, often called the guitar-heir to Albert King, died of a heart attack at age 54 years.

An almost wake-like pall had descended on the place, at least until Lloyd Jones took the stage. Lloyd Jones, a guitar legend in his own right, had come into town to visit his wife's sister. He pulled three local blues sidemen and played four gigs in a week. His last show here was at BB's with this blogger in attendance.

Lloyd was dressed all in black and he never took off his sunglasses. He plays lead guitar and sings. He has a strong voice and his guitar playing is sure, fast, and distinctive.

On one song, he windmilled like The Who.The audience of about 20 persons was electrified. He played such blues favorites as "Blind Love" (B.B. King) and "Are You Gonna Need Me?" (Albert King). He threw in a couple of his own versions of songs like "Double Trouble" and "Treat Me Like the Dog I Am".

His down-and-out lyrics melded with his rhythmic guitar licks. His sidemen added a steady bass line, soaring keyboards, and primitive drum beat. Lloyd Jones' sidemen were Preston Hubbard (bass guitar and formerly with the Fabulous Thunderbirds), Curt Landes (keyboard), and Mark Rogers (drums).

Lloyd Jones concert is a good introduction to upcoming "BluesWeek, May 19-27, 2012". On May 19, a $10.00 wristband gets you into 9 clubs (9 different bands) in Soulard. For example, my personal favorite, "Patti and the Hit-men", will be at Joannie's Pizzeria.

May 20 is the "All Star Blues Brunch", May 23 is Sandy Weltman and Annie Raines playing at "Harp Workshop", and May 24 is the "BluesWeek Awards Ceremony" back at BB's.

The week ends with the BluesWeek Festival (May 25-27): 40+ bands on 3 stages with blues, brews, and bbq. For a complete listing, go to www.stlbluesweek.com.