TSMC ...Fri @ The Barking Kudu
Sat. @ Metro Bistro
Thank you to friends and fans for the thoughts and prayers for the passing of Todd's Grandmother and Wes' Mother. Mammaw passed away Sat. july 17th. She had been sick for along time and had fought hard. She was tired and ready to join Pappaw. It was comforting to know that she was ready. It was very peaceful. Again thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Article from Florida Paper Below!
The color of music: Guitar prodigy overcomes obstacles to share his 'soul' at Funky Blues Shack (PHOTOS)
May 26, 2010 8:32 AM
By Matt Algarin
Todd Simpson cannot read or write. The guitar prodigy plays his guitar by colors.
“I see the colors and I play them,” he said, adding that he “speaks through the guitar.”
“It doesn’t make sense to most people, but I can’t read the music — I just feel the music.”
The 21-year-old guitar prodigy from Birmingham, Ala., will bring his high performance “bluesy show” to Destin’s Funky Blues Shack Saturday night. He is no stranger to the Emerald Coast, having played shows in Panama City and Destin prior to this weekend. In past gigs, he has played in clubs such as the Whiskey a GoGo and venues all over the United States, opening for legendary bands such as the Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band and Huey Lewis and the News.
“It is amazing that I have been able to play in some of the same buildings as James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison,” he said.
Being on stage in front of a crowd is something that comes naturally for Simpson.
“I just love to play,” he told the Log. “It doesn’t really matter where I play, I’m just happy to be out there.”
The fact that Simpson is even playing the guitar, let alone touring nationally is a miracle in itself. He spent most of his early life in and out of hospitals, after he was born with a very rare condition called DiGeorge Syndrome. Simpson underwent his first open-heart surgery at two days old.
DiGeorge syndrome is caused by the deletion of a portion of chromosome 22. Each person has two copies of chromosome 22, one inherited from each parent. This chromosome contains an estimated 500 to 800 genes.
He also suffers from combined immune deficiency, severe dyslexia and problems with his nervous system. He spent more than 700 days in the hospital by his third birthday.
While Simpson said music serves as a catalyst in this life, he stressed that the key to music is to “be only as good as you can be.”
“There is no point in trying to be better than someone else,” he said. “That is not what I want. That’s not the way you should look at life.”
Throughout the years, Simpson has gained musical inspiration from various rock and roll legends, such as Otis Redding, Sam Cook, Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughn, but he said the biggest inspiration to this point has been his father.
“If it wasn’t for him I would never have gotten an education and learned most of what I have,” he said. “We just have so many similarities.”
When asked how he would describe his musical style, Simpson said he thinks of himself as an “older soul.” He said his style of music is mostly drawn from the blues and soul genre, although he does play what he calls “hip-hop” blues, which is mirrored after artists such as the late Tupac Shakur.
“I never play a song the same way twice and I never play it just like the artist — I am always going to put my own spin on it,” he said.
To sample Todd Simpson’s music, or to read more about this talented young man, visit www.toddsimpsonandmojochild.com.
“While I may not be able to change the world, I can start the line,” he said. “I think that if I can survive what I did, and do what I want to in life, then hopefully other people will feel that they can too.”
TODD'S STORY
Todd Simpson and Mojo Child is a band out of Alabama that have blues roots, combined with a southern rock flair. Todd and Mojo Child have been playing as a band for 2 years and have already made quite a name for themselves. Todd's story is one of struggles and miracles. Todd has had numerous open heart surgeries and takes a monthly treatment due to an Immune Deficiesncy disorder. Although dyslexic Todd has not let anything stop him from pursuing his dream! Todd picked up the guitar at seventeen and literally days later played his first show. Disabilties that were once thought of as huge challenges are now considered amazing gifts. Todd plays from his soul, he has little or no knowledge of formal music training, Todd sees colors while playing and these colors take him on a journey with each and every song. Todd started playing harmonica at nine much the same way he did the guitar. Todd said he could feel the music, Big Bo McGee an Alabama blues legend bestowed the name Mojo Child , hence the band name Todd Simpson and Mojo Child. A Todd Simpson show is commonly refered to as the Todd Simpson experience by his fans. Rarely will you experience a more high energy, ever changing, emotional musical event! In a short time Todd and the band have played premiere venues throughout the south as well as college campuses in seven states. Todd Simpson has shared the stage with The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Huey Lewis,Paul Thorn and Phil Lesh and friends. Todd's blazing renditions of famous songs such as Voodoo Chile, Purple Haze, Purple Rain, Little Wing,The Sky is Crying along with originals always has the crowd on their feet and the party full speed ahead. Perhaps the most surprising part of Todd's shows are his renditions of songs that he calls Hip Hop Blues, where he plays popular rap tunes with smoking guitar leads. Todd is accompanied onstage by his father, Wes Simpson, who plays rhythm guitar; their close relationship allows them to intuitively play off of one another
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Just returned from LA, loved playing the Whisky, just knowing all who have played there was humbling! Great seeing the Movie, I am telling everyone great movie and really amazing story, so happy to have been a small part of it, loved playing the after show. Met some great people and visited my friends I met while doing "Lifted", they are now like family, and met some new ones who are amazing! Think all the meetings and brainstorming is headed in a the right direction! Can't wait to head back soon, but I am a ALABAMA BOY and loved seeing everyone when I got home!
Todd recently was offered a role in the movie "Lifted". A beautiful story written and directed by Lexi Alexander. Lexi has done other films, Green Street Hooligans, Johnny Flynton (short film nominated for Acedemy Award), The Punisher, War Zone, ect. Todd is so excited to get his music out through another venue. Todd will be performing original music in the movie as well as acting. Todd is also excited that in the movie Todd is playing himself....hows that for method acting. Again, Todd is humbled and appreciative of all those who continue to give him amazing opportunities!! Check out our new "Wall if Fame" page to see Todd and Lexi at there first meeting!
Check out videos here and on Youtube!
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