Bev Conklin

Closing out the show, BC & The Blues Crew left no question as to why they had won our audition competition in 1998 and advanced to the finals in the IBC, in Memphis. Beverly Conklin is a dynamic performer, with an incredible stage presence. Back that with a well-seasoned band, and you've got a winning combination. Bill Wilson, Billtown Blue Notes, March/April 2005 - Billtown Blue Notes

While Duke's flight from Louiseville was delayed more than once, ...Bluzin, featuring Bev Conklin (known by local blues fans as BC), Thom Palmer, and Mitch Shelly, filled extra time with aplomb. BC has a strong fan base in the Lehigh Valley, and on Tuesday (@ The Ice House with Duke Robilliard), she showed why... Daryl Nerl, The Morning Call - Musikfest Blognotes, August 2006 - The Morning Call

Recorded live: "Lea Gilmore and Bev "BC " Conklin flat tore up Godfrey Daniels the other night. I have heard lots of blues there, both from out in the house, or, like Saturday, from behind the soundboard, but I have NEVER seen an audience on its feet like they were then, and I haven't heard many performers having this much fun, either. From smooth soul to roaring blues, alone or together, BC and Lea, backed by the Blues Crew with Eric Byrd on keys, just kicked some major butt! There is a lot of blues happening in the Lehigh Valley, but if you want to have a first rate howling good time, I suggest you catch this Crew." Mike Space Entertainment Director - Godfrey Daniels, February 2004 - Godfrey Daniels

"Dear Bev, (Unfinished Business Remix, 2003) Let The Good Times Roll has strong vocals and the band grooves well. I like the New Orleansy piano solo, which is a surprise. Chain of Fools - You show nice phrasing here, clippin some words and stretching others in a very mature and sophisticated way. The breakdown section, so naked, works really well for me and presents nice contrast to the main part of the song. Solid harp solo. The final breakdown section really works, and was a bold thing for you to do. Mellow Down Easy - Good vocal, very sexy. You have a sultry voice; the sexiness in the line endings in Call My Job was good too. Unfinished Business - another original. I like that the subject is implied rather than stated. Kind of sassy attitude in the vocal. There were some here that impressed me (especially "Chain")..."
Bruce Iglauer - Alligator Records, October 5, 2003 - Alligator Records

"Dear BC, (Creole Etouffee) you guys are tight and professional. I respect the good musicianship and that you have a distinct style and aren't an imitator, plus you do originals, which is refreshing. Searched So Long - I like this one. Simple, but you sing it with a lot of soul. Good guitar solo too. Tear It Down - good harp, lots of energy. Good solos all the way around. Don't Mess With Me Baby - good guitar work here, nice slinky groove. This is probably my favorite song on the album. You do more with your voice. It's bluesier, the band groove is tight. What's not to like."
Bruce Iglauer - Alligator Records, February 25, 2001 - Alligator Records

"It's been ages since I heard a true rhythm and blues band that bears a mid 60s groovy feel. This band was fantastic. Miss Conklin has a voice so powerful and yet she's so laid back, a true queen of the blues. It was difficult to highlight one member of this wonderful quintet, but keyboard player Wayne Smith created a sound on his Hammond B3, which nearly made my hair stand on end. Together they had a distinctive style, and it was refreshing to hear so much original material of such a high quality. My only regret is that I couldn't package them all up, and bring them to Tenerife (Canary Islands) and have you all share my great experience."
Barbara Law is a Showbiz columnist for ISLAND CONNECTIONS (Canary Islands), November 16, 2001

- Island Conections

BC & The Blues Crew get adventurous, with hints of influences from Stax to Santana, on their fat-sounding Creole Etouffee. "To Whom It May Concern," like much of the album, bears a mid-60's R&B-groover feel, but Wayne Smith's organ veneer suggests a countryish, Band-like iinfluence. The heart of the batting order? "Baby She's Your Crime," with cool changes and Mike Brandt's torrid guitar; the Steely Dan-ish "Taking Out the Garbage"; Bev Conklin's roaring, funky "Searched So Long." Smith cracks that toughest of nuts, the midtempo ballad, with "Many Miles" on the strength of BC's delivery. . . Tom Hyslop – Blues Revue, November 2000 - Blue Revue