B i L L F oO L e R Y

Saturday at the Festival...where to begin?

First of all the line-up for Sunday was just as interesting to me. I have come to know many of the local acts and I enjoy seeing them perform on a big stage. I would have loved two days but I was lucky to get one day and it was a long one.

I arrived around 2:30 on Saturday. There was a hot sun beating down. I was happy to be there after all it took to make it happen and I just took in the scene.

There were moms, dads and kids. There were teenagers, bikers, hotties and some older folks. The vendors were all taking refuge from the sun under their tents. There was a pretty good crowd for so early on a screaming hot day in Riverhead.

Sly Geralds was cranking out some funky-bass rock and blues and I just stood there taking in everything. Geralds had a good groove going. I felt a good day coming.

I ran into a good friend Ralph Santiago, who was playing drums later with JD Allen at the festival. Ralph is one of the nicest guys out there. He even offered me a seat which he had right there in the middle of it all. I took him up on it.

In the past few years I had only limited time to attend the festivals. As a father of a youngster the time to be at a daytime event on a summer weekend was rare. As my child aged a little I am finally able to dedicate a whole day and I was unprepared. I would have brought a chair had I been more familiar with the protocol. I would have brought a small cooler and maybe a chaise lounge. Nah, maybe not a chaise. Anyway I was grateful for the chair. Thanks Ralph!

So I had a good seat for the next act, T-Bone and Franny Mae. They had their show faces on. T-Bone did some butt kickin with his 6-string! Franny Mae had all her charm glowing and the band offered some cool sax for the festival set.

I soon ran into my posse', as it were, and Ms.tall dark and cool, Audrey C had set up a bit further back, table and all. I moved my location and I took in the Mojo's, then the Hackensack Men and the rest from a farther vantage point. That offered a more comfortable setting but a different perspective.

Pamela Betti Band followed and they are made for a stage and audience that big. Pam Betti belts it out and she is at her best when she can do it without a roof. It just gets in the way. The sky is the limit with Pammy and it's fun seeing her making it happen lately!

I wish I was closer for that one. I would have liked to see her busting some little pink veins in her very blond head while trying to make lightening happen on a clear, hot summer day. If anyone will make that happen it will be Pammy. She came close.

The shows that followed were mostly good and for different reasons.

Kane Daily followed and he put together a nice set of guitar blues. Daily is a busy local player; skilled, with a tight band and a gritty attitude. He added some good enegry for as much as I heard.

Little Toby Walker followed and the award winning blue-grass and blues player had the crowd digging his folky sounds and formidable guitar skills. Walker is a seasoned entertainer with his own distinctive sound. It was a highlight for me on Saturday and I moved up close for much of his set (after regretting not getting in close for Pam B) so I could take in his performance with as much nuance as I could gather. I post events for Mr. Walker and the others every week and I don't get to see them all very often. It is a rich experience for that knowledge as well as my own entertainment.

Back at my camp set-up I caught MISbHAVIN with Pat Hunter and, apparently, that was the last time they perform as MISbHAVIN with Pat Hunter. As many bands do, they have had quite a bit of turbulance and it spelled the end for the talented group. Danny Kean will carry on with a new singer and some of the same players. It is unclear to me if Donnie Celenza will be part of it.

Saturday Mr.Bill Marino sat in on guitar for Celenza and handled well the tough job of filling in for Donnie C. Marino is a soft spoken, modest but capable as hell player and it was really fun to see him in that spot. I missed Celenza though...just for Celenza-sake. Both would have been cool.

Speaking of soft-spoken and talented the next band up was Frank Latorre and the King Bees. All the sudden it has become a collaboration with FL with sax's and all kinds of players. Latorre is a multi-talented player who impresses with a mouth harp, guitar and vocals and he makes some gritty blues. Vocally he has a rare blues talent but all his instruments are good. That's another one I should have gotten up close for but I could not keep running all the way up and all the way back. There was a good crowd by then and I was pissing people off aleady.

In between all those acts I managed to run into Club 91 to catch Jacks O Diamonds with JD Allen on guitar and Ralph Santiago on drums. The boys were playing to a nice crowd of the younger types and the crowd was digging it. It was a nice scene inside the smallish and dark blues room. Josh (JD) has been a busy young man playing all over Long Island and his stage presence showed some juice. It was also nice getting out of the searing sun and into a cool blues room.

Finally came Bernard Allison and truth-be-told I was a long way from the high I had achieved, musically and atmospherically speaking of course, earlier in the day. It was after 11, the place was now dark, the crowd was big, many friends had split and I was hanging on for some rich blues guitar moments.

I worked my way up to the front again. By now my face had become familiar enough to the people up there that I sort of belonged. Besides there was a puddle of something really gross right where I had stood earlier and the place was now readily accessible. I stood on the perimeter of the suspect, glowing red puddle and had my place, however toxic it may have been.

Mr. Allison appeared. He had a mirthful face with a look of experience. I liked the look of his band too. They were a motley looking crew. I was really anticipating hearing him play.

They were a deep, blues guitar experience. Bernard Allison had fluid hands that spoke for him and it was nice to see and hear such a pure connection and expression. I was moved for a few songs, (Hendrix for one) just by the sounds and the natural expression ...and then I conked out.

All the input of the day and all the stuff I tried to take in and remember and feel and enjoy... and forget. It all filled me up and I could take in no more. (Maybe the puiddle was toxic). After the second song I turned and left.

I will probably remember Allison best for his face. But I'll remember his hands and how easily he used them with his guitar, to make the song. I have seen Warren Haynes up real close and Derek Trucks and Papa Chubby and lots of good players at BB Kings like Coco Montoya and Albert Cummings and I have seen Donnie Celenza and Andy Aledort and other really good ones around here. More.

I can say though, that Allison has the most fluid hands I can remember. It was a treat and I wish I had more in me Saturday night to take in more but I got an impression in the first few songs and thank God I had a little space left in me.

It was a day of all kinds of experiences and thanks to all who make the festival happen. It is a worthwhile effort to support the arts, music, Blues and to bring people together on Long Island.

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

I feel pretty lucky that I was able to get to the Great So Bay Music Festival in Patchogue this weekend.

With two big music events upon us and me being a blues fan I had to make sure I made plans for Riverhead this coming weekend primarily. The festival last weekend was a bonus but an important one. There were some great acts and I was lucky enough to catch a few.

I got there Sunday around 3:30 or so. Accessing the event was not bad. I found parking easier than expected and the line for a ticket ($16) was swift.

I hurried in to catch as much of Roxy Perry as I could. I heard her on the way in and it was blues. I wanted in.

I got there, worked my way to the front and, to my surprise, her guitar player was Jim Moran. They were rockin. Drummer Linda Geiger was cool and keyboards by Benny Harrison were also good. Roxy had her mojo goin (encore song) and her blues chops were sharp.

The crowd was entertaining. The weather was perfect. There was brilliant sunshine. It was a good moment.

People were digging the blues with foot tapping and smiles on their faces and finally there were dancers. The movement to the dancefloor was led by a 38 year old (my best guess, but I'm good) vision in a white cotton sun-dress and not much else. She was a pleasure to behold with a beautiful smile, long dark hair and perfectly pedicured pink toed bare feet. She was a perfect homage' to the twirlers of the 60's and the perfect complement to an outdoor show. In fact I wish I got her name. I'd hire her for my festival if I was throwing one.

On the adjoining stage, after Roxy Perry was The Good Rats.

I had to find some beverage and other comforts but I got back for a few dynamite songs. The ole Long Island rockers still got it. Lead vocals (Peppi Marchello) were actual vocals. The songs were known entirely by the loyal fans and the energy was big. The crowd filled the two-stage area and it was a good show. I was impressed by the lead vocals and song writing. These guys have a unique sound, distinctive and quality solo's and stage presence. I shudder to think how they sound in a small venue... with such a big sound. That was a perfect venue for them.

Finally, I was able to stay for most of Popa Chubby; the next act up in the two-stage area.

Mr. big also had a good band with bass player, AJ Papas and other youthful cast behind him. He came out rockin with some Hendrix, a few originals and another Hendrix. Popa Chubby has huge energy and really lights up some blues tunes. I was mesmerized by his Hendrix renditions (Hey Joe and Little Wing). The often played songs had a rare intensity that I hear with few players. It was real blues guitar and I was having some more special festival moments.

When you take in as much live stuff as I do you come to appreciate the motivated performances. Some payers give them all the time, true. Some I don't get to hear in an everyday setting and some haven't caught that magic in a bottle yet that comes with big stage and big event opportunities.

I look forward to hearing more big moments this coming weekend as many of our favorite Long Island artists and some dynamite non-Long Island artists come to the big stage and let it all hang out.

Hope to see ya'll out there. And thanks for being here.

bill

Searching, searching always searching for an inspired voice or, what the hell, a decent guitar lick.

I go to a lot of shows and even when it's bad it is better than TV and it is a chance to meet someone new. That's a little kink I have. I'm kind a people-junkie. That's another reason why performers are so intriguing. It is a chance to experience another dimension of people...and a rather intimate one.

First of all Wednesday night was something different. I'm not really talking about the music. That was not all that different and not bad. Actually it was Papa G w/ Tim Dorsey(keys) and Tommy Pizza (drums and host) @ Lefty's.

Wednesday's are on at Lefty's again but it is a new cast. When it's good it's good. This time the cast was about some funk and some jazz. Jim Kolman showed up and it turned into a little rock/blues for a set. These things happen at jams and it was a good couple of sets.

Now it got more interesting. After two sets I peeled myself away from the bar where there was a new beauty bartending and I said my good-byes enroute to Brightwaters Inn. There are two new jams in the neighborhood and I'm trying to spend time at both.

I hurried out to my ride and lo and behold I had a flat tire. Damn...

I went right at it and started de-lugging the nuts and cranking the...crank. I got the thing up and I got the wheel with the sad tire off and then found out I had a flat spare. Wonderful!!! All that bending and cranking also sent the Stoli right to my head and I was starting to lose my fun feelings.

I slapped the sad old wheel back on, snugged the nuts and started walking to Brightwaters. I was in Lindenhurst but I am of the thinking that it is best to just just keep moving forward and do the thinking on the way. In the meantime I'm making progress.

Whatever...after about 15 minutes I called a buddy and got a lift. I missed the jam at BI and I later heard it was a good one. Nacho Mama showed up as well as Pete Tursi (trumpet player w/ Stanton Anderson) who had been there the week before. Note to myself...when the tires look as smooth as my receding hairline it is time to get new ones.

Friday night I was determined to hear some music to shake off my disappointment from Wed. night.

I headed to Sparky's for a new band, Red Flannel Hash (great name). I got there for part of a set and it was some Grateful Dead being performed by some guys that probably went to a few of the original shows. They were the right demographic. While I like the players and respect the genre, I just don't happen to be a big fan of GD. The next set was similar era but some more likable stuff. RFH has some good pieces with a good vocalist. There are so many bands out there doing good work it is hard to know them all.

Sparky's is a likable place. I had wanted to get there Sat. for SmokinGun but we had a family thing going on and it was too late when we got back to the Long Island enviorns.

Later Fri night, after Sparky's, I thought I would stop in and say Happy B-Day to Sweet Suzi at Giacomo's. I like Suzi and I like Giacomo's...I am always happy to walk in there and see Patty too. The happy-go-lucky barmaid at Giacomo's is one of those rare individuals that wears a hat well and knows how to handle flirting. She's a professional. I always leave there liking her and feeling a bit tickled by the confrontation.

I caught the last set of Sweet Suzi and the Blues Experience which was fun. It was a mellower SSBE and Johnny Anderson's guitar is also soothing music to my ear. It was a nice soulful cap to a Saturday night...and it was a late hanging crowd. I love that!!!

Thanks all you bands and players and venue owners. I got my fill this weekend and it's only Sunday...I'm heading to the Festival. Still more to come...Thanks for stopping by.

bill

So with the unstructured nature of summer living I get to do some different things on occasion. Monday night I found myself available for some musical wandering. That's a rare treat.

I first headed to The Last Call in Farmingdale for the Hitman Blues jam with Russell Alexander. As I pulled up to the corner of Main St. and Conklin in Farmingdale I noticed a lone pool player lining up a shot right where Rusell should have been standing in the front window. Hmmm. It has been a few months since I've been there but no one mentiond the end of the Monday night thing at Last Call.

I immediately called my good friend Audrey. You know her...the tall dark lady with the perpetual coolness who shows up here, there and everywhere and knows people wherever she goes. I figured Audrey might know the situation and sure enough, Ms. Cool told me that Mr. Alexander is currently touring Europe. Well, well. I wish I knew... and good for him!!

So where to go?? Audrey mentioned the fairly new jam at KT Farrells in Bellmore hosted by Kenny Forgione (Wonderous Stories). I was considering the cool jazz jam at Jessie's but a chance to see something new always gets preference.

We headed there and arrived a little after 11. There was a sparce post-holiday weekend crowd. The sounds were good though. We caught some acoustic 70's and 80's rock; stuff by Stevie Nicks and Pink Floyd, the Beatles and Kenny F serenaded us with some right-on Moody Blues and even a medly I think of some Beatles and other BritRock tunes. Forgione is one of those multi-talented guys with a vast repetoire and a deep pool of music to pull from. There were some other jammers doing some "jamming" but the highlights were definitely Forgione and I heard there has been a good turnout. It is not a blues scene. It isn't a jazz thing. It's pretty much a rock thing, acoustic and some electric but it was largely the "over 30" stuff that I like and that Wonderous Stories does an amazing job on in their shows. That jam was something a little different and I'm glad we caught it.

So summer marches on. There are festivals coming and local shows and happy hour shows and beach hut shows...so many chances to find some magical music moments. Go find some... and thanks for checking in.

bill

It has been a foggy groggy four days and not for the obvious reasons.

I have family in town. I have work to do. I have holiday plans and expectations for my teenage child. I wish to attend a number of shows. My family wishes to attend other events with conflicting schedules and locations. So much to balance and juggle and so little means...

Life can confront us with such a big bitter pill sometimes and I just don't feel like taking it. Luckily the weekend turned out fairly well if not memorable.

The short of it is, I got to one show this weekend. It was a good one.

C&B Blues Revue were at Giacomo Jacks on Friday night. The boys, Pat Russo and Dave Swanson (w/ Ed the Hat on drums) were in really good form. In fact they just finished recording a cd (coming out soon) and they played numerous originals from it at their Friday night gig. There were a few covers, SRV and Zepplin and the dynamic duo/trio were fierce in their renditions. It was an impressive display, as is usually the case with C&B. The soon-to-be-in-college young men will be out and about this summer and then off to college so check them out when you can and keep your eyes open for the CD coming soon I imagine.

The rest of the weekend was some family stuff and the worlds smallest BBQ at my humble home but it was relaxing...which I needed. I have been stressing this horific economy and trying to entertain my teenager with limited funds. On top of all that family are visiting from Florida.

Luckily dad likes baseball so we attended a Ducks game at Citibank Field. That turned out to be a really nice night. I recommend it with family or friends for some good baseball and a no hassle night. The park is in C Islip just north of Southern State. (Sunrise Hwy, Exit 46, Carleton Ave. North. It's easy). We had a quality night with dad and it didn't cost much at all.

There's actually lots to do here on the island of Long.

I'll be back with more soon as I may take in a movie tonight and I'll definitely be checking out an off-night jam this week...just not sure what night yet.

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

Happy 4th, citizens!!!

The summer is in full swing and the weather is, well, Long Island in full swing; erratic. Let's hope for the best. There are some outdoor events this weekend which are always fun and I could use some sun. Geesh. I'm an indoor dude with the color to prove it and even at night it looks healthy to show some outdoor effects. The "indoor nightlifer" can be a cool look of course but it is tough on the health to maintain and I need some healthy livin...somtime soon. Tennis anyone?

Some of you may notice the Sparky's logo on the old homepage. I am finally getting going with some local business plugs. Sparky's is a fine new spot. You have to check it out for some authentic ribs especially since they are supporting the blues FULL FORCE. They have almost every Saturday booked for months. Key word, "almost". There may be an opportunity in there for one or two Saturday's. Book fast. Call Paul.... and try some Texas ribs!

This past week featured another battle of the Wednesday night jams in the south bay pocket (western suffolk). Lefty's had a good one I hear. That is a mercurial bunch but often has really good players. It is a good idea to make a two jam night of it.

Brightwaters Inn had another good one with some special guests. A Stanton Anderson trumpet-man (Pete Tursi, I believe. I missed the song, damnit!)stopped in wth his sax playing daughter, Grace. They were the buzz as I walked in. Grace stuck around and jammed a bit.

The night was guest-hosted by JD Allen (Jacks O Diamonds)which was a fun twist and there were plenty of guests, good jammers and a great crowd. All the sudden there's music in the neighborhood. I'm lovin it!

So get out there and take in some music for the holiday weekend. It's cheaper than flying, easier than driving and you'll be supporting the local economy. Now that's the American way!

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

Circumstances dictate so much of our lives. I often think of the people I know who seem to have complete control of their lives. For instance, I do business in some of the nicer suburbs on the island and I come across the ambitious, powerhungry types who plan their every minute if their every day. I recently had to be at someone's home early on a Sunday morning, promptly, if I "was serious" about getting the contract. I wish I could make every one jump to my schedule like that and, hence, make my whole day work the way I would like. I know there are trade-off's to living like that. There would be little time for contemplation and life. Smelling the roses is important; no vital. I would rather die with less money and more experience and more smile lines on my face than more money, less recreation and less time with my child.

The kind of escape and recreation I seek and often find as a patron of live music is the kind I need from the very tension and chaos inherent in my life. The difficulty I have arranging time and money for myself and providing the safety and comfort needed for my family with the many limitations I have is the very fuel that drives me to seek the creative outlet. The frustrations of not being able to control my life somehow offer the means to enjoy the time I do get...however erratic. I guess you could say that control displaces anxiety AND a lot of emotion which lessens the desire for emotional realization and discovery.

All this means that I was limited this weekend from getting to all the shows I might have liked to get to...and cest la vive.

Friday night Ms. Bilf and I were looking for something very local since she had a very constricted schedule this weekend. There were a lot of shows Friday night. Luckily there was one close to home. Blue Matter was at Mustang Sally's in W Islip.

The place is large and they could host as big show. They don't book consistently though so the crowd is often not as big as the place.

Blue Matter bills themselves as a favorite jam band and they are...of mine anyway. They offer good guitars with Arty Panico and vocalist Ray Wade and Ralphie Santiago on drums with the pocket princess, Kelly Tyrell on bass. They play a tight couple of sets with some good guitar blues and rock'n roll. There's also a new harp player in the neighborhood. Wally from Brightwaters Inn once again stepped up and blew some nice music with them. The guy can carry a tune with that thing and it's a nice sound.

Saturday night I was eventually free but it was a bit late again so I chose a gig that started late. Bennett Harris was at Sparky's. It's a new BBQ place on New Hwy. in Farmingdale...north side of Republic Airport...just north of Conklin.

The place is the right kind of room, with the right kind of ambience, with the right kind of barmaid and the right kind of owner. It is new to the music stuff. They opened recently with Kerry Kearney and now Bennett Harris so the Man, Paul, knows his blues...and he plays a mean jukebox too. Karen behind the bar has a face you'll fall for right away with a killer smile...a good thing in a bartender.

So the place is good. The band was too! Bennett Harris Blues delivers blues, guitar blues. I like Bennett Harris Blues. They are no nonense, talented, blues playing mofo's. I mean that fondly. I stayed to the end, just after 1 and it was good night's work and the man BH can play. I tried to take down the names of the players behind Mr. Harris as he rattled them off a few times. Bass player, Gary Brooks, was a nice player, creative and stylish. Drummer, Phil Kester was a stand out drummer for my one ear. He had a unique beat, stylish also and he did a nice solo which I was hoping for. The other 6-string was Mike Nugent and he also was a crafty soloist and did a really nice couple of tunes. They covered some different artists, like Gary Davis and they also moved into some classic blues tunes. Harris has confident vocals and hands and a good repetoire. It was a nice new mix of influences for me. I know these guys are not new, although I now know it was a new mix of players. (Thanks Bennett) I have not caught them in a small venue before...believe it or not. They have not ventured close to my habitat very often I guess. This time they could not escape me.

I look forward to the summer and all the outdoor events and the festivals and just the more frequent happenings. This is an exciting time of year...could have something to do with school being out. I don't have to get up at 6-something every morning. Yeehaa!

Enjoy your leisure and smell a few roses and get out for some live music. It will inspire. I promise.

Thanks again for checking in.

bill

After a few busy days I realize I never got a chance to talk about a fun jam last Wednesday night at Brightwaters Inn with the Blue Matter boys.

That was a premier event for what will be a weekly jam. If the first week was any indication it will be a good one. Where there was a vacuum for a few months in southwestern Suffolk on Wed. nights there is now a plethora of quality jam. Remember to bring toast.

The first night at BI was a blast. Hosts; Ray Wade, Ralphie Santiago, Arty Panico and Kelly Tyrell (Blue Matter) were in good form. With guests, Sweet Suzi, Josh Allen, Jim Kolman and some good local newbies it was a festive night with some magical moments.

Artie Panico and Sweet Suzi rocked the crap out of Soulshine. You have to hear that sometime. Kolman and Allen played the hell out of a few tunes and affable bartender/bluesman Wally stepped up with a harp and did a helluva job on a few tunes. His son also began a jam career with some nifty guitar playing. Lot's happening at the ole' Brightwaters Inn.

Now there are options aplenty on Wednesday night.

As for the weekend I had some fun Saturday night at Big Daddy's in Massapequa with The Pam Betti Band. Did you know she is now with Muletrain Records? Once again, Congrats Pam!! PBB also just returned from a gig at the Tropicana and AC! Well, Pam Betti does not need any additional momentum especially in a place as intimate as Big Daddy's but she had some and she hit all the notes. That blond can belt it out! Where does all that force come from?!

I wish the place was a little roomier around the stage area because it ain't easy chillin there. I hear the food is amazing, real cajun fare, and the atmosphere is festive. It was a fun night with lots of friends and local musicians.

Saturday night I was not able to comsume any local blues. Sunday might be different. There are some good ones around. Fingers crossed.

Remember, Monday there is a summer jam at The Venetian Beach Hut in Lindenhurst with Blue Matter and the Beach Huts offer a great setting for summer music. Check them out. Smith Point, W Hampton has one and Lindenhurst.

Emjoy your Sunday and thanks for stopping by.

bill

I would be writing a different post if I had gotten out Friday for exploration instead of Saturday.

The calendar was so much fuller on Friday and the weather was nice.

Friday night I was with Ms.Bilf and we had time for one quick drink at Brightwaters Inn, a very local joint for us, where Sweaty Betty was belting out some pop stuff. It was like Bay Shore school teachers night so the show was geared to a dance and pop crowd. It was a great crowd once again for SB and the female patrons were riled up by the time we got there. We stayed for a drink and caught some strong vocals for a couple of rock tunes and called it a night. Ms. McCardle (Betty) has a great set of pipes as they say. I look forward to hearing more of her vocals in some different settings.

Saturday night was my only opportunity to explore and with a somewhat limited offering and gloomy weather I headed up to Chesterfields in Huntington. Yes, Chesterfields, the place that has been taboo since they mistreated the loved and respected Donnie Celenza a year or so ago. The fact is, back then Donnie said himself not to boycott the place since there are not all that many places to host blues and Huntington is a good location. That was classy of him. I did sort of boycott the place anyway for the last year as the only gigs I listed were some of the Jim Moran jams and I have not been there in a year at least.

So last night I was back. I have read some posts about Mamafunk & The Mudcats on Craigslist musicians page. They may have been self serving posts but the band works pretty often and they offer some blues so I thought I'd give a listen.

It was not a bad crowd for a bad weather night. As usual Chesterfields had cute and capable barmaids and there was an available seat at the bar so I grabbed it.

Mamafunk is a singer that reminded me a few times of Franny Mae but maybe a "greener" version, vocally speaking. Franny Mae (as in T-Bone & Franny Mae) has more nuance and range...and gravy so to speak but the resemblences are numerous...from pitch, to style to song choices. It was occasionally uncanny. The Mudcats were capable with some good guitar and keys and a solid rhythm section. I'd say the rave posts on the Craigslist were a bit biased perhaps but the band offers a creative blues flavor and some good potential. I welcome creative interpreters of blues and I think she/they are headed towards some of that.

This being Fathers Day I am lucky enough to be able to spend time with my father who is 85 and courageously fighting Parkinsons. The parental units are up from Florida and we are all together; the family. We were raised in Massapequa and since the late 80's we have scattered (some returned to Long Island, like me) and rarely spend time, as a family, with dad.

Back then (baby boom) the fathers worked hard and the mothers did most of the "raising"...at least in our neighborhoods. I am still getting to know my father and these times are valuable. We're lucky that he took care of himself and that he has good genes (yippee) and that he was successful and lucky and had a good marriage. There is some luck involved in a good life and he had/has it all.

I hope you enjoy your Fathers Day whether you get to be with your father or just spend some time remembering him or if you get to bask in the warmth and adoration of your children and family.

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

My Sunday post was a tad hasty in that I wrote it before knowing I would get to the Bay Shore Arts and Crafts Festival late in the day. There I caught The Willie Steel Band who were playing for Smoking Al's, a really good rib place in very cool downtown Bay Shore.

I wanted to quickly mention a great band, Willie Steel Band. They have Frank Bellucci on drums, with Willie Steel on guitar and the keyboard and sax players, not to mention bass were all amazing. I know, I have good stuff to say about almost everyone I see. If you read carefully you'll see this is an unqualified rave for a great bunch of players....who happen to be playing tonight at Molly Malone's in Bay Shore.

That's a first for a blues band. MM's has been a popular and casual Bay Shore dining spot and local watering hole for years and I actually like the fit of WS at MM's.

Willie Steel Band is lead by Mr.Willie Steel who is a sort of satiric performer. He and they are pro's pros and the songs are sometimes played like farces that are done really well (like Fly Me to the Moon with some blues edge) and sometimes blues numbers played with a twist. Steel is brash, irreverent; the players are solid performers all on the same page. It is a tight show. Catch them tonight if you see this in time or look them up (My Space) or find their shows here on BilLfOoLeRy.com.

Another mid-week note...I was driving home from Queens Monday night and was reminded about the jam at Jessie's Roadhouse as I was passing by Merrick and on the phone with a friend.

I popped in for a quick look and was amazed with the cast of players. It was a jazzy jam with Papa G, Chrispy Chis Laybourne, Chris Carrol on drums Ralph Peglese on keys, Dave Berg on guitar...some other good jazz players and Johnny Anderson was hanging around for looks... I didn't get to hear him play unfortunately. It was a quick look but a worthwhile one. Thats where the funk and jazz players go to show off their funky shoes and air out some metaphysical notions. I wish that was a Wednesday night show. I like the attitude.

So there's good stuff every damn night. No excuses. Find an hour, any night, and go git some of that musical inspiration.

So many choices, so many people and places. It is tough to decide where to go on a weekend night when I have to miss shows that I want to see. Throw in some friends that decided to come out and the fact that they live in, like Rocky Point, and the decision gets narrowed down suddenly.

So Friday night I trucked up to Port Jeff and I had found and listed two players for Tumbleweeds that night. I was going to get a chance to find out what that was all about.

It turns out that Tommy Keys was the show and there was a scheduling snafu so Gary Sellers was not. No sweat. I have not seen the busy piano man, Tommy Keys, since probably last summer. Hmmm, he may be a harbinger of summer. I'll have to make a note of that.

First of all I like Tumbleweeds. It has a beachy motif and the front door is open to the patio which is open to the huge parking lot behind Port Jazz. There was a lot of human traffic which is always interesting. The bar is big for a bar, small for a restaurant but the outside area makes it bigger. The attitude is casual, great for blues.

Tommy Keys was just playing his stuff...as the people came and went. He went from down and bluesy to jazzy to swing and party. Amazing how versatile keys are and he who plays them so well.

By the way, there's a blues festival at Tumbleweeds with 6 bands and a pig roast and that sounds like a blast! June 22, 2pm. Mark that on your calendar. Pam Betti, Little Cliff and lots more.

I was in luckyland this weekend. I got another night out so I headed to Patchogue Saturday night. Again, I had friends coming out and that is always a consideration and, of course there was good entertainment at Bobbique's and The Brickhouse. Those places rock...as they say.

Sweet Suzi and the Blues Experience were lighting up Bobbique's Sat. night. I got there mid-show and enjoyed the hell out of a set and a half. Suzi was full throttle, of course. I also love Johnny Anderson's guitar and the Blues Experience gave me that...blues experience that I need so often. Suzi even added some James Brown to the mix.

Something I am noticing about the local blues fare. It is getting influenced (favorably) by the strong presence of a talented local funk/jazz scene. The Johnny Anderson's and the Chris Laybourne's who play with the Papa G's and the Henning Stum's sprinkle the pollen's of the varying styles to the jams and bands of the blues people I know. There is more mixing of styles than those few, in fact the weeknight jams all have players who mix and influence others. It is creating a blend that is distinctive to these parts and it is fun to hear.

After SS & the BE I floated over to The Brickhouse Brewery for one of those distinctively Patchogue doubleheaders.

The Jim Moran Band was kicking some glutious with their recent lead guy JD Leonard. Holy crap, that guy can sing and play! He brings some "european" (okay British) flavor to the JMBand with some Pink Floyd (which is popular recently) and some zepplin-esque vocals and guitar. He has really strong vocals, which I knew, but his guitar last night was another show by itself. Add Tim Smith's vocals and even some Ed the Hat personality and the JMB is all the sudden multi dimensional. It was a regular revelation... and a helluva Saturday night in Patchogue.

Another interesting note...At the Sweet Suzi show I was introduced to Ken Shankman, a reviewer for Elmore Magazine. That is a great magazine. I ran into it online about a year ago and it seems to be doing nicely. They had free hard copies there Sat. night and I was thrilled. I have a link to the mag. on one of my links pages. Check it out and pick up the magazine. It not only has necessary blues and Americana music coverage but it has great graphics. It's a really nice publication.

Well, I cannot complain at least for a while now. I have had two weekends of multi-night entertainment and I have even had company ...most of the time.

And today is the Bay Shore Arts & Crafts Festival...always a fun day!

Life is good.

How was your weekend?

Thanks for stopping by,

bill

For all you Wednesday night music fans there was another spontaneous music affair at Lefty's last night. Apparently many of you were either at Reflections, St. James or Patchogue. I understand. There are good music events in those and other places. Like last week this was an underappreciated event... however terrific.

There happens to be a geographic slot on the south shore/western suffolk and apparently someone seems to be trying to fill it. Given that my address is in the afformentioned slot I am finding myself easily lured to Lefty's if even a hint of something good is going to happen. The fact is I have to watch the old drink and drive ratio so this is worth pursuing.

Last night the Tommy "pizza" jam was attended by Papa G but the remainder of the cast was different and really good also.

Mike Ernst who was on 6-string the whole night, was versatile...and good. There were all kinds of styles going on, from Jimi Hendrix with Roy Leftenant (O'Zone) on drums to some R&B with Chris Laybourne (yes, Mr. Chrispy Chicken). The cast also included Tommy Pizza and Bill Post on drums, Paul Bassi on bass, Joey Inserra on drums...and PapaG who is a catalyst for jams in the area and a creative monster in his own right.

There were some good moments. Little Wing was cool and Chrispy on sax just lets it fly.

I have heard CC a number of times with Sweet Suzi and at Mr. Beery's once or twice but I have missed a number of jams where he showed up and people have raved about the fun music that ensued.

I go out for jams so often I love it when a talent on something other than a guitar or vocal shows up. It's all good but new stuff is fun sometimes. Laybourne brings that. He leads like an instrument should lead. He doesn't go out on a limb he takes a leap off the tree. He takes the slot in the song and writes his own piece using the setting provided by the song. The song is just a premise... a neighborhood to play in. It's joyful. It is like hearing something new all the time. He lives the moment. That kind of creative expression is what it's all about.

There were more moments of that last night and other nights but usually they are rare and they occur "here and there". I guess that's the point of jams in general...putting different pieces together and seeing what happens.

I hope more people get out there and hear this stuff. It's art! That's important if you need to find joy.

Thanks for checking in and thanks for the music, boys.

bill

My awesome weekend started Friday night. Let me go back a step. Last weekend I was at Wonderous Stories (Sunset Grill) and I ran into some single 30 to 40-something types who were out for a night on the town. They were of the female persuasion and they were in fact, the demographic I seek to address here in BilLfoOlery-land. Ginny and Dottie are the fun type. They like being out and they like adventure...so I nagged them to get their bad selves out this weekend. They showed up.

We were at Pub 454 to hear Stevie Cochran. The choices were determined by geography and the shows available in the target area. I caught Mr. C at one of the festivals last summer and his guitar caught my attention. I know, I'm easy. Guitars somehow permeate all my defenses and that's mostly good.

What I like most about Stevie Cochran, besides his really good hands, is his choice of music. Naturally I like original stuff and creative interpretations of interesting songs. But I also like the Beatles and that genre.

I hear, and love, so much blues but I was entertained by some new song choices mixed with his playing style. I enjoyed the "Steamroller" cover and I enjoyed the Beatles interpretations. It was a blues night but it was done with some different tunes, not many of which were traditional blues songs.

I dug the show. I can recommend a night of Stevie Cochran anytime. I look forward to hearing some more of his repetoire.

Saturday night started off poorly I'm afraid. I erroneously listed the O'Zone gig at Maggies, where they played a few times prior. I got to Maggies at a decent time for the first time in ages. When I walked in though, the friendly barmaid pointed out that they were not playing there that night and they usually play there on Fridays. Also, I could go online to their website and find out where they might be tonight. I tried to hide my beet-red face, thanked her, and bolted. That might not have been a good time to introduce myself and my blog to the young lady.

I found out from Tim Dorsey, keyboardist for O'Zone, that they were at Molly Bloom's and luckily that was not far. (corner 27a and Rte.110, Amity) I got there in 10 minutes and just caught the start.

O'Zone is a cool funk band with some really good pieces. They play the stuff that people like to get up and dance to; James Brown, George Clinton funk, some Stevie W, some R&B.

Ahmed, lead guitar has two strong lead instruments; a really smooth voice and a good guitar. With Dorsey on keys and some vocals, Roy on drums and Clem on bass they make for a fun night.

Molly Blooms is a big venue. There is room for a big show and I would think the place is a good choice for an ambitious show this summer or soon...before they change hands again. The place would need a big promotional effort from all parties involved to fill the room.

It was not a bad showing and everyone was having a good time.

Being Saturday night I had to stop in at another show especially since I got the earliest start all year. Luckily there was an Andy Aledort sighting at The Viking in Islip. Every now and then you can catch one of the best damn guitar players there is right there at the modest little Islip hangout.

I got there for the last two sets and it was hot. His usual cast with DiMeo on keys are all so good. It is the best Hendrix, SRV, etc. you will ever hear. This Saturday Gary Sellers was in the house and he got invited up for a few numbers. Sellers and Aledort played a wild jam of a Howlin Wolf number for one. It was cool because Sellers has his own moments of guitar magic and he is also masterful at complementing a player like Aledort. Sellers has had years of sidekicking with Sam Taylor among others. There was a comfortable exchange of leads between the two. Sellers did a nice job of setting-up so to speak and it was a memorabale performance by both. It is always a memorable night of music there, and with The Groove Kings.

That was about it for me. I would have loved to get to The Brickhouse Sunday for the Henry Butler performance but family matters took over and my musical wanderings were over for the weekend. It was a good one.

I hope you all had a good weekend and thanks for checking in here. I hope to spend a busy summer of music with ya'll.

bill

Sometimes a spontaneous thing happens. It's was just a Wednesday night in the suburbs. I was thinking about where I wanted to go for some music and then the phone rang a few times.

There was some news a week or two ago that there's a new jam on Wed. nights at Lefty's in Lindenhurst. It is being hosted by Tommy "Pizza", a drummer. I didn't think much about it because, well, my Wednesday nights only come once a week and I worked hard to make that happen every week. I go where I know what's going to happen and with whom...generally.

This very Wednesday night it seems that Papa G was heading to Lefty's. He's one fine bass player. I also heard that Johnny Anderson is going and that makes for some good guitar....maybe some more faces would show up I was told.

What the hell. Gas is so freaking expensive that going to another town costs a coupe of double vodkas. I can stay pretty local, save some precious money and have a very short drive home, thereby making my life very safe indeed.

I sauntered in to Lefty's and was also surprised to find Henning Stumm, Jim Kolman and Arty Panico were in attendance. It was a fine Wednesday night jam. The spontaneous moments are more tasty because they're sort of free. They're like specials at a restaurant... not on the menu and a good deal and usually very interesting.

Well the jam Wednesday night was tasty. Papa G shined on a bass solo. A rare thing. It was good!! The boys had jam numbers going, long ones. Johnny Anderson was styling on some bass. How bout that? He did pick up his guitar though. Arty P and Jim K both had some 6-string moments too. Henning added some good flavor...always good.

I know it is near impossible to make that particular thing happen often so I was glad to be in attendance. It is nice to be able to report a night like that. Pick a night to get out and you'll find some magic on occasion...even on a Wednesday night in the burbs.

See you out there.

bill