My Wednesday night wanderings have been a mix of things in recent weeks. I have enjoyed the new Bad Moon cast with Jim Kolman (hosting)sandwiched between two June Eysel- lead jams and both were different and both offered stuff I liked. Kolman of course offered some blues guitar moments with himself,  John Judd and many others and Ms Eysel's jams are fun affairs with vocalists and dancing friends and good vibes all around. Stay tuned there for more good jams on Wednesday nights.

   I also checked out the Sly Geralds thing at Ollie's Point in Amity this week and that was a good cast as well. The group of Sly and Diane Mc (Sweaty Betty) and BA Fagerland and Robin Knapp and Adam Tese and Dave Nesdall, Johnny Cola, Fred Piscop, many more.. made for a non-stop show and a good jam.

   As for the weekend I see a lot on the schedule but for the sake of sharing some information I can tell you that I may check out Mamafunk and the Mudcats at Gibson St. Cafe in Bay Shore. That looks like a nice restaurant and Ms. Funk and Co make some fun funky, blues rock and other good stuff. I have not caught them in a while and will try to get to that.

   Also on Friday I am aiming at the Wall Street Jumpers with John Judd, Ralph Santiago and others at Juggs & Strokers in Merrick. Mr. Judd is a guitar player extraordinaire and he will entertain you for sure with a rock blues mix of some stunning guitar and good band performance. The Friday calendar is full of stuff so check something out.

   Saturday night I would like to get to Buttered Soul at Ollies Point in Amity where Mr. Hopping puts on a good show of blues/rock with some good vocals. It is an early start though so I will be lucky to make that.

   Later on that night there is Brother Dave & The Brave at Giacomo Jacks also in Amityville. Thats a show I like to sit and get comfortable with as Brother Dave and friends display true blues with a mix of some rock and country stylings...just as flavors. Dave on guitar is one of the really excellent performers available here on the island if you like something a little different and genuine.

   Speaking of diffeent and genuine there is also Papa G out in Patchogue (Once and For All) with one of his eclectic Trio's. This time he features one Cindy Lopez on vocals who Papa G tells me is a good listen. I believe him and I also enjoy his funky bass for a good show.

   By no means is this supposed to be the list of best or only shows to see. I am just trying to inject some distinctive color on some of the acts. I will try to offer more of that.

   Get out and catch some live music this weekend. It's a good calendar of events with a good mix os stuff.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

  In my ongoing pursuit of inspiring music I have had numerous opportunities in the last week or two. I have tried to keep it bluesy and interesting and new and thats not always easy when I get one night on a weekend and one night during the week lately.... and I don't often get to choose those nights.

   I also have to consider going to the same places too often even if the artists rotate. I want to spread whatever attention I can to as many places as I can and I want to maintain objectivity and an open mind. That ain't easy.

   Somone always has an issue with some place or some band and I am often asked to side with someone. Being that I am not a musician I am apparently safe to talk to. I admit it is all fascinating. I am glad that I can keep somewhat up on local affairs so I can do something useful if necessary. I happen to like most people but I don't take on someone's enemies just because I am that person's friend. I will make my own enemies thank you very much.

   I have always been averse to conflict so I make every effort to find a place of compromise and I always seek the motivation behind a seemingly careless move by someone. It all gets tiring however. I just want to listen to inspring music and I don't want to have to worry about too many peripheral issues.

   There are many political issues in a music scene and it all matters because it affects people but like the issues of the world at large, we can only be involved in so many things. We have to trust the people who are making the decisions, maybe share an opinion here and there and cope with it all as best we can.

   If you have a strong feeling about something that is changing or something that needs changing say something. There are numerous chatrooms on Yahoo and on Craigslist and you can send me an opinion. I will post it or discuss it here. I also added a comment function by the way...see below the calendar.

   In the meantime take in a show this weekend. Check the calendar and get out for some inspiration. Thats what matters!

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

   When you think the local music scene is getting predictable you only have to change your pattern a little bit to discover how much more is going on.

   I have been discussing changes on weeknight jams and even some club closings (DJ Riders unfortunately) and things like that have caused me to go to new places just to keep track of events. For instance recently I checked out Jessies Roadhouse both on a Wednesday and this past weekend a Saturday night. Joe Vicino attracts a good cast of players and many I have mentioned and posted for months and even years without having heard all of them in that time.

   This past Saturday night I caught Deb Novak and Joe Perricone and Jim Treutlein...among others. Ms. Novak is a versatile bass player who offers nice vocals. Treutlein is a seamless guitar guy with a good repetoire and Perricone on keys was solid. That cast with Joe Vicino, Rich Lanahan (Fourteen Feet) and also Sydney Hendricks made for an entertaining night of eclectic music and Jessies Roadhouse was packed. It was  busy night and a full menu of music.

   Last week, prior to my weekend wanderings I had the pleasure of attending a tribute and memorial event for the late Val Thomas who played bass with Little Busters Soul Brothers. The event had a great cast of players including Saxy Ric, Al Levy, Donnie Celenza, Sterling Bailey, Dave Patrick and many others. It was yet another world of musicians who make music here on Long Island and elsewhere and it further motivates me to attend new places in my quest for original music and musicians. The talent is rich and the players are many and it always astounds me how many "pockets" of musicians there are.

   In the coming months I intend to try and grow my website via advertising and other ideas in order to reach more potential music-goers.  I want to generate more live music demand and one way I can do that is by growing the visability of my site, talking about live music and "covering" it for people who don't realize what is available. I perceive a lack of coverage by larger media and I think that is something that, while may not be depressing the live music scene, it is not doing what it could to help in a tough economy. I will try to pick up that perceived slack by becoming a little "louder" per se.

    One way I can grow faster is by trying to generate some advertising money and I will be picking up my effort to sell some space on my home page here in addition to taking on an e-commerce funstion. I would like to sell CD's for local artists if they are interested and I will also offer T-Shirts and other items. The money I generate here I can put into advertising. I would also like to host shows eventually and promote the local blues artists that are trying to make a living or are trying to stay alive as they do what they are driven to do... make music.

   If you have a business or interest that you would like to promote to an over 30, music-going audience please ask me about a spot on my website with a link. I have been gaining traffic steadily and it is a consistent and good size audience.

   Thank you all who send me information and keep me posted and thanks also those who just visit my site and visit live music. That is the intended result. Music inspires and entertains and brings people together. It motivates me every day.

bill

 

    In the past week I have been hearing about a lot of good events that I was unable to attend. I'm glad it is going on with and without me.

   I got out on Wednesday night and I heard it was quiet all around last week. I stopped in at Jessie's Roadhouse and at least I got some good buffalo wings and some cool blues guitar. Joe Vicino and friends had some inspired moments including a noteworthy Muddy Waters remake with a twist. I like it when the places are packed but I like it just as much when I get a good seat and there's some good guitar to hear.

   I'm not in it for the money but I understand that someone has to be or there won't be many places for shows. The relationship between commerce and music creates stories that I really don't want to cover. Who is paying who how much and who is not paying who... and how much does someone make and how much does a place pay...blah,blah,blah.

   I'm here for music and to generate interest and that's what I intend to discuss. I have a few thoughts about music and industry and government too but I will address that in a specific piece someday soon. For now I will do all I can do to keep the conversation going about the performers and the performances and the venues.

   I was able to get to a show on Saturday and I went where friends were converging as it had been a while since I planned a night on that basis.

   Nancy Bahnsen put together a tight band including Anthony Steele on guitar, Rob Jack, bass, Adam Tese (killin it) on sax, Don Moffit on drums and Joey D on keys.  Ms.Bahnsen and her talented bandmates all had shining moments and they put on a helluva show. It was fun to see Nancy B stepping out, literally and figuratively and some fun solos by Tese on sax and Steele on axe.   

   Another sweet moment was a guest performance by Diane McArdle. She agreed to a request for "Drift Away" and melted a few hearts including mine.

   The Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick hosted another fun show and a good time was had by all.

   As for the quiet Wednesday night I am sure it is a seasonal depression and as a matter of fact it has not been a bad winter for music. It has been miserable weather too. But pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training camps in Florida so spring is not far away and soon people will come out of their homes and they will feel warm air and sun on their faces and maybe even take in some live entertainment. Imagine.

   Thanks for checking in and stay tuned for more musical excitement next week.

bill

    Sometimes I get asked to use my little network to serve certain purposes. In this case I was asked to help find a fill-in act for a show on Friday night. I was happy to help and I was happy to attend Chrissie O'Dell at Mirelle's.

   Ms. O'Dell scrambled quite a bit to make that happen and ended up with a solid cast and put on a memorable show. I want you to understand, a) how hard it is to do all that on short notice from so far away,  b) how good that show was and c) how underappreciated it was given how good. 

   Just for the record I am working on making this site more potent as far as reaching local audience. In lieu of actual money for advertising I utilize word of mouth and other networks to pass the word but soon I will be be promoting a little and soon I will be able to reach a lot more people in order to get word out... however short the notice, when something noteworthy (like that) is going on.

   Ms O'Dell had with her, Bill Marino on guitar, Charlie Interrante on bass and Don Moffit on drums. 

   Chrissie took control of the show from the first hit and I guess that's what one would have called a command performance. She drove home every song with deliberation and ferocity, the band right on her heels and in some spots offering their own shining moments. Marino was equal to the moment with some gorgeous riffs and Interrante was really tuned in and drove a cool beat. I also enjoyed Don M's moments on skins.

   O'Dell delivered her starkly gritty blues stylings to each and every member of the audience directly. She weaved in and out of the table area leaving the mic on stage at one point and making it a very personal and unforgettable show.

   Her vocal style expresses a courageous and open heart in a distinctive yet categorically bluesy dialect.

   After restarting her career in the last year or so Ms. O'Dell is gaining fast momentum and her star shines brighter and brighter.

   I felt I was shown the experiences of the the songs for the purposes they were written. It was a cool performance.

   There were so many other shows that promised great experiences also but, raising a teen, I had too much other goings-on and didn't get out again until Sunday. I tried checking out King Cobras at Big Daddy's in Massapequa but given the amount of cars outside and the size of the room I turned around and headed to the Brickhouse.

   The Jim Kolman jam was happenin and there were all kinds of players from Joeseph Felicetta to Craig Hopping on vocals to Tru Doty, Charlie Labs and Freddie P and even funky Tim on keys. Kolman had a new new toy, the stylin Steve Interrante was great on sax, Tim Smith layed down some saucy Van Morrison...and on and on. It was a festive Sunday night affair and a good way to end a great weekend of live music on Long Island.

   Thanks for checking in blues fans and keep on keeping me posted.

bill

  

   It's been a long time between posts and that's not been for lack of activity.

Life just gets too damn busy. As a self-employed type I have to keep the ball rolling and in these times it's been a heavy ball to push.

   Last weekend I had some time so I ran out to Bobbique's to catch some Kerry Kearney. I know they published a new cd and I wanted to hear some of that.

   Kerry Kearney Band has their own brand of blues and it was good to hear again. The four-piece with Kerry K on slide and 6-string, Frank Celenza on bass, Eileen Murphy on drums and Tony Campo on keys have an always surprising synergy that makes for a full sound. They play a rich instrumental harmony and the result is a seamless flow of a rolling folksy blues. It's a wonderful sound and some of the new stuff I heard was great. I posted one of the tunes from the new CD, Balancing Meridians on the playlist. Check it out and check out a show of Kerry Kearney's blues soon!

     Saturday I caught a set of SmokinMess with Bill Marino, Rich Thiel, Chrissy O'Dell and Bruce Dixon at Mill Creek Tavern in Bayville.

   It's a nice little room with ambience and a nice crowd. The foursome had some balls and some tasty blues and they got the place up and  into it. I would have stayed for more but I had obligations down on the south shore so I went splitsville and headed to Brightwaters Inn for the Blue Matter jam. It was well attended with all kinds of players including some funk guys; Funky Tim on keys and Clem Allen on bass, some horn with Pete Tursi, some guitar with Jim Kolman and I heard that I missed a few others. It's always a fun jam (first Saturday of the month) and Wally hosts a fun night.

  

   Maggies has excellent location. It is right off the Southern State Pkwy. on Straight Path, W Babylon. It is pretty average as far as ambience goes to be kind but for blues it has it going on. There is an actual stage sort of tucked into the wall. There is room to dance assuming the pool table has been moved otherwise you may be in for a fight. The room has the feel of an old saloon with tables and chairs well broken in and a long bar usually well attended.

   Friday night I arrived after the start of Jim Moran Band with Roxy Perry. Jim had Frank Anstiss on drums and Bob Fusco and Tim Smith on bass. Ms. Perry is a guest singer from upstate where she has carved out a long and decorated blues career.

   It was an inauspicious setting for a night of good guitar blues and smooth vocals but thats what I got. Combine a good voice with that much experience and the result is something like a velvety twenty-five year old scotch. She was smooth, nuanced and no nonense. With Jim Moran's guitar it was a night of well done grown-up music. 

   There were also some fine guests in the house. We were treated to some guitar stylings by Russell Hitman Alexander and some true grit vocals by Sweet Suzi Smith. All that blues at little ole' Maggies in W Babylon. Jim Moran also hosts a Saturday 4pm jam there every week and it's a cool late afternoon experience.

  Saturday was a night of entertainment in every corner of the island. There were excellent shows in a dozen locations. Luckily I had made a prior commitment to attend Chrissie O'Dell at Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick. Sometimes it is difficult to choose.

   Chrissie O'Dell is another blues vocalist extraordinaire. We are lucky to have so many artists here both as native artists and frequent visitors.

   Bad Moon Saloon was buzzing when I arrived. The place was full and I grabbed a seat and got comfortable. Instead of trying to catch numerous shows I decided to take one in from beginning to end...a rare feat for me.

   Chrissie O'Dell started strong. She sang strong. The whole show was a display of guts and a determined expression. She brought it with all she had and with a smile and there was nothing left at the end but a tired looking blues singer with a raspy voice... and a smile of course.

   Chrissie O'Dell brings blues from the book of blues. She is true to the music and loyal to the original artists and she brings that truthfullness to her own stuff. The band was Bill Marino on guitar, Jim Leach on bass and Ralphie Santiago on skins. Marino added a lot with understated grace and style and the rhythm section was solid. They put together an excellent show and an appreciative crowd stayed until close to three in the am.   

   There were guest performers in that show as well and it made for an interesting night with a mix of styles.

   Suzi Smith, in the same blues mode as me for the weekend, made another cameo and wow'd the audience with her own ample force, Nancy Bahnsen got up for some nice bluesy blues stuff and Jim Kolman tickled a few tunes with some nice guitar playing.

   I was spoiled with two excellent blues shows and I heard there were more elsewhere this weekend. 

  Thanks for stopping by people and thanks for keeping me posted. Stay tuned for the calendar for the coming week.

bill

  

   The weekend approaches and typically of late the calendar is full.  The choices are many as we have many talented artists among us.

   For you wine-lovers there is the Northport Tasting Room on Main St and this week they are hosting The King Cobras, one of my Best Newcomers of 2009.

   Also of note this weekend are a few cd release party's.

   Saturday night Andy Aledort will be at Jessie's Roadhouse in Merrick. Andy Aledort is a well travelled and expert guitar player in the style of  Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn among others. In fact Mr. Aledort is an expert in the blues guitar publishing world and plays with some of the best in the country. He happens to be of Long Island and we are graced with his playing throughout the year. If you like your blues/rock fast, furious and inspired you will enjoy a performance and likely a CD by Andy Aledort and The Groove Kings. His interpretations and original pieces offer some cool guitar music.          

    There are a good number of shows in Merrick this weekend so mozy over there and check some out.

   Also debuting a cd with a live performance this weekend is Tommy Keys. I have had the pleasure of listening to The Man in the Moon, Tommy Keys' new cd. The collection of original music ranges from boogie to blues and includes some original variations, all terrific. The cast includes an impressive array of local artists including Kerry Kearney, Mario Stoiano, Gary Sellers and others. The writing is clever and the production is top notch. It's a professional piece of work that offers lots of enjoyable music. I have had it in my car player for weeks and the variety and layering of sounds gives the cd length and interest. It's a quality piece of work by our very own Tommy Keys.

   That party is Sunday at Bobbique's in Patchogue and I suggest you attend what will be a fun afternoon event.

    Pick yourself up a couple of cd's this weekend.

   Thanks for checking in and have a good time out there.

bill

 

   Sunday, Jan 24. There was a full roster of great entertainment this weekend. There were the big group shows with Sweaty Betty, Dehind Closed Doors, Blues Box and That 70's Band and there were the hot local blues bands like Pam Betti Band and Gail Storm, Lex Grey, King Cobras and SmokinGun and there were the guitar studs like Joe Vicino and Kerry Kearney (w/ Gathering of the Slides) and a name few people around here know Everett Hairston (LI Ace). It was a weekend I was anticipating greatly when I made the schedule last Monday.

   Of course in reality I was extremely limited by circumstances so I only had Saturday night and it was not an early start.

   I received a message earlier in the week that an artist I had not yet seen was a good show and I should check him out. I had heard of Everett Hairston before so I decided to head out to McArthur Park in Rockville Center and see/hear LI Ace. Mr. Hairston was leading a cast that included Dave Pellegrino on bass, Craig Bestoff on harp and some vocals and Chris Grennan on drums. They covered R&B and blues and Hairston displayed some velvety vocals and effortless guitar. He handled requests with a smile and easy execution. He's a real pro with an impressive resume and a fun show.

   McArthur Park is tucked away on a side street north of Sunrise, north of the tracks. It's a classy little place with a row of tables and a long bar and lots of shiny brass and glass. There was a medium size crowd but most were dancing and enjoying LI Ace. I was there for almost an hour and there was no break. and no sign of break when I took my leave.

   I had places to go, people to see.

   At a little after midnight my options were limited. I  wanted something new but good. I decided to check out Phil Varca at Brightwaters Inn. I missed the last few shows of his there and I figured I was due to catch a few songs at least. Well that's about what I got. I arrived with only a few numbers left but the guitar playing was furious and at least I got to hear a few blues numbers on my Saturday night.

   There are a lot of new names on the calendar these days. Check out something new or something close or a favorite act but check something out soon.

   I have been hearing some jam news lately regarding Thursday nights. It seems the ET Quiggs Thursday night jam is now going to be hosted by Brother Dave and friends. That's a new twist and a good one. Brother D is one of the tastiest blues guitar guys we have here on our long Island. Check that out.

  You can also get some great blues guitar at Juggs & Strokers now. John Judd and Co. will be moving their jam event to the Merrick location. That's another great option.

   And finally, also on Thursday night, there is the jam at DJ Riders. That weekly jam which was hosted by Dave Burns Jr. is now being hosted by none other than Mr. Crispy Chicken, Chris Laybourne with his magical sax. That one is in Oceanside. It's a great room and has been going on for a long time.

   Please keep me posted on your upcoming events so I can have a complete calendar for you and the patrons here on Long Island.

   Thansk for stopping by.

bill

  

   (Monday Jan 18) So far in 2010 the music scene is a busy place and not just for me. I was lucky enough to attend parts of 3 shows this past weekend and all were well attended.

   I began Friday night at the new Farrells in W Islip. Formerly Mustang Sally's, the place had a minor facelift inside with new woodwork and some booths added in back where the stage used to be. The band is now setup in front making it much cozier. The place used to be vast and it took a huge event to create the effect of a big crowd.

   This Friday night Sweaty Betty Band was rockin' when I walked in and there was not a space to be found. The diminutive and dynamic singer, Diane McArdle, was making good on a night of up-tempo, rock'n blues entertainment. The crowd was hovering close. Sweaty Betty gets a lot of regulars as well as an army of weekend escapees and the dance floor is always a packed social scene. They have a good formula; music that people like, a charismatic and talented singer and a solid band who are all on the same page.... and they're a happy cast!

   I had made other commitments so I split mid-show and headed west for some John Judd blues guitar.

   The Wall St. Jumpers with John Judd were at Juggs & Strokers, the tatoo, biker looking establishment on Sunrise Highway in Merrick.

   I got there mid-show to a nice crowd and a much different setting. J&S is a good size room but the ceiling is low and it's a darker, more casual ambience than the Farrells type room I had just came from.

   Wall St. Jumpers were jamming on an Allman Bro's tune with some creative license and John Judd taking it somewhere on of his little guitar journeys. The music had a harder edge and conjured up more grit than dance-fancy which is fine for me. The crowd was only half bikers and tatoos. The other half, like me, were those with tatoos on their hearts perhaps but otherwise working suburban warriors. It was an excellent show using a different blues/rock fusion completely.

   Saturday I got my trademark late start at Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick. Danny Kean & Friends (Donnie Celenza and Phil Bloom) were making their first appearance at Bad Moon and there was a good crowd fully appreciating the circumstance.

   Danny Kean & Friends are the highest level of talent in the local live blues/music scene. The trio are prolific in their regular venues and are a rare treat when they venture into new neighborhoods. The flavor of music is more R&B with Danny K, a rare talent on keys on vocals and Donnie Celenza equally artistic playing a versatile blues guitar. Phil Bloom on skins is on top of it all and adds exuberance and style.

   It was a great show and they generously offered the stage to some guest vocalists including Chrissie O'Dell and Nancy Bahnsen among others.

  There were more shows on Sunday with a Lance Ong Tribute at Bobbique's but I had personal commitments and had to miss what was sure to be a great show.

   So far the year has been enjoyable, the music has been great and people have been coming out to hear it... at least to the shows I've been lucky enough to attend.

   Check out the new schedule (coming tonight) and thanks for checking.

bill

  

   It has taken me a few weeks to gather my memories from 2009 and come up with some kudos, some awards as it were.

   I pursue blues and live music because it consoles me. Like everyone else I feel stress and worry from being a parent and managing my business at the same time. When I go out and sit down and take a listen to a musician or band who is zoning on some blues or something soulful I take that ride with them and all is right in the world. It's a ticket out of my own head. I try to share that ride with others so it will perpetuate the music and give other people the same benefit and it may even give me people to sit with.

   So 2009 was not bad actually. I know many clubs went soft when it came to paying or offering musicians money for gigs and many clubs killed their weeknight jams but we have had an abundance of musicians making good music and producing CD's and forging new alliances. 

   I am currently enjoying some dynamite cd's from local artists. Tommy Keys, King Cobras, SmokinGun, Gail Storm and Shenole Latimer, Chrissie O'Dell w/ Brother Dave, George Bouchard among others and during the year I had the pleasure of taking in hundreds of shows at dozens of venues by great talent.

   For my favorite venues I have to mention Boulton Center in Bay Shore for the great shows they offer and the great comfort and intimacy of the room. My other venue in Suffolk is Giacomo Jacks. Giac's hosts music at least one night every week and it's largely blues. They enjoy it too.   Bobbique's is also a premier venue for live music and a tasty restaurant offering a nice experience.

   In Nassau I'd like to offer kudos to Mirelle's for the great room, the nice job of hosting and the quality of the music they offer. May they go on for a very long time. Also in Nassau I'd be neglectful if I did not mention Bad Moon Saloon. BMS is another relentless host of blues and live music. They are kind and enthusiastic hosts. I have to reward the venues that book the most blues most often because it ain't easy to do and well, I like blues.

    As for favorite artists I have a hard time picking favorites because there are so many. I will pick favorite newcomers so they can get get a boost and help create more opportunity and more buzz. The more artists the better.

   2009 brought us Chrissie O'Dell who is is a welcome addition to our already talented vocalist pool and she brings true grit and talent with a genuine smile and a huge heart. Also new to me is The King Cobras. Back in December I caught them at Big Daddy's and I was pleasently surprised by how tight and how genuinely "blues" they are. I know they were around before 2009 but they didn't make the same impression on me when I heard them the year before.   

   Best jams are tough to call. Nassau has Sly Geralds Wednesday night showcase at Bad Moon and Suffolk has Jim Kolman's Sunday night jam at Brickhouse and Big Daddy's Sizzlin affairs also in Patchogue. All are geat entertainment and valuable resources of networking. There are other really good ones including Mirelle's but that will blossom in 2010 as it is a recent arrival.

   I have a few favorite hosts and bartenders. Last year I gave one to Patty at Giacomo Jacks who still shines but to spread the wealth I'd like to offer one this year to Elena at Bad Moon. No one invests more of themself than she does and that is attractive. I'd also like to mention Wally at Brightwaters Inn. I call Wally a musicologist because he records, tapes, videos and actually remembers a lot of music. Wally loves music and is another good guy and a great bartender. Lori at Mirelle's is another excellent hostess and she makes the music go smoothly for the musicians who all comment on her good work.

   I have met other excellent bartenders and hosts including the cast at Stadium Pub in Bohemia and Dirty Martini in Ronk, Cafe Oasis in Baldwin, Harvey's waitresses rock and the Brickhouse Brewery has a few excellent bartenders. Juggs and Strokers has some good gals too. Oh yeah, Junior at ET Quiggs is another pro and a great host.

   So thanks to all the musicians and venues and hosts and hostesses and patrons for making music happen on Long Island and I hope we all stay positive and make 2010 a great one for a creative music scene.

Thanks for checking in and for help throughout the year finding all the gigs.

bill

   The inaugural 2010 weekend is over and it was a fine celebration if not a perfectly orchestrated one.

   I am referring to the first Saturday of the month jam at Brightwaters Inn which in this case was the first Saturday of a new decade.

   The good tidings were abundant at the BWI and there were enough musicians to fill a good size barge and that's not a damn bad idea come to think of it. I hope to come by that notion again around June. The logistics of boat party's always make for a festive time.

   Anyway... the jam included, well everyone it seemed. There were horns-a-plenty with the two Tersi's and Adam Tese and a few blows by Joe Behar who jumped in at will. There were singers galore with Sweet Suzi and Diane McArdle and BA Fagerland and Nancy Bahnsen and even Chrissie O'Dell, Oh and Tim Smith and Brother Dave. Speaking of guitars there were also the Blue Matter guys, Arty Panico and Ray Wade and Brother Dave swang an axe. The Hitman showed up ready to play any number of strings and he only got to play with four of them. Jim Kolman, Johnny Cola and Joe Haseth played. Yikes there were even more. There was Wally on harp, there were Wally weiners.

   Bass playes were also in abundance with Kelly and Tim S and well, Hitman and Clem Allen. There were keys guys in numbers with Funky Tim and Freddy P.

   With all of that I waited until somewhere around 2 for the blues to kick in and I'm glad I did. It was a wild ride getting there and the blues was rich. It usually is at that hour. Chrissy and Dave and a cast of thousands before them let it all hang out.

   The good vibes were everywhere though, so as much as I was bitching to people about the lack of order no one was listening (fortunately) and everyone was having a good time. After a frustrating prior few days with little blues on the calendar and a failed attempt to create a show I had been having some diva moments. I was determined to hear some blues and I did and it was at the end of a very fun night.

   That was pretty much all I got to this past weekend as far as live music but I got a few good cd's and more coming in the mail. I am almost done my end of year list for favorites and such and I will also be posting to my playlist some of the music on that list. Also coming in the new decade will be some band profiles, maybe a featured band every month or I will do one every now and then. Too many deadlines make make me crazy like too much coffee. Bad. Very bad.

   So a new decade is here. The old one is not yet all that definitive. Maybe some of the icons for the past decade will be House-For-Sale signs (like the one on my former home), deceased young celebrities, old rock stars, hostile politics and progressive elections. Musically? For me it was discovering many new faces and forms of blues. Wood Brothers, Jonny Lang (I like his vocals alright?),Rob Tognoni, Amos Lee, Albert Castiglia, Derek Trucks, Annie Piper, Tab Benoit, Magness, Zack Prather... Many not mainstream but this is my own little list. I don't find blues on mainstream so I have to look on places like ReverbNation and My Space (still) and facebook. Yeah, facebook. That's an icon of the past decade.

   Stay tuned and thanks very much for checking in to Billfoolery.com over the past half-decade. My traffic has grown steadily if not quickly as I do not advertise as of yet. It's all word of friends and computers.

Happy New Year and see you soon.

bill

   So the "holidays" are in full swing. Christmas was wonderfully non-dramatic and all went well. I have good family members visiting from afar and it is good to be with them. Work has held out and even offered me some breathing time for the holiday week(s). I would say there is a shoe waiting to drop but I have had enough shoes drop in recent years to open a thrift store. I have no fear of gravity right now.

   There is one caveat however. New Years weekend is approaching. There are some good shows for the eve and a precious few on the Saturday after but not a lot. And the real trouble I am having is with Friday, Jan 1. There are no blues shows and no rock/blues bands with bookings at night. I am disturbed by this. Are we all really anticipating being that hung over? Is there really no energy left for Saturday, the first day of 2010 ?!

   I am here and now appealing to my blues, musician friends to let me know if you are able to play and I will appeal to venues also for a night of blues.

   Suzi, Pammy, KK, S-Gun, Cobras, Bro-Dave, Chrissy, Jim M, Joe V, Phil V..., Franny, Soul Bros, Blue Roots, Nacho-guys...

   Help!

   Enjoy your remaining Holiday time and get back to me if you have any ways to help me solve this problem.

 

bill (bill@billfoolery.com)

 

   What a different landscape this Christmas brings.

   Not only a new home for my daughter and I but a new life with a new status and a new dynamic. Change is the only constant (to quote Mr. Phil in Yahoo Group/Ventilations, 12/22). In my case it has been a life of change in every aspect including religion.

   Raised Catholic I had my faith ultimately questioned when I lost a loved one  more than a decade ago. Out of that I came to realize I believe in the spirit of my faith (and others) and the man/men if not entirely the doctrine that has been created about Him/them.

   I celebrate Christmas as a celebration of the inherent goodness and sweetness of life and the relentless force of life in every place and circumstance. I have also come to believe that the "force"/god is inherent in many things and can be found, tapped in many ways.

   I found it in music among other things. At the time I was most vulnerable I heard it. I followed the influences of those artists (Jimi Hendrix, Blues/Once I Had a Woman; Patty Griffin, Living With Ghosts/Moses among others) The voices and music of people when they are tuned in/turned on carries a universality of meaning. There is something in all of us that resonates when an artist, having trained to be introspective and perceptive, feels and expresses something of that universality.

   A person can search for god in the books of faith and in the people who have written them and in churches and temples with other people who share that path or a person can find god in music or art or in nature or in their very own meditations with the people who share those paths. He is everywhere as we were told in childhood religion. That was true. I think that to realize it's full-fillment one has to nurture that which is important and make it valuable and live accordingly. The reward will be a sharing of something meaningful... I believe.

   Enjoy your celebration and I wish everyone an amazing New Year!

   Thanks for visiting Billfoolery.com. I hope you do so again in 2010 and stay tuned for my end of year Favorites list from my year of visiting many venues and taking in many performances and meeting many people.

   Be careful out there.

bill

    With the holidays in full swing it has been a busy week and a blizzard of activity; pun intended. Sorry.

   Even with that I was able to get to some pretty amazing shows in the past week. I'm a lucky guy sometimes.

   Last Tuesday was the memorial event for Lance Ong at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. I have been doing what I can for Nicole and Lance since Lance's battle with cancer began (even if it was just posting and mentioning events on some occasions) as I have been in a similar situation and I feel their pain. 

   The event in NJ had an amazing cast and was a wonderful testament to Lance and the company he kept.

   At one point the cast on stage included Hubert Sumlin, Papa Chubby, Rod Paparazzi and Dave Keys with Jeff Ganz on bass and Chris Ebeneizer on sax. Mr. Paparazzi and Mr. Keys are a couple of NYC professionals and were both amazingly versatile; Paparizzi on harp and vocals and Keys on vocals and keys. By the way I was sitting with Tommy Keys and I was able to verify that he and Dave Keys are not related.

   After a few warm-up tunes by Mr. Sumlin he was called out for an applause and then stood and pumped his fist and chanted to the band for more. He was as turned on by the band as I was.  A few more tunes followed with Papa Chubby and that set was unforgettable. The energy brought by Paparazzi and Keys and the flavors of Sumlin and Chubby was inspiring.

   The room was large with a two-story ceiling and a bar way in back. The tables and booths along the wall were full and it was an enthusiastic crowd. There were a few opening acts who I missed almost entirely as I took trains, taxi's and some hoofing from Babylon to get there. I missed Sweet Suzi doing an acapella, self-written song, I Will Not Walk Alone, and a fun set by Johnny Fetz (?) and Co. It was a successful event for many reasons and it is a notable thing for a man's memorial event to be attended by such a talented and artistic collection of people. 

   The weekend was a bit of fits and starts. I didn't get out Friday until midnight so I headed to Amityville where there were a few shows going on giving myself the best chance of still hearing some music.

   I started at Toomey's for SmokinGun and caught almost a full set of Mr. Bill, Jeannie B, Rich Theil, Ralphie Santiago and the traveling axe-man Jim Kolman was standing in for some rhythm and harmony. It was worth the trip at midnight... and afterwards I walked across the street and caught Sly Geralds with a different cast at Giacmom Jacks.

   Sly had Adam Tese on sax, Joe Bivona on guitar and Hector on skins. It was a different sound and made for a great variation... and it was just across the street.

   Saturday night, the night of the blizzard, I was invited to a surprise party for my affable and blues-loving friend Simon (owner of Europine Furniture in RVC...a great place to buy real wood furniture by the way). Simon's awesome wife, Barbara, threw a surprise party at the furniture store on Merrick Rd. in RVC and it was probably the coolest setting for a private party I have been to in recent memory. The store is big with lot's of furniture (doh) and get this; the hired music was Donnie Celenza, Danny Kean and Phil Bloom (friends of Simon as well). That's a helluva party for a guy and it begins with a wife and friends that will do that.

  Great job Barbara. You are both lucky folks. 

  So after a Sunday of shoveling a few small mountains I am hurting all over. I think I will pop in a cd or two and get revved up for the holiday home stretch.

   Monday there is an amazing show and Benefit at Mirelle's in Westbury. Check the calendar for details and sneak in one more show. It'll be worth it.

   Thanks for checking and stay tuned for the calendar and a week of some great events.

bill

   I get up every day, put my feet on the floor and start walking. I never know what the day will bring but I do my work, keep an eye and my heart on my child and look forward to Wednesday nights and weekends as a means of maintaining my peace-ilibrium.

   The stresses and the toils of the week and sometimes the news of other people's lives affect me as well. This week the local musicians lost a friend in Lance Ong. Lance was actually a NJ musician but he was the husband of Nicole Hart, a Long Island native (now in NJ) and blues singer. Lance lost a battle with cancer and it was difficult to see such a young, talented and recently married man pass away. He had so much in front of him.There will be a Memorial event and fundraiser in Teaneck NJ this Tuesday evening (see Notice above Calendar for details)with a great cast of artists.

   Wednesday night I took another look at the jam at Mirelle's hosted by Mark Mancini and Mike Nugent. The cast was again excellent and this week I walked in to the blues sounds of Gary Sellers. It was a treat to hear Gary Sellers guitar in the company of such an eclectic bunch. The music varies in styles and influences but Sellers adds a strong dose of blues ... my kind of mix.

   The weekend was sort of special as I was offered a ticket for Savoy Brown at The Boulton Center in Bay Shore. Being a blues fan it is special to have a group like Savoy Brown playing in your home town but there they were.

   The Boulton Center is a practically perfect room for a show like that. The seating is "stadium" so all seats have an unobstructed view and it is an intimate feel with a steep angle of viewing, like hovering over the stage almost. The room was just about full and the patrons were all appreciative, applauding every solo and the band was supreme!

   I caught some of Kim Simmonds (founder of SB, lead guitar) at the Riverhead Blues Festival and I enjoyed it but this was better. I was able to hear it more clearly in the confines of the theater. Mr. Simmonds guitar playing was simply beautiful. His riffs were eloquent expressions, every one exceeding my every anticipation. It was joyful guitar playing.

   The new line-up for Savoy Brown consisted of Joe Whiting on sax and vocals, Pat DeSalvo on bass and Garnet Grimm on drums. All were stellar. The sax was juicy and Whiting has a wide range of vocals. The drums had a giddy bounce and bass (De Salvo played mostly an upright electric) offered some cool solos. They played a fairly long set and an encore mostly from their new CD, Too Much of a Good Thing which is a collection of pieces from various eras. The CD is a great play. I am enjoying my new purchase.

   Check out the schedule at The Boulton Center in Bay Shore. It is a great roster of artists and an up-close-and-personal and enjoyable venue.

   Thanks for reading and thanks to the bands who are sending me their schedules. Enjoy the holiday season with some great live music.

bill

  

   I have so many little notes from my past weekend as I attended four or five shows. I got out for both nights and even Sunday for a few shows but I have little time for writing about it.

   My highlights included some cool blues performances by one Chrissie O'Dell at the old Blue Matter jam on Saturday night (Brightwaters Inn) and also some surprise percussion numbers with Ralphie Santiago and a new (and welcome) guest named Zeus (Jesus) on a pair of congas. The two of them got it revved up real good on a few numbers and it was a percussion special. That ended up being a fun night.

   Prior to that I ran out to hear Rondinelli again at Stadium Pub and in the short time I was there I enjoyed Hitman on some rock vocals and axe. Mr. Rondinelli is generous with his stage. That rock party is at Dirty Martini this coming weekend...a fun place if you ask me.

   I also caught some good jamming at the Bad Moon Christmas (charity) party. The cast included Big Daddy and the Bulldogs and Mamafunk (& the Mudcats) and the jam after included Adam Tese, Ms. O'Dell, Dave Nesdall and many others. It was a festive night and I heard that the wildly enthusiastic, gregarious and benevolent Elena of Bad Moon along with Big Daddy, Karl Reamer put together a very successful charity event. The Bad Moon has been quite a hot spot of activity and I am glad to see it has been revolving around blues!!!!

   Sunday I stopped in at Big Daddy's and was pleasently entertained by the King Cobras. It has been a few years since I caught them and they have gotten even tighter with a straight forward and by-the-book blues act with real chops and crafty playing. It was a blues blast that I was not expecting. The best kind.

   At midweek I am anticipating perhaps another look at the quality jam at Mirelle's this week (Mike Nugent, Ralph Raiola, Fred Piscop, Don Moffa, Neville LeGreen, Shawn Murray, Mark Newman, Bruce Dixon, Lester Saldinger and many more...

   There are the jams at Bad Moon, Candlelite, Harvey's, McGuires, Quiggs and more.

   The weekend is a whole other story and I will get ot that later in the week.

   This piece was written before I heard today about the passing of Land Ong (on the 7th). Lance was a gifted music professional, a kind person and husband of Nicole Hart. Lance and Nicole were recently married and his life was a wonderful looking thing. It is a huge loss for Lance, for Nicole, both their families and all who knew him. Cancer has taken another life and it screams for our continued attention.

   There is a fundraiser and memorial event in Teaneck,NJ on the 15th of this month. I plan on driving my minivan and as of now it has a few empty seats. I am happy to take a few folks who may wish to come along.

  Thanks for stopping by and please keep me posted on anything I miss on the calendar.

bill

   There are some good signs this week of an expansion of sounds.

   Check the calendar for Wednesday nights for example. There is a new jam at Mirelle's in Westbury with Mark Mancini  and Mike Nugent. If you want to jam with some talented dudes check that out. Mr. Mancini is one of the best keys players on this island of ours and with the two of them there's a good chance you'll be able to find a couple of your favorite tunes to jam along. Mirelle's is a nice room too. I'll be checking that out this week or next.

   There is also a good one in Bayport with Jim Moran who has Hitman, Russell Alexander and Ed the Hat with him this week. I need to get to that one too. I love having new jams to check out.

   The ongoing ones still rock too. Candlelite Cabaret in Amity is fun. The Bad Moon in Merrick with Sly Geralds and a cast of dynamite singers, and Adam Tese lately, and Dave Nedall is a great jam...not to mention two of the baddest guys on the island, Donny C and Danny K in Cedarhurst at Harvey's. The list goes on and it's getting better.

   Another encouraging sign of the life of music around here is the amazing calendar of events at The Boulton Center in Bay Shore. This week The Subdudes. Recently; Tommy Castro and Coco Montoya. The Vail Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead has also been hosting blues! That's a cool place to take in a show.

   I am optimistic about the things happening and now I look to find a few homes for some of the more upstart blues acts around here. There are some great players in embryonic stages and they and players of other genre's need places to play and develop their voices. It's good listening but it is not funded  or marketed in any way. Stuff like this needs the help of the venue. I'll be brainstorming to try and come up with a way to host this stuff even if it involves a new venue. Feel free to offer any ideas.

   In the meantime check the calendar and take a listen and enjoy... and thanks for stopping by.

bill

    For numerous reasons it has been a quiet time for blues at the local venues.

   A few key Wednesday night jams have shut down and I hear from numerous local blues artists lately that it has been challenging getting gigs. The climate of DWI enforcement and a tough economy has caused the patronage to dwindle at many local venues. It seems the big band and dance shows are faring better. The weekend-for-singles market is a stronger market. The artists in smaller venues at the same times are the ones feeling the pinch mostly because those customers are out more for entertainment and less for socialization. They are more prone to deciding against going out than the people who are single and go out for social life as opposed to entertainment.

   The more "bohemian" artists who appeal to the older and more entrenched public are playing to a smaller audience and they now have to fight to be heard.

   Having gotten to know many of the local blues and jazz musicians I also know that some suffer real emotional downs and the usual levels of anxiety associated with the life of an artist are heightened by the additional pressures of a dwindling market.

   Club owners primarily want to know how many people an act will draw. If the answer is unclear the club owners are unwilling to shell out much guaranteed money. The turnouts are frequently small and although this is typically a cyclical phenomenon the current outlook requires devout optimism to which I subscribe.

   There are numerous genuinely moving blues artists in our midst. I drive often and sometimes far to hear them. I can almost always find something on the calendar to soothe my longings. I know the talent (supply) side of the curve is strong. The demand side is the issue and I am reaching out to a modest group here but it is earnest. When you go to a club and enjoy the music thank the owner. They need to know that it is a long term investment and a worthwhile one. They need to hear the players and let their patrons hear them and get feedback and learn that regular music eventually brings customers.

   When I am out and feel like hearing something and I don't have my calendar with me or if a show cancels I will go to a place that I know has music and better if it is a place that has good music. They may not make money every night but they will build a following of patrons and musicians. They will even get the occasional music party or event. They will also be patronizing the arts. There will be articles and PR and good will.... not to mention my and other blues fans undying appreciation for sustaining a valuable artform.

   Blues music quenches emotional needs. It befriends the friendless. It echoes the voices of longing. It humors the tired and spent. It comes from the battered soul but expresses soulful beauty. It is desire being humbly fullfilled.

   Just some thoughts as my heart aches a little for the plight of the blues artist.

   As for my weekend I only took in music on Friday night and it was a late one. After a bewildering blind date experience I ran out to Bohemia to catch some of Bobby Rondinelli and friends at The Stadium Pub (formerly Pub 454). I knew that would be going on a little later than most.

   I arrived in time for three or four tunes. The cast was fun with Bobby R on skins of course, Jim Kolman on axe, Tim Smith on bass, Tru Doty on keys and an excellent  rock vocalist Tommy Adrian. The place was bouncing pretty good even at 1am. That's a must see show for rock fans whenever you see it posted.

   The Stadium Pub is actually a really good room with plenty of space, an accessible bar and good sightlines all around. The staff was good spirited and, um, pretty damn hot!

   This is a short week coming and then a holiday. Stay tuned for the calendar on Monday as there's going to be plenty of good stuff for the long holiday weekend.

   Enjoy your Thanksgiving and enjoy some music and be thankful that we have art among us.

bill

   I am stuck home waiting for a UPS delivery and of course it is past the window of time noted on the delivery slip. I think these delivery people enjoy making customers wait as some form of disciplinary punishment. It just feels like resentment for the customer of some kind, like for all the rushing around they do we must just sit and wait for however long it takes. I had the same experience last Saturday when I waited four hours for a sears repairman who never showed. FOUR HOURS on a Saturday!! They keep calling as if I am going to reschedule. I will pay double to someone else (as if thats even possible) before I pay them to make me wait again for four hours.

  So this at least is giving me time to post something of my weekend. I usually find time on Sundays but this Sunday was busy as I ran out to Rocky Point for the LIBS fundraiser... more on that later.

   I was a busy blues boy this weekend beginning with Friday night when I began at Mirelle's in Westbury. Klyph Black and Rumor Has It was playing and I heard they are quite a cast and quite a show. The well traveled rockers were in fact a good time. The cast included Mr. Black on axe and lead vox, a pair of Finkelsteins on drums and percussion, Arno Hecht on sax, Al Buonanno on bass and more...

   They were rockin pretty good and it was fun. Hecht on sax was very cool as was Black of course. That's a lot of show and those guys individualy get top dollar with some big acts, Mirelle's does a nice job bring in quality players for a reasonable ticket.

   After a set there I headed down to Craigs Signal 8 Saloon in Copaigue for their 8th Anniv.with Sweet Suzi and some of her Blues Experience. I had not seen SS&BE in some time and it was nice to catch Suzi with Johnny Anderson in the friendly and cozy confines of Signal 8.

   I am here trying to help people appreciate seeing/hearing real talented people in their own neighborhood venues. This was it and Suzi is in good form these days as is Johnny A on bad axe. That's a pretty amazing show for a little place in Copaigue.

   Saturday, after being stood up by Sears, I did some bouncing around as I was rendevouzing with numerous party's. I finally settled in at Terry G's in Farmingdale for a set of Sixteen Tons. They play a mix of roots blues, Johnny Cash and country type stuff and it's a unique little blues niche they occupy. It was something different with the same basic four instruments, axe, bass, keys drums... with some whimsical vocals. It's a toned down but entertaining variety.  

   After that I wound down at the ole' Brightwaters Inn where Wally was hosting a rock ensemble, Sound Advice. SA is an affable group of guys offering rock with some attitude and clever vocals. They were a fun way to end a busy few nights. The BWI w/ Wally is also a good place to just hang as Wally digitally records almost every show and plays it back becoming perhaps the only place on Long Island that regularly plays local music... and it sounds great! After wrapping up their equipment a band can sit for a drink and listen to the show they just performed...assuming they want to of course.

   Sunday I found some time to attend the fundraiser for Frank Latorre and the King Bees out at Fatty Beltbuckles in Rocky Point.

   I missed the first hour which is a bumer. Franny Mae did a few numbers with Blues Box which sounded like a great combination. I hope I get to hear that again soon.

   The place was festive on the first non-rainy day all week. I sat and ate some excellent ribs and collard greens as David John Paisley and Co. worked a set of some rockin blues. There were many friendly and familiar faces including Tommy Keys who mentioned that he is coming out with a new CD soon produced in part by Mario Staiano... and with a good cast of players. I'm looking forward to that.

   I caught the beginning of Frank Latorre and King Bee's set.  Frank on harp and JP Blues on axe sounded great. I really wanted to stay and take it all in but on a Sunday I was lucky to even get that much.

   There will be more fundraisers for these guys soon as the events are to raise money for travel to Memphis for the IBC. Get out there and support these guys. They will be grateful I'm sure.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks for the feedback. It helps to know what blues and music fans think and I enjoy hearing it all...good and bad.

bill