After a busy week of work by day and jam exploration by night I am tired but appreciative.  The work of reporting my experiences is not like my daytime work (woodwork) which is dictated by my clients and their schedules and desires. My music exploration is my own and I like new stuff and I like good stuff and I like personal expression and I like artistry. It all helps me cope with the challenges of life. The occasional depressions and ruts can be remedied with a night of good music or a good new performer or just a good performance. It tickles my imagination when I hear someone who is "in a moment" and on a little wave. I go with them and I feel the magic. Sometimes I even laugh it feels so good. Those times I leave feeling relieved and satiated. I sometimes am inspired to write down my own interpretation or sometimes I am just lifted. Most of the time I get something out of a night of quality live music.

   This weekend I had Saturday night and I made the most of it. I started at Giacomo Jacks for O'Zone. The funkiness takes on numerous forms as the cast changes a little each time. That actually keeps it interesting. This time it was all good. The core playes of Clem on bass, Roy on drums, Tim D on keys and often Ahmed on axe were joined by Kim Allen for some vocals and Wayne Wilson on sax. The possibilities are endless with Ahmed on vocals or Ms. Allen on vocals or Mr.Wilson on sax with some juicy rhythm and keys. It's a fun show and they seem able to get people dancing at will. The first hit on some songs just triggers a dance reaction and seconds later the floor is full. It's magic.

   With just one night to explore I stayed for a set and headed out to ET Quiggs for a some of SmokinGun Band.

   This time it was blues/rock, more my genre and a good cast with Bill Marino, lead guitar, Rich Theil on bass, Jeannie B on vocals and Ralph Santiago on skins. There were various guests during the show with Billy Thompson stepping in with guitar who was awesome and Arty Panico (Blue Matter guy) who also played some fancy strings. There was a also guest appearance by Ms. Chrissie O'Dell on vocals who kept it on the blues side  with her gritty and growling and smile-in-the-face-of blues delivery.

   It was an exceptional show of blues. Marino had some really high flying moments of guitar magic with Billy Thompson and all the accompanying pieces worked from Jennie B with solid vocals and Thiel and Santiago running an all-pro pocket.

   I hated to end my Saturday night so I waited until the last string was struck at some ungodly hour. It was worth it though.

   As I move ahead into a crazy-busy time I am motivated by knowing I can go out during my week and find some inspiration. A little pushing the envelope on  an occasional night can be overcome. A week slaying the beasts in my life without any form of inspiration is harder to handle.

   I appreciate you stopping by and feel free to send me gigs and events that I miss on my calendar. (Bill@Billfoolery.com)

   Have a great week.

bill

 

   The week passed was my annual week of jam-roaming. My child has been out of town for the week with her aunt and cousins and like last year I took advantage and went to numerous weeknight jams.

   Like last year I stopped in at Bartini on Monday night. The Babylon jam seems to be doing fine as there was a good number of acoustic and electric guitar performers of various levels. They were familiar with each other mostly and there was order and  predictability. It was not so much a jam until the end as most performers were solo or duo. I guess it was an open mic and there was a jam at the end. Dave Drew joined in and it was almost Paper Bag with the whole group up there closing with Stormy Monday.

    My next opportunity was my usual Wednesday night and I decided to take in The Bad Moon where Sly Geralds was hosting Chrissy O'Dell and Brother Dave at his weekly Wednesday night star-featured jam. I often check out Big Daddy's in Massapequa for starters where John Judd and friends light up Massapequa but this time I was in Valley Stream on business so I started (and ended) at Bad Moon in Merrick. I like to travel around as I did last week when I caught Jim Moran and Pam Betti at Momo's in Holbrook. Wednesday night is a great night for music.

   Well the Bad Moon had a nice group of performers. Chrissy and Brother Dave supplied their usual doses of blues, soul and grit with a good cast of musicians including Sly Geralds (bass), Freddy Mac on keys, Dave Nesdall (guitar), Hector Lopez on drums and lots of others.

   There were some other stars in attendance as well with Sweet Suzi sharing some dazzling moments and Mr. Dee Harris on guitar who also took part in some magical collaborative pieces (Death Letter, Son House). It was a treat to catch all of that...not to mention Diane McArdle (Sweaty Betty), BA Fagerland (Behind Closed Doors) and Nancy Bahnsen (Sly Geralds Band). There was never a bad cast up there and it was a long full night.

   Thursday night I heard Jim Moran might be at ET Quiggs so I headed that way. There was a cast of regulars at the Bellmore restaurant with a good number of guitars and a few guests including Mr.Moran and Chrissy O again. There were some cool blues moments with those guys.

   So it was a full week of local live music and the weekend is just beginning.

I am hopeful of getting to at least one show and it will be tough to choose. I suggest you get out for a show or two. Support all the talented musicians we have here on Long Island.

  Thanks for stopping by and have fun out there.

bill

  

   A busy weekend started out at Dirty Martini on Saturday night. I went to catch a set of Rondinelli which consisted of Bobby on drums, Teddy on guitar and Robby Martino on bass. The place, Dirty Martini in Ronkonkoma has always been a fun spot. It is a prototypical blues joint with good down and dirty rock and blues, cool barmaids, a decent room with a stage and usually an interesting crowd.

   It has been a while though. The place used to have more live music or at least the stuff I follow. Lately I have just seen the Rondinelli's there.

   I hung out for one set which coincided with two drinks. I had some driving to do so I stretched two dirty vodkas as long as I could. The music was real good. Teddy Rondinelli is entertaining as hell on guitar and Bobby keeps the beat driving like a '69 Camaro with a v8. It was tasty rock but they drove a couple of bluesy tunes (including a Hendrix number) pretty well. The place was just as fun as I remembered.

   For a nightcap I stopped in at Brightwaters Inn (a local stop for me) for the end of Chrissy O'Dell and One Hot Mess. I missed pretty much all of that one but it was a good Saturday night.

   Sunday was the competition for Long Island's representative in Memphis for the International Blues Competition in early Feb. That was held at Fatty Beltbuckles in Rocky Point.

   I got there before the start and caught the whole show. The contestants were Chrissy O'Dell & One Hot Mess, Lonesome Dan & The Curmudgeons, Russell Alexander & Hitman Blues, Frank Latorre & the King Bees, and Gail Storm Band... in that order.

   It was a close competition. I personally had a hard time choosing a favorite. All bands had good blues content. All (in varying degrees) had talent. All had at least some decent writing and I would have enjoyed any of the bands at a club on a Saturday night.

   I had friends at the event who all had varying opinions on favorites so I know it was a divided jury. My choices were between a band with perhaps a little more blues, soul, grit and a band that was tighter and more "marketable" perhaps. I heard that the folks in Memphis looked for a polished and together act. I also assume the folks in Memphis like a soulful performer. There were some of both so it was a close call.

   Chrissy O'Dell and One Hot Mess had some great original tunes and a convincing raw sound. Frank L and the King Bees had great talent with Mr. Latorre on harp and JP on guitar and a solid rhythm section. Hitman also had well written tunes and a tight group. Gail Storm had it together with bouncy tunes, excellent vocals and keys and Joe Vicino on axe...  Guy Lofontaine on drums was good too. Lonesome Dan had some of that backwoods sound and some good tunes.

   The winner was Frank Latorre and the King Bees. Congratulations are in order as it was a tough competition and they had to convince the majority of 11 judges with good bands in opposition. Their "November Rain" is a good tune and their show had numerous entertaining parts.

   After speaking with many people in the room I found that there was in fact a divided opinion due to the varying strengths. O'Dell's grit, Latorre and JP's talent, Hitman's blues experience and expression, Gail Storm's charisma and energy...

  It was a fun show and a rare opportunity for me to sit and listen to a full day of music. I enjoyed it.

   I only lament that the good turnout still lacked many local blues folks. I look forward to the big events during the year. It's like a family party where I look forward to being with certain relatives and I didn't see them there. That didn't distract me from enjoying a good show however and I wish Frank Latorre and the King Bees great success in Memphis and everywhere else.

   Stay tuned for some great shows that will take place with the winning band and others to raise money for the trip to Memphis.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks for supporting the blues.

bill

   Since I last had a chance to sit and write something I have had numerous occasions to take in some music and I also snuck in a short vacation for the first time in a year or so.

   Last week (8/12) I thought I would visit the Jim Moran jam with Pam Betti at Momo's Sports bar in Holbrook. I have been spending a lot of time in Nassau this year, as promised, but I miss the suffolk crowd. This was a new place and there were some new faces getting up to jam which was good to see. Jim M had a few of his rockin moments and the cast was good including Ed Terry. In fact I walked in on he and Pam B doing a Zepplin tune and it was pretty cool. Pammy has some of the Paige-squeal in her repetoire and Ed Terry is a good rock vocalist. I enjoyed a few good moments there but I didn't get to hear a lot of Pam B vocals. The cast of instrumentalists took over towards the latter part of the night.

  I had a busy get-out-of-town Friday night last week so I headed straight up the Sag from Bay Shore after a late start and finally caught some Pammy vocals at a new place. Patty Joe's Grill (Main St. in Kings Park.) It was a stylish place with a nice size room and a good looking menu. Pammy and the boys sounded good with a new set of keys (Tru Doty) and a few new tunes. I had not heard PBB in a few months. They have been busy packing places in Rocky Point and Ronk. It was a fun night though and there were a few surprises which is always fun. One was a Janet Jackson moment by Pam and it was hysterical. The lady is all energy and movement and her wardrobe just isn't all that functional sometimes, hehe!  It was so brief I'm not sure it was real but she put on a fun show and there was a special appearance by Ms. Leslie Zimei of Cadillac Moon. I saw the pretty lady sitting in a booth and knew I had seen her somewhere. When she was introduced and came up for a song I was thrilled and finally reminded where I had seen her. I have enjoyed LZ performances at past blues festivals and other events. The call-up was obviously not in her plans as she was looking pretty relaxed at the time but she showed real guts and belted one out. That was a fun surprise. I look forward to a Leslie Zimei performance now that I had a reminder. It's been a while.

   So Saturday came and I had my little getaway for the summer. I headed up to Loon Laek (Lake George region) for a few days with my daughter and some of the Blue Matter guys and family's. It was a glorious few days of boats and lakes and rivers and other woodsy stuff. Cell phones didn't work well and I needed that. The only problem was coming back to a build-up of stuff to do and I ended up missing some events on the calendar among other things. Sorry about that people! I don't take many days off and that was it for another year probably. If you sent me an event and you don't see it on the calendar please fell free to e-mail me or call (or text) if you have my number and remind me. Sometimes I have it written down but I forget to type it on the screen. I write this calendar and some of the posts late at night and then I am off to work the next day and I don't get a chance to re-read it.

   The coming weekend has some great stuff including the Blues Competition on Sunday. The roster of bands is dynamite and if you get a chance come out to the event and catch some of the best blues on Long Island or anywhere else.

   Thanks for checking in and for sending me your gig info. It makes it easier to do this.

   Have a great weekend!

bill

  

    I enjoy talking with the folks I meet at blues shows. I learn a lot from people who have been listening and living the blues for many years. I ask musicians and other blues fans who they listen to and who they like lately. I want to hear new voices every chance I get.

   My personal experience with blues began a little over ten years ago. Before that I was a casual fan of classic rock. I discovered a sampling of the classics from my older brothers album collection which included Moody Blues, Beach Boys, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Joni Mitchel, and more from the late 60's and early 70's.

   Later on I found some newer favorites which included Jackson Brown, Cat Stevens, James Taylor and Bad Company among others.

   Much later life opened up some emotional avenues through loss and experience and then I heard the voices of artists when before I heard only tunes that I liked and the experiences were entertaining but not emotional. The voices of blues had not been poignant to me until I lived more life and understood more about it.  

    Once I discovered the kindred voices of artists like Hendrix and Albert King and Buddy Guy and even some singular blue pieces from other genre's artists I began my search for more of those voices. I still listen to dozens of artists every chance I get on places like Amazon and iTunes and Playlist and I listen for performances (vocal and instrumental) that convey something relevant to me. I do not know technical terms nor do I care much for elaborate displays in and of themselves unless they are expressing something passionate. I don't remember many lyrics unless they are something particularly significant.

    I only began posting my observations of performance when I discovered how to create a blog. I have been expressing my thoughts in journals for many years but now that I feel a passion for blues I decided to share my journal in the form of a blog for the purposes of promoting the industry and art of sharing emotional experience.

   People sometimes comment on my limited retention and knowledge of names and details but I am clear about what I hear when I hear something real. I am so grateful for people having the talent to express themselves, the ability and courage to do so and the perseverence to live that difficult life because it takes a career-like effort with often sub-career-like money to do it well. Even those who do it as a second career make a big sacrifice and it is appreciated. The experience of taking in a genuine blues performance can be fully satisfying in an emotional way and that is why I am here writing about it online. I would like to see more people enjoying this stuff. It is going on in many a local joint and it is always affordable or free and it is something that brings people together... or should!

   All the crap about who is playing where and why and when and blah blah blah is draining and sad and it misses the point. People need to play for many reasons and they need a place and they need a reason and they need to survive and no one knows how much even $40 can mean to someone who is struggling to make a living at the one thing they may be good at. The act of being an artist is a career and it does not necessarily involve a great set of business or marketing skills. In fact it is often opposed to those traits. It usually coincides with great need and compromised decision-making faculties. That's what makes it rare and valuable. The people who have both the fortitude to live the life and the talent to make the music are rare.

   I mention this because after taking in a great show of blues over the weekend and some really good jams during the week I don't think enough people appreciated it and I don't think all the musicians even appreciate it or get it.

   Oh well, at least I get to listen to good blues now and then. Everything else falls away for a few hours and everything feels right with the world. All the crap matters not when the music is good.

   Thanks for stopping by and keep going out to shows, any shows, whenever you get a chance.

bill

  

      What a fun weekend with lots of good people... It makes me feel good to realize there are so many good people out there and so many involved in music and I am so lucky to be able to call many of them friends. I see that many do the same with each other and it's a nice enviornment lately.

   Friday night I was able to get to Bobbique's in Patchogue at a fairly early hour. Jim Kolman was heading his Josey Wales Band and celebrating a birthday at the same time. It ended up being a celebration on stage with lots of talented people not the least of which was Jim K himself who displayed some fine guitar and vocal chops. I caught a few of the Josey Wales tunes but I caught all of the jam stuff after and there were some cool performances in both sets.

   He was joined by Pam Betti for a few big numbers and Sweet Suzi for more largess and they gave it up for an amazing set. They both have so much and give so much it's impressive to experience both in the same show. It was riveting and to top it off there was an encore with a cast that included Jim Kolman, Tim Smith, Pam Betti, Frank Centrone, Jay Sharkey and Nancy Bahnsen doing Drift Away, with everyone singing and it was goose bump inducing. It was embraced by everyone in attendance and ended a terrific night of music and celebration. That Kolman knows how to host a party.

   I got a late start in posting about these events tonight but I have more to tell you after a Saturday night in Brightwaters.

   The event was just the humble Blue Matter Band hosting a show and jam at their former stomping ground; the friendly confines of the Brightwaters Inn. The Blue Matter jams used to include the trumpet and horn playing of Pete Tursi and Grace of the same last name and occasionally the fine keys of Charlie Labs, Wally on harp and behind the bar and various others. Well the old gang was there and then some... Pete Tursi of Stanton Aanderson showed up with Mark Fowler, lead singer of Stanton Anderson. As soon as I saw that I started text'ing people to come on down. I enjoy hearing good people performing with others and I enjoy sharing those fun moments.

   I got lucky. I caught the attention of the blues sisters who were in attendance at the Sweaty Betty event at The Oar in Patchogue and they were all riled up after their show had ended. Also in attendance was Ms. Sweet Suzi who was again in the right place at the right time. 

    So Diane McArdle(Sweaty Betty), BA Fagerland (Behind Closed Doors), Robin Knapp (Mamafunk & the Mudcats) and Nancy Bahnsen (Sly Geralds Band) strolled in with none other than Franny Mae. Oh yeah, Sly showed up too as did Papa G, Brian Duggan, Tim Smith, Tim Dorsey, Bill Post, Ralph Santiago (Yes, drummers count. lol).... and among the blues sisters were the LIBS blues sisters, Sue (Ladyblues), Emily with her blues-slut dog Scruffy and Janice. The ladies did it all from harmonies to solo's to an a-cappella performance of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy which was joyful.

   It was another case of a lot of talented people performing together and having a good time. It was almost perfect except Mr. Fowler had just split when the girls arrived. That would have been interesting. Fowler's vocals (and harp) were cool though and at least a the crowd that was there got to enjoy them.

   There were happy faces, and happy players and it ended early in the morning and it was fun. The local blues and live music scene is full of good and talented people and it is only getting better.

   Thanks for checking in and   ya'll come back now. Ok?

bill