The Great John L Farewell Tour - March 23rd/Jimmy Maks

Our good friends John and Rosanne Lobitz wanted to hit Jimmy Maks one more time before they relocate to Denver.  Denver?  OK; we each have to make our own decisions.  Go ahead, John, find a quartet in Denver that can play what you heard from The Mel Brown Quartet last Wednesday evening!   The boys played ... like... The Mel Brown Quartet.  All I could think during the first set is.."Damn, I keep forgetting how good these guys are."  Bona fide, indeed!

It is fun to watch the on stage communication among Mel, Tony, Dan and Ed.  This group plays every Wednesday evening.  If you haven't heard them, you are missing out on a rare treat!

Another full house, although I do wish that the two groups of ladies along the window had taken their noisy show somewhere (anywhere!) else.  The rest of us were there to hear the music!

John visited with Mel Brown after the first set and shared with Mel the story of his road trip following college graduation in 1967 where he heard Mel playing drums for Martha Reeves at a small club in Montreal!  Small world, huh?

Joey DeFrancesco at Jimmy Maks on Monday March 14th

It must look like I spend all my time in clubs - I wish!  But, Jimmy Mak was able to book Joey DeFrancesco on short notice for a show this past Monday evening - JSO members were able to purchase discounted tickets.

Dan Balmer opened with an excellent set of mostly original tunes.  Dan plays most Monday nights at Jimmy's - no cover charge (no kidding!).  I highly recommend going to Jimmy's on any Monday night, have a burger or gyro and treat yourself to an evening with Dan and his trio.

Joey DeFrancesco followed up with a solid 90 minute set of B3 soul and jazz.  This guy is one of the best anywhere on the B3 organ.  To top the evening off, we were treated to JD (yes, that JD) singing "Wha'd I Say" with Joey.  Nice!

Keep an eye on upcoming events at Jimmy's.  His 15th anniversary is coming up and I expect some major shows during the next few weeks.  His site is www.jimmymaks.com

OK; I am now tired and broke!  Later

Devin Phillips @ Wilfs Friday, March 11

After the Battle of the Bands session at Jimmy Maks, I had the pleasure and privilege to have dinner with Devin Phillips, Mike Horsfall, and Art Abrams.  Devin was sitting next to Patti, showing pictures of his young son.  Art leaned over to me, nodded toward Devin and simply said, "that kid is a monster!".
I have to agree (who in his right mind is going to dispute Mr. Art Abrams anyway?) - Devin is hugely talented and a musical asset to our city (New Orleans loss!).
Patti and I went to Wilf's Friday night to hear Devin and his band.  Oh, yes, Mr. Abrams, the young man is a monster!  His quintet was tight but not stuffy.  The guys were having fun up there and the audience was enjoying every moment.  And, lo and behold, a member of my club unexpectedly showed up with his spouse.  Never know who will appear at a jazz club!

No photos this time; not really necessary.  Hey, check him out at www.devinphillips.com

Later!

E

Jazz Society Battle of the Bands at Jimmy Maks

I had the pleasure of working with the Jazz Society and 5 local high school bands for a competition at Jimmy Maks last Tuesday.  These kids could really play!  The house was full and appreciative.  The adjudication was by Devin Phillips, Mike Horsfall, and Art Abrams - are you kidding me?!?  What an all star panel!!!!  One of the things that everyone seemed to really enjoy was the feedback that these judges gave to the kids after each set.  The judges comments were instructive, positive, and educational.

West Linn won and will have to come back to defend the trophy next year.  Thanks to all of those who helped make it a success.  See the note below from Kevin Egan of West Linn.  That kinda says it all!

Eric,

 

What a great night! My compliments to you and the Jazz Society members. It's a great format that really shows what the kids can do. I'm pretty sure it's the first jazz competition I've been involved with where all of the directors were hanging out and enjoying each others' groups! The audience was supportive, and I'm not sure we could have asked for a better inaugural event.

Winning was great, but I came away from that night extremely happy for all of the kids that were given the opportunity to play on one of Portland's premiere jazz stages. Thank you again for all of your hard work.

 

Kevin

Esperanza Spalding = February 25th

Nancy King insisted on sitting next to me.
(Stevie G. is behind Nancy and me.)

Bought tickets for this Portland concert last fall during Portland Jazz Festival kick off meeting.  We attended Esperanza's last concert two years ago and were looking forward to another great show.  Daughter Meredith and her fiance Nate joined us on the front row at the Newmark Theater.  Legendary jazz vocalist Nancy King was sitting to my right and wife Patti to my left.  Front row seats - OK, I'll say it - "it doesn't get any better than this!".

Esperanza did not disappoint.  She is a world class musician with stage presence to spare.  Kudos to the Grammy folks for acknowledging that talent means something; even in this age of hi def music videos and grossly over produced stage shows.

Eric the Groupie!!

Meredith and the Great One. They've been listening to her for years and they think she's fabulous.