Menage a quatre...

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 3/17/13

Okay! Okay! It is a bit unusual. But it is kind of factual. Saturday night there were four of us involved. Me, my buddy Bette, Lauren Mitchell(her band included) and Ruby.

What did I do with them? ---make sure the kiddies don't use this computer----

First I met up with Bette to share some sushi. Then I had the opportunity to chat with the beautiful Lauren Mitchell while she applied her make-up. Lastly I made sure to listen to "Ruby". That's the name of the Hammond B3 organ that the band schleps around the world with them. Why all the sexy innuendo? 'Cause Ms. Mitchell is as sensual a BLUES singer as there is.

The "boys in the band", Mike Helmsley tickles "Ruby", Bob Dielman(guitar), Phil Magallanes(bass) and Rich MacDonald on drums play great but they ain't sexy like the woman out front. When I asked about her favorite line from a BLUES lyric, her response was "If there's another mule kicking in your stall." It's from a long ago BLUES song. She followed by saying how odd it is that so many BLUES tunes lyrics are about cheating. My thought is, sometimes that's what the BLUES are all about, as some of us know.  

The Lauren Mitchell Band is  as "tight" as any musical group can get. They really play together. The last time I listened to Lauren was at the Bradfordville Blues Club. This time was somewhat different. The venue Arts Garage in Delray Beach. A concert setting. A packed house (they brought in extra seating). A super sound system and an audience that really comes to listen. They got what they came for. An outstanding performance by outstanding musicians. Lauren and the band ran the gamut of the BLUES. From sexual lyrics to the Gospel. Tunes from their new CD to classic BLUES. "Dr. Feel Good" and "Get Off My Side of the Bed" to "The Day They Crucified the Lord". Her rendition of "Raining", from the new CD, will long be remembered. At one point during her performance Ms. Mitchell, gracefully, climbed atop "Ruby". Her movements while there had the intended effect. (It's all in the mind). Lauren closed the show with a most appropriate song. "I Am Thankful For The Feeling Music Brings". As the closing notes faded, the audience were on their feet applauding Lauren and the band.

Phil the bassist is a JAZZophile and I asked, "What JAZZ solo would be the one you wished you had played?" He said it probably would be different everyday but if pressed it is Michael Brecker’s sax solo from 3 Quartets on the tune dedicated to John Coltrane. Adding to the pleasure of the evening were 2 lovely women, who shared the table, Sharon and Janet who are season subscribers, and like me, love JAZZ and BLUES. I thanked Lauren for the incredible show and headed home. Kudos again to Alyona, Pierre and the entire Art Garage’s staff.

And as to the "ménage"-----------    

 ~ ~ ~

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