I know it may be...( that 21 Blue thwarts your resource of accolades, Allen Kanovsky?)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 8/18/13

...hard to believe, but, I don't know where to begin about last night at Arts Garage. Let's try the name of the band. "21Blue". Translation, BLUES for the 21st Century. Meaning now. This is not your father's BLUES band. This is a JAZZ band which is all inclusive, BLUES to bop, Miles to Howlin' Wolf. All of it in their own voice and all of it very good. I was warned before going that this band would "blow me away". Yeah, yeah. I've heard that a gazillion times before. This time it happened. That's why I am finding it so difficult to write about it. If I said this was the best band I ever heard, it would be way over the top. It is certainly one of the best. Listening is a subjective art. Maybe I was just "In the Mood" for this presentation. No--it was talented musicians playing their best for an appreciative audience. Let's put their names up in lights. I'll start with Ted Shumate, he plays, as described by a bandmate, 'gitar and guitar. Chris Delo (bass), Robert Griffin (keys, piano and trombone), a young Ray Nelson on drums and last but certainly not least the superbly talented Longineu Parsons playing cornet, flute, recorders and if that isn't enough doing BLUES vocals like they should be done. Low down and dirty. Not all of it like that. When he sang "What A wonderful World" he made you feel that maybe it really is "Wonderful". They opened the presentation with a tune "Little Sunflower"  during which Ted had the chance to show his tender side and then transiting into a flamenco rhythm. Longineu had an opportunity to show off a little with Grenada stylings. The guy who warned me about this band was right. The band proved it with their version of James Browns "Chicken". Funky and hot. Longineu did an interesting few bars with a rhythmic kissing sound on the horn. 

Resorting to his vocal talents Mr. Parsons digs deep into history for "St. James Infirmary Blues". You ain't heard the BLUES 'til you hear him do this song. Oh my, oh my. I could see the "6 crap shootin' pall-bearers". They played some Miles their way. Be-bopping triplets all the way. During the break, speaking with Longineu I was told that he is a prof of trumpet at Florida A& M. and loves mentoring young musicians not only on how to play but how to live as well. The cornet he plays once belonged to Nat Adderly who had guided him early in  his career. I chatted with Ray Nelson the drummer and mentioned that he had followed the melodic line during his frenetic solo on "Black Magic Woman". He thanked me for paying attention and acknowledging it. Hey, that's what I don't get paid for. When not impressing on keyboard and piano, Robert Griffin was doing his 'thang' on the 'bone. The cat can play. He and Longineu did a duet on "Mercy, Mercy" which really did 'blow-------. A BLUES shuffle "Crazy 'bout That Thing" had hands clappin' and toes tappin'. I could go "On and On" with how much I enjoyed listening to this band. It would be redundant. 

Suffice it to say, "A great night of JAZZ & BLUES" which was enjoyed by all including music teacher Bob Bunin of Chafin's Music Store in Lake Worth. Thanks to all the guys in the band. 

Hey, Friday the 13th in September-Voodoo nite at Arts Garage. If you want to get your "Mojo Working" this might be the place.

Al's Disclaimer:

A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"       

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