There are times...(that we really must ask... "Really now, Allen Kanovsky? Really?)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 9/xx/13

...while contemplating my navel, I realize that I am addicted, a 'junkie', hooked on live music. A saxophone solo to a symphony. Riff or a rhapsody. A sopranos aria or a drum solo, I love them all. Sooooooo, last night after Arts Garage(around 11PM) I was off to The Funky Biscuit. Straight ahead JAZZ to down and dirty BLUES.
It clears my head and cleanses my soul(if that's possible). 

Kenny Drew Jr.(piano) was at Arts Garage in Del Ray. To complete the trio he had Paul Shewchuk on bass and John Jenkins on drums. Kenny's Dad was a very well respected pianist in his time and Jr. has achieved similar acclaim. While listening to him you begin to comprehend all the different influences that complete a JAZZ musician. Barrel-house to be-bop, all play a role in the development of the artist. The performance was flawless. Every song title played held the audience in rapt attention. I was seated where I could watch Kenny's hands on the keys. To use a hackneyed phrase, poetry in motion.  The program started with a Tommy Flanagan hit, "With Malice Toward None" and Kenny's mastery was immediately evident. Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" and then Bill Evans "Very Early". Next was an original composition, inspired by a day of snorkeling in tropical waters, and titled "Coral Sea". Fair warning---putting your face in waters so close to Cuba will often mark clave on your soul. Monk's "Rhythmony" featured a John Jenkins solo and ended with a pronounced flatted 5th chord. In memory of recently passed George Duke and Cedar Walton they played "Love Reborn" and "Bolivia". To mark his being raised in The Bronx Kenny played another original composition "Nelson Avenue Morning". They played Parker, Coletrane and Monk. During "In Walked Bud" Kenny quoted "Blue Skies". When asked about it he informed me that the 'A' section had the exact same chord structure. They played several songs dedicated to his late father including his favorite "When You Wish Upon A Star".  Kenny showed his classical 'chops' with Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum" and switched to be-bop with Monk's birthday song for his daughter, "Boo-boo's Birthday". Kenny plays the long phrases that I really 'dig'. I was seated with Linda and Paul Schmier and Alyona's parents the Shapiros. The Shapiros showed definite interest in the Cuba JAZZ Festival. If you are interested call me 661 803 8096.

It's only 11PM and my pal, Jimmy Belize is already at the "Funky Biscuit" so off I go. There's a Brazilian Festival going on in Boca Raton and the streets are crowded with revelers. I manage to avoid running anyone down and make it to the Biscuit. I get there just at exactly the right time. The trio is playing the BLUES. Guitar wailing, bass walking and the drummer pushing the whole thing along. Eric Culberson(guitar), Jonathan Hill(bass) and Mike(the real) McCoy on drums. They are down from Savannah, GeeAaa and they can play. It doesn't take long and they have me tappin' and clappin'. To name a few of the songs, "It's My Life", "Baby, I Want To Be Loved", "Ain't No Rules to the Game", "Checkin' On  My Baby", and Jr. Walkers "Lose MY Happy Home" During one song Eric lost a string. Jonathan took up the slack doing a bass and vocal duo with Mike, "Kiss Me Baby". A 'regular' at the Biscuit is this guy who dances in a strange way. Hunched over using his hands like he is casting a spell and his feet move in tiny ballet steps, sometimes forwards and sometimes back. There is no one else that I have seen doing this stuff. Eric returns and sings "Just Like You Just Like Me", "I'm Gonna Quit You Baby" and a great shuffle "Hot Fixa". Part of the lyric is 'I'm the hot fixa baby, and my work is guaranteed'. I think I will use that on a business card. Jimmy and I are having a great time listening and in between talking about our upcoming trip to Cuba and the relative merits of Cialus vs. Viagra. I mention that because I want my readers to know that the good Jimmy and I are cultured gentlemen, familiar with several pharmaceutical procedures and not just pretty faces. Piano Bob is there and reminds me that Ted Grossman(WLRN 91.3) will be playing stuff from the Glen Island Casino. That's the place that my older sisters would sneak off to while supposedly baby-sitting me. Me, wrapped in a blanket, snuggled in a rumble seat, would ask the musicians, out on a break, why their cigarettes were so skinny and smelled so funny. I was only 7 years old. Everybody I knew smoked Chesterfields or Lucky Strikes. 

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?"       

 ~ ~ ~

Traveling to catch some of Florida's good music? Check out these places and rates!

 ~ ~ ~

Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida 

Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/ to sign up to have 

Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.

Or, just email me at Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com

And, if you like what you see here, HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!

Thanks!