Submitted by Al Kanovsky 07/14/14
...and my love of music and dance started when I was 8 years
old and bundled up in the rumble seat of a 1935 Ford. It was at the Glen Island
Casino. My oldest sister Florence was inside dancing to the Glenn Miller band
with her boyfriend(a drummer) named Larry Litt.
Officially, she was
baby-sitting me at our apartment while my parents and other sister Muriel were
at the movies, collecting free dishes.
That was 1940. Swing was the genre and
the "Lindy" was the dance step of the day. Later that year I
heard Billy Eckstine on a Count Basie recording of "Jelly Roll
Blues". The opening lyric reads "Hello baby, had to call you one
the phone". The closing lines were "Jelly killed my pappy and wrung
my mother stone blind". It took me a while to figure out the 'jelly
rolls' Billy was singing about weren't made in a bakery. The BLUES were
parented by the spirituals of long ago. BLUES are the mother of JAZZ and
R&B. Then came the bastard child 'Rock 'n Roll' and all its hellion
cousins.
Last night I was treated to the BLUES at a Jam taking place
at Fishtales on 'toity-toid'. The house band for the night had Jeff
Prine (guitar), Ken Burkhart (keyboard), Jeff Sanchez (bass), Skolnick (drums) and
special guest Matt Schofield (guitar). They are here to play the BLUES and that
is exactly what they do. They will be joined later on by Drew Preston (guitar),
Charles Gaspar (bass), Gino Lanzetta (guitar), Piano Bob, Nate Taylor (guitar)
Sista' Mary Beth (vocals). Crista Landivar (drums) and Brad Mills (bass). In the
audience were other musicians including Andy G (drums), and Otis Cadillac (leader
of the band 'Eldorados').
Amongst the civilians were Jerry Blum, Blues Bobby
and his wife, Betty Rosenberg, Bella, a GAL named Kristen, my pal Dave (cat in
the hat) with his pal visiting from Seattle. To say we all had a good time
would be a gross understatement.
The playlist ran from "Further On Down
the Road" to "Trouble When I Do". "That's the Way It's
Gotta Be" to "Whipping Post". Matt's solos inspiring all to
higher levels of performance. Gals up shaking their stuff, joined every once in
a while with dummies like me. During the playing of "Whipping
Post" I was treated to one of those moments in music where a Jam soars
into the stratosphere. Sean is on bass, Crista on drums when Matt plays an
incredible solo. I have listened to Jeff Prine for a number of years and never
heard him play like he did following Matt. Now Ken pushes it even
further --- do you think I'm having a good time?
During the break Dave, his
buddy and I philosophize and tell a couple of jokes. Dave decides to be serious
and we pay close attention. He states that there are 4 things that create the
perfect relationship with a women. 1.She must be a good cook, 2.She must have an ample
amount of funds, 3.She must be good in bed, and 4. They must never find out about each other!!!!!!
I forgot
to mention a lady named Laurie. Talk about shakin' it. The last set ends with
"Woke Up this Morning" and "One More Time". Time to
go----one more thing. I had the best 'french fries' ever. Hand cut,
skin on and done extra crisp as ordered. A sprinkle of salt and pepper
already on --- Voila!!!
Walked across to BJB's and met James McCoy (bass) who was
playing with that nights band. Did not stay for the music. Just a kiss on the
cheek for Shannon --- good night chilluns.
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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