Submitted by Al Kanovsky 09/18/14 (but written 9/15/14)
...and then there are nights you will never forget. Last night
was one of those. It started at the Funky Biscuit. The event, a competition to
determine who would represent the South Florida Blues Society in Memphis for
the International Blues Festival title. The Biscuit was shoulder to shoulder
with musicians and fans. Lots of people I know and plenty I have yet to meet. I
was sitting with Jimmy Belize, Nancy and Dave (cat in the hat). You could feel
the excitement in the room as Mark Telasca took the stage with Robert Alan
Gibbs(guitar) and Anthony Liboti (drums). They would warm up the audience
with "Where the Southern Meets the Dog", "Stand My Ground",
"If I Ever Become President" and "Going Down To the
Crossroads". They did their job, but truth be told, this audience was hot
before the first note was ever played. The first contending band was Marty
Stokes & the Captiva Band. Marty on guitar/vocals, Jennifer
Mazzioti (tenor sax), Darryl Best(bass) and Doug Jefferson on drums.
Their program consisted of all Marty original tunes. They included "Don't
Stay Because Of Me", "Late Night Story", "Glad To See You
Back In Town" and "Can't Let You Leave". Jennifer's tenor
sax solos were what made this band stand out. Next up was local
favorite Graham Drout and "Iko-Iko". The first time I heard this
band was shortly after Flo arrived in Florida. It was at a dive called
"The Back Room" where all the BLUES bands played. Sadly both Flo
and the Back Room are gone. Iko-Iko has Jimmy(dynamic)Daniels on drums, Mitch
Mestal (bass), Ron Taylor(keys/B3) and the non-pareil Good Rockin' Johnny Wenzel on lead
guitar. Graham handles the vocals. They open with "High and Dry" and
follow with "The Day the Old Man Died". Ron delivers with his B3 solo
and Johnny does the same with his guitar. The bands 'sound' is just great.
"Baby, Please Come Home To Me" has Ron & Johnny continuing
their excellent performances and now Jimmy joins with some 'dynamic' drum work.
They conclude their portion with "Where the Ghosts of Mississippi Meet the
Gods of Africa". Everyone in the audience stands and applauds. Long and
loud. If you want pure entertainment there is probably nothing better tha
Otis Cadillac and the Eldorados. First you must understand that Otis Cadillac
is not a person but a made up character. The band was originally put together
as a put-on for a show at Bostons on Famous Franks birthday. "Otis"
in real life is Joe Fodera. Please don't tell you heard it from me. Their
continued success is due to the talent they all have. Bobby Goldman on bass,
Walter Alvin(drums), Susan Rivera(b3/keys), Doug Treen (tenor sax), Niles (Red
Beans) Blaize (harp/trumpet) and Dan Newman (guitar). The Seville Sisters
are sisters in name only. The vary in race, creed, height and vocal range.
Names are for stage use only---Holly-Holly, Kat Riggins, Honey Cuddles and
Moran Levi. Otis counts it off and awaaaaayyyy weeeee GO! Everyone is clappin',
tappin' and in general having a damn good time. I'm having such a fun time I
stop taking notes, sit back and enjoy. I did take the time to note Kat Riggins
accapello solo of "Because He's Not For Me". When Kat started the
song, the room was full of chatter. The last twenty or so bars had the audience
in complete silence. Holly-Holly sang one as well---girls do draw my
attention---during which Niles takes a really nice trumpet solo. Dan
Newman can play guitar and showed it thru-out. They close with
"You'll Be Surprised Now" and it can't be all friends and family that
provide the thunderous applause. It is all up to the Judges. Mark Telasca
returns with Robert Alan Gibbs and Jimmy (dynamic) Daniels to fill in the
interlude with the BLUES tune "Someday Somebody Gonna Hurt You Like You
Hurt Me". The suspense is ended when the award, well deserved, is given to
Iko-Iko. There can be no argument.
Hey----it's only 9PM. Off to 33d St. and
some salsa and Latin rhythms. My pal Bill Rutan has called to tell me Maria
Rivas is there to listen to Jessi Campo and her Latin Band. I find the booth
where Bill and Maria are seated and am in time for the start of the 2d set. I
am in for a clave-filled treat. With Jessi are Miguel Chacon (bass), Ivan
Velasquez (drums), Manuel Gomez (piano), Robin Lauro Unlos (congas/percussion) and
the unforgettable Puig Ligo playing trumpet. During the break a group of
'gringas' arrives and find seats near Bill, Maria and me. One of
those is wearing a brief but becoming outfit. Maria sketches her on a note pad
and gives her the signed copy. Puig gets a chance to show-off when the set
opens with Jessi singing "All the Things You Are". Jessi composes as
well and she does her original "Tu Eres"--(You Are) a lovely bolero.
Next, "Sabor A Me"--(Tasty To Me). Uh-oh. Here we go. Unmitigated and
uncontrolled salsa, a medley of Night & Day, Summertime and Besame Mucho.
Pok--pokpok--pokpok. You can't keep chubby old me in my seat. Two young women
and I mean young are seated with 2 guys. If you've been around as long as I
have you instinctively know if the guys aren't dancing with the girls it's
because the y can't. Not the girls, the guys. I ask one to dance and she
accepts. She is Sandy Ozlen and is married to Mr. Ozlen. He's the one scowling
at me. I hold Sandy at a respectful distance and the look softens somewhat. I
ask her friend during the next tune. Her name is Juana Drago, A Latina. She is
not married to the guy she's with and she does dance. When asked why they're
not married he replies, among other things, that she talks to much. I think
that's the title of an old Louis Jordan tune. Jessi sings a lovely ballad
"I Want To Love Again" which is from a long ago film,
"Diary Of A Mad Black Woman". When she does "Masquerade"
she invites Maria up to sing some. When Maria sings en Espanol it touches my
special romantic spot. Puig and Maria exchange 4s with Maria using her scat
talents. Jessi is the only one who can salsify "My Funny Valentine"
and get away with it. I dance with Maria and love it. Ms. Campo and the band
close with the Beatles "Yesterdays" also with clave as the base
rhythm. Buenos Noches mi Amigas. Hasta Manana!
p.s. Maria did a notebook sketch of Jessi and gave it to me.
I will treasure it as I do of every moment of years
past.
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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