Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/20/14
...a thill ride. Especially when you go through it with your
arms open to the world. Even more so if your world consists of going out most nights
to listen to live music. Last night provided a classic example of that.
It
started out smoothly. Rita Wilburn appearing at the Ginger Bay Cafe on
Hollywood Blvd. A benefit event for the Battle Against Breast Cancer. I even
wore a pink shirt. The band was Eric & the Jazzers. Eric Trouillot formed
the band but doesn't play with it ----?????----- Band members included Ken
Burkhart (keyboards), Cornelius Johnson (tenor/flute), Sergio (bass),
Jose (drums) and Manny (congas).
I was meeting my buddy Bill who is a fellow
Rita fan. The musicians played great. Unfortunately the sound s---s! It
didn't stop Ken, Cornelius and the rest of the band from delivering on their
solo portions. Rita took the stage (I really do love tall girls) and opened with
"All Of Me". She took chances with both the melody and
rhythm displaying her JAZZ chops. Ken and Jose provided ample support.
"Summertime" had Rita 'taking it to church' with Cornelius' flute
solo a welcome addition. She closed her set with a bouncy "Stormy
Monday". Cornelius stretched the tenor scale to way above the scale.
Sadly, Bill & I could not abide the sound system and agreed to meet at BJBs
for Latin night.
And so the roller coaster gets to the top ready to start the
excitement. The band is Ranses Colon (bass) and his Latin Quintet. Ranses is a
master musician having been musical director for both Celia Cruz and Cachao. On
the stand with him are Luz Giminez (vocals), Manuel Gamel (piano), Paul
Rabud (drums) Jose Olivera (Tenor/soprano) and Ismael Chavez (congas/vocals).
They
opened with a classic latin tune titled "Peanut Vendor". The 'clave'
rhythm is aimed directly at my alma and it hits its mark. Martine &
Jacques have arrived. When I watch them dance it provides me with infinite
pleasure. Angelo manages the band and his son and daughter-in-law are in the
audience. The band runs through the entire litany of Latin rhythms and
melodies and couples are dancing all the way. I can control myself no longer and
ask Angelo's daughter-in-law to dance. Her name is Damaris Nightingale. The
girl knows what to shake and I really enjoyed dancing with her. An added
delight is her smile. She smiles with her entire face. Eyes, cheeks even her
forehead all light up. Additionally (talk about thrill rides) when was the last
time anyone of you danced with a 'witch'. Well maybe not a witch but her card reads "Master
Alchemist".------'bubble,bubble, toil and trouble'-----. She and her
husband conjure up fragrances, potions and lotions that will free your
soul and heal your body, heart and mind. Damaris gave M&J a sample of a
lotion that would enhance the romance of their marriage.
Back to the music.
Although I didn't know the tune titles it didn't lessen the thrill of listening
to very talented musicians. The music traveled from South America to the Carribean
and even to New Yorico. The last tune was to a 'guaguancoa' beat.
The loose translation of guaguancoa is "Freedom". Viva
ooh ess ay.
Tonight I will be at the restart of the MJC's Rent Party
series at the Open Stage in Coral Gables.
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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