With so many good shows on the calendar this weekend I am a bit disappointed that I only had Friday night for entertainment. There were good shows both nights and even some today, Sunday.

   So Friday, with a late start again which meant I would miss the 8 and 9 o'clock shows, I had a hankering for some down and dirty blues with SmokinGun @ Giacomo Jacks. It's a good-time band and a good-time place and coincidentally, I like a good time. Honestly I would have liked to catch the Mo Blues show at Mirelle's. That place has been getting some quality stuff but I am not often able to get to that place at that time. I heard it was a good show. I also would have liked to take in Pat Hunter or Pam Betti or any of the dozen or so shows.

   I walked in on a jumping song at Giacomo Jacks. Bill Marino was in good form. I've always enjoyed the blues guitar stylings of Mr.Marino. The remaining bullets were all firing as well and Jeannie B's vocals were crisp as usual.

   A question arose in my mind as I sat there on a dreary September night in Amityville watching the band with Rich Theil on bass. Mr. Theil was donning a spiffy Hawaiian shirt. It looked genuine and I confirmed later that it was actually Hawiian. It was a black number with yellow flowers. I know there are some fashion rules about what can be worn after Labor Day. I wondered if such a shirt might be ill advised even though I was quite impressed with it's subdued exotic flamboyance. After some deep inner thought on the subject (the shirt wasn't the only "exotic" that night) I concluded that it was a cool shirt and blues rules differ quite a bit from the other rules of style. It was a blues event; even in summer the light in the room should be dark. Blues has a reputation (incorrectly) for down-ness; exotic flamboyance helps. It was black; black is cool any time. It had tropical flowers; chicks like that. In conclusion Theil was wearing a cool shirt. The band delivered some grit. Marino rocked, Jeannie B lit my fire a few times. A fun Friday night. Yeehaa.

   So I will hope like hell that the Mets took their brave pills today. All ten fingers crossed, it could be a night to celebrate or to drown my miseries. In either case I may get to a jam tonight. I hope ya'll have a great day.

   Let's go Mets!

bill

  

   So I finally got there. I have been jones-ing for weeks, no months, for an opportunity to get to Reflections on a Wednesday night. The Department of Highways has been putting up roadblocks. Personal issues have seemed to conspire to keep me in the house until it is too late to head that far west. Guests have been calling me to join them at other events, good ones.

   This week I was able to leave early and I took the Ocean Parkway to be safe. Once there I grabbed a seat on a couch so I could relax and take in a good set or two. I hate having to fight for a small spot at a bar and worry about losing it when I have to leave for any reason. The distraction could be avoided if I just got to the venues a little earlier but that is one of my issues.

   The players at Reflections are good. Dave Patrick hosts and he plays a mean bass. Donnie Celenza always, always makes me smile with his guitar and sometimes with a piano. He goes well beyond the normal guitar platitudes and it fans the flame of inspiration on every solo. That is what I wanted to hear and I got it.

   For some additional entertainment there were a few excellent sax players, both of whom jazzed the hell out of some solo's and all other pieces fit tightly.

   Of note on this particular Wednesday night was a birthday celebration for Roast Beef Joe, the onetime keyboard player for Little Buster and generally well loved guy. To put the icing on the cake so-to-speak was the hometown diva Pat Hunter. Pat serenaded Mr. Joe with a beautifully belted Happy Birthday rendition. Her chops were sharp and it was nicely done. Of course I wanted more. I guess that will have to wait for a coming show...like this weekend at Sparky's, perhaps?!

   I had to watch the intake of spirits as I had a long drive home on some busy roads so after a couple of really quality sets I bolted.

   It was after midnight when I arrived at Brightwaters Inn, my hometown jam. There was a good group of jammers including Pete Tursi on horn (and Grace).Joe Behar blowing a trumpet too. Josh Allen was there and Charlie Labs too. Derek Hensley was beating out a good vibe and the Blue Matter boys and girl had it going on.

   I caught a set there before quitting time and hung out a little longer since Wally had free dogs going and he plays a cool brand of blues on the house system.

   It was another good Wednesday night. The system works. The jams get players, the players make music, people hang out, bars sell stuff and I get to feel good. I recommend that formula. It cures a lot of things and it works on weekends too so check out some music. Soon.   Thanks for checking in.

bill

    At the risk of becoming too provincial I have been frequenting my own local blues joint lately.

   Wednesday night I tried to step out of Bay Shore but I got detoured by highways and timetables. After telling anyone that would listen that it was time to take my regular weeknight adventure on the road and that I have not been to Reflections in a long while or any of the other non-Brightwaters, non-Lefty's jams I was determined to head out further into the Long Island night.

   I got a late start, again. Kids, home, life. All these things conspire to test my determination but I still got on the Southern State Parkway and headed west to RVC. Even if I caught one set there and kept it to two drinks. I would be okay to drive back and I could still catch a set somewhere close. So I drove like three exits when I saw a sign saying that Exits 24 to 28 would be closed for the night. What?! That would detour me quite a bit and the ride along Sunrise would take too long not to mention the ride back. Okay I could go to Plan B. I got off the parkway at Wellwood and headed south to Lefty's. I had not been there in a few weeks and there have been new faces there of late. I strolled into a quiet room only to be greeted by the manager, Rob Lepano who eagerly told me that they were having some internal issues and the jam was put off for the week. He assured me it would be back next week. I'm sure it will but right now I'm running out of options for an alternative night of music.

   Before it got too late I came back to my good ole' home jam at Brightwaters Inn. It was another good one too. It has been steadily good and that is great and I had a good time and there were people there and I got my music fix...but next week I would love to sneak out of town and take in another jam. Fingers crossed.

   So the weekend came. Friday night had some good stuff. Pat Hunter was debut-ing a new cast at Reflections (am I stuck in a loop of some kind here? Relections, BI), there were other good ones but I was unable to get out Friday. This weekend I had Saturdy night to play.

   Saturday came and this is the birthday weekend of my precious child and she was at a party at her friends house and I had to wait until it ended so I got out late and where did I end up going?? You guessed it. Brightwaters Inn. In this case the Long Island music scene came to me/us. Pam Betti Band was in town. That was fortunate.

   It turned out to be a good night but with my late start I missed the first set which was some new stuff. Damn. But at least I caught some quality music and I gleaned some warmth from the glow of Ms. B.

   The faces in the crowd were noteworthy as well. By the end of the night I was surrounded by a bevy of blues singing babes. Sweet Suzi was on hand later. Ms. Sweaty Betty popped in late too. So there I sat. Three blues belting mama's at the Brightwaters Inn. Wally smiled. Wally always smiles. It was fun though. It was a good night.

   For the moment life is happening right here in my home town. I shant complain. I should enjoy and I do.

   I suggest you do the same either here in the salty, tasty town of Bay Shore or in your own hometown where I am sure there are a few nights of some blues. If not let me know and I'll try to help. Thanks for checking in.

bill

   When I started going out for music on Long Island (after returing from a former life elsewhere) one of the first shows I caught was Lex Grey at Paula Jeans. She knocked my socks off.

   I have gotten a much broader perspective from years of seeing and covering most of the other musical performers on Long Island since then. I now know how rare Lex Grey is as a performer, a rare talent. Saturday night the raunchy,sexy Grey, with her guitarist Vic Deyglio performed with the Kerry Kearney Band on the Kerry Ferry in Port Jeff. It was part of the Port Jeff Music Festival which had the streets jammed and the town in full party mode.

   The ferry left the dock promptly at 10 and there was a good crowd. The only issue I had with the set-up was the snail-like process of getting a drink. After that bit of difficulty we headed up to the outdoor deck and found a seat pretty far back in the row of benches. But we found a seat, plunked our asses down and the rain came. Damn!

   We sat there a minute hoping it was a fluke of some kind but it was not. The crowd, and the band, picked themselves up and all headed back inside the massive boat. After a short time, and yes, another battle for a drink, we got ourselves set up inside the cafeteria area of the ferry. It was a little cozier and the light was, well, cafeteria lighting but it was nice that we were close. All of us.

   Funny thing about blues... the people, the performers and even the music seem to be made for dim lighting. It is about the vibe, the sounds, the emotions...not about the glamour or the visuals, normally. So Lex Grey gets up in all her bawdyness, wearing a rainbow of feathers, boas and torn garments. She may be the one blues act I know that makes light interesting at a blues show. She was squinting her eyes, as was I and she commented on the unforgiving light and I concurred. It was a stark flourescent sky in a white, low ceiling room... but somehow it worked. The bad  light gave the room a sort of b-movie effect.      

   Lex Grey went off on a river of blues and owned me for the remainder of the night. Her saxophonic vocals are an iconic blues voice for me. It comes from somewhere deep and it flows out like brandy from a full bottle.

   There were also some kick-ass guitar numbers by Vic Deyglio and Kerry Kearney and the Kerry Kearney Band, with the unassuming and soulful Murphy and Celenza rhythm section, made the sounds of folksy blues that distinguishes them as a rich act.

   Even with the bad light and the rain and the drink deprivation (or maybe because of it) it was an awesome night of blues.

   Afterwards I had time for a run down to the Viking in Islip for some Andy Aledort. I walked in around 1am and saw some familiar faces and soon enough the break ended and I was back in lala land with some quality guitar-rocking-blues.

   Truth be told I hit my limit again around 2:30. All the forages into the depths of my gut took it out of me finally and I had to walk away.

   It was a memorable night of blues and I am grateful once again for the place where I live and wander.

   Thanks again for checking in and thanks to my new blues friend, "J", who was great company for a rare night.

bill 

   A long week is passed. My Met's are showing signs of bravado, finally. The Yanks have called it season, finally. The Jet's and Giant's are full of hope and optimism. School is in full swing and I am back to having full workdays without my precious vunderchild at home for the summer. If not for the hurricane threats and rain I would be loving every minute of these September days. Of course a winning lottery ticket would be welcome but one can't have it all can one?

   An alternative to having a stupid-large lump of change is having some time to go out for some quality entertainment. The state of bliss one can achieve with a skillful artist sharing something soulful is as important as a stock portfolio or medical insurance. It is achievable and renewable and it is more meaningful. It is not always easy to find but that is why I am here. Once I discovered the depth and healing of blues I directed my writing and focus to sharing the magic.

   The events on my calendar are the best I can find every week in the genre's of blues, soul, jazz, funk and over 30 rock. There isn't always something magical but there often is and there are always a few genuine artists out there spilling their guts. Give them some love and you'll get a lot more back.

   As for this weekend I will dare to highlight a few of the shows that I  consider either rare or worthy of highlight. Not because they are better than the rest necessarily but because the show may be a good double bill or an artist may not always be around or an artist may be performing admirably lately or it may be a favorite of mine. Check out all the events and artists and pick out whomever floats your boat.

   For Friday I would love to get to Mirelle's for a quality bill. I don't get to Westbury often or easily but there's always good stuff there and I want to support it. There is the Port Jeff Music Festival with Peter Tork. I have read a number of good reviews about Shoe Suede Blues and the former Monkey and I want to see them.

   The Reinharts are at The Blue Parrot. They can be underwhelming showmen but they are original, talented and I like them. Uppercut has a few shows and thats a fun weekend event. They have lots of pieces and a big vibe and a good crowd usually.

   There's more of course so check out the many other good ones this weekend.

   Saturday offers a great list also. There is the Kerry Ferry with Kerry Kearney Band and Lex Grey is gracing the show. That's a good one on a ferry off Port Jeff. There is the dynamic Andy Aledort at The Viking in Islip. He travels the country with the best guitar players ever and shows up here on Long Island every few months for a few free shows.

   Nacho Mama has some really good players and they have a Saturday night show at the Brickhouse. Gina Cutillo has made a name for herself in more places than Long Island an she has one in Centereach. Sweet Suzi is on 131'st St. in Manhattan at the Dinosaur Grill for a fun show. That gets a fun crowd and she gets their attention.

   Gail Storm is at Sparky's in Farmingdale with a fun cast. I saw her with Shenole Latimer and Dave Patrick last time and it was an exceptional blues show.

   Sunday has a big show at Bobbique's in Patchogue. It is a benefit and a really good cast of bands including Pam Betti and Kerry Kearney. There are a number of good smaller shows on Sunday too. Some jazzy shows and a few in Amityville across from each other at Tavern on the Crik and Giacomo's. You can enjoy a winery and some T-Bone & Franny Mae.

   Those are just some of the good ones to consider. I hope you choose something for some R&R and enjoy your weekend.

   Thanks again for stopping by and hopefully taking in some live music.

bill

   As shaken as I am right now I had to come here to react. This is my journal. This is my place to express what I feel is relevant.

   I just received an e-mail from an old friend and it was about politics and it was the most hurtful thing I have ever heard.

   This is why I am reluctant to write about politics and why we should all take a step back from partisan ideals and see each other as fellow people first.

   I used to live in California where my late wife had her friends before I met her. They became my friends and I have stayed in touch over the last ten years since I moved back here to NY. I try to do that to keep the memory and legacy of my late wife alive for my daughter.

   There is one couple that occasionally sends me e-mails bashing "my" party and it's candidates and touting theirs. I have tried to abstain from engaging them and I have told them as much. This time they sent me a video of a partisan figure in a rant and I responded that I did not like extreme partisan pundits and I would rather listen to mainstream pundits and I do not take the position that the other party is evil and wrong. I believe both party's are necessary and both have good ideas and strengths and both are needed to balance the other and govern more effectively.

   They responded that my candidate is a loser and my party is wrong and they can prove it and we are all losers. I responded that I do not see it that way and I gave them my little speil about both party's being valuable.

   Their response has shaken me. They e-mailed back that, with all the proof that I am wrong and that my candidate and party are losers, I have gone "south" and they no longer want to hear from me. They managed to say that they hold the memory of my late wife dear to them but I am no longer welcome to contact them.

   I am flabbergasted! I know there are strong feelings and I have come across them. That is why I have become reticent about discussing politics here or anywhewre but this is a new level.

   I think I need to re-iterate that two party politics is just two variations on one system that needs two party's(at least two party's) in order to survive. The centrists of both party's are so similar in how they believe the system should be run that it is indistinguishable. Yet our party's have led us to believe that the other half of the country, even those who believe similar things, are "losers".

   It is sad and I am going to vote for the candidate that let's me see the other party in the best light.

  

 

    A problem with posting less frequently, which has been the case of late, is that there is much I'd like to share and sitting down and writing for the time it takes hurts my sore back and pisses off my family as I sit and type for so long.

Well, like they say in beef jerky land, tough sh#%.

   With the crappy weather, with the beginning of school, I was frantic about getting out for some music this weekend. As some of you now know I need the cathexis of the music experience to de-agitate my gut and soothe my aching soul.

   I made the arguement here at home that with the impending storm coming on Sat. I needed to catch something Friday just in case everything was shut down on Sat night. (Damn, I'm good). As luck would have it my family all had plans for Sat. night so I got two nights and I needed them both. It was quiet  (thanks in part to Hanna) and the search takes effort. Kind of like throwing spaghetti at the wall ( has anyone actually tried that?) and seeing what sticks, I needed to catch some more acts in order to feed my inner monster.

   Friday night I figured I would try some Buttered Soul at The Brickhouse in Patch. I have been posting their gigs of late and I wanted to catch their act. They looked different than I remembered them from quite a while ago.

   Buttered Soul sported a good cast including a sax player. They describe them selves as R&B, Funk, Soul. They had enough pieces for the various influences and they sell it well with some excellent vocals. They had a good dance contingent and they were easy listening and there were some fun solo's. I was happy to hear Buttered Soul. I am glad there is some depth in the roster of live acts out there for the non-metal, non-tribute, over 30 genre's.

   Speaking of which I bounced around Saturday night looking for something not cancelled and good. I tried a few places before landing at Giacomo Jacks for a set of The King Cobra's.

   They were dutifully playing to a small but enthusiastic crowd (thanks again Hanna) and I liked the sounds so I got me some dirty vodka and pulled up a table.

   Again with a good lead vocalist. This time it was a trio doing a lot with three pieces. Amazing what a talented lead player can do with a good little rhythm section. They played some R&B also but I got to hear a few good blues tunes. That was a pleasent surprise. I had been considering trying one more stop as it was not all that late when I got there but since the King Cobras were getting down with some blues I decided to stay and I'm glad I did.

   It was another pleasent surprise in the search for quality sounds in the bowels of the Long island bar scene. Blues music does not seem to gather the crowds as much as other genre's. Go figure. But it is more meaningful, requires skill to cover well, as do all genre's, and it works well in an intimate setting. Hence it can thrive albeit quietly and humbly.

   After reading an article in today's (Sunday Sept 7) Newsday about tribute bands and the lack of venues to host them I realize it is a tough sell these days. One cause I did not yet see in the article (I did not finish it) is the crackdown on driving and drinking. People are afraid to go out for a few belts and some music. That might make the case for smaller shows in smaller venues...closer to home.

   I ask again that if you love live music go out and hear some. Even if it is not a swanky joint try it anyway. You will find some real and fun people at some of the downest little joints and you'll have some occasional moments of soul-tingling, gut relieving musical love-making.

   Stay tuned for some make-up dates for some of the cancelled shows this weekend and thanks again for checking in.

bill