Gradually I am getting my old self back. Winters are tough around here and every year I get something in the way of a cold or flu. This year it was a two month cough that got me down. I didn't feel like doing anything, going anywhere, seeing anyone...   The cloud is lifting and I hope to get out for some blues and jazz and rock and other forms of live music.
   Lately I have been to a few private party's with some fine musicians and friends. It was an excellent evening recently with Mr. Billy Quinn and Tommy T-Bone and friends who all entertained a nice group of folks. It just so happens T-Bone and Mr. Bill are headed to Memphis very soon for the IBC as Long Island's (Long Island Blues Society) duo entry. The pair make some clever and entertaining music with Bill Quinn and keys and T-Bone on guitar and vocals..
   The band entry this year is Gary Sellers Band. Gary Sellers was a Sam Taylor student and he learned well. His blues guitar is distinctive and seamless instrumental storytelling along with solid vocals and some lively original music. Get out and see them and support their efforts.
   I also had a rare Thursday opportunity so I ran out to Ed the Hat's jam at Pete's Place in Bohemia. Ed is joined by Jim Moran on occasion and JD Leonard. With an amazing list of guests including Shinya Myamoto, Bobby Rondinelli, Don Moffat and many more it was a great night of music and comedy. Moran and Ed the Hat are a hysterical team of hosts. It's a good vibe and with that talent participants can perform anything they ask for.
   As for weekend entertainment this coming week has something for everyone. Kerry Kearney's Gathering of the Slides is in it's 10th year. The show is at the historic Vail Lavitt Music Hall and with Bennett Harris and Chris English it is sure to be an amazing show of blues (slide) guitar.
   There's a rockabilly extravaganza, That 70's Band 7th Anniversary party/show, and appearances by some of Long Islands best blues acts, King Cobras, Andy Aledort.  For jazz lovers Ian Petillo has shows at least two nights a week with some of the best musicians on Long Island as does Al Cardillo.
   I'm looking forward to catching some of that. 
   I have heard from a few people recently that my playlist is getting stale. I have to apologize! My webhosting service changed the whole system recently and I can no longer upload my own songs to the playlist library. I am now restricted to those on the playlist' website. I am working on changing the service that provides me the playlist so please be patient.
   I would also like to invite bands in the "over 30, Nassau/Suffolk" categories to send me band and artist bios. I will post them either here in posts or list them on another page. I just don't have the time to gather them myself. Maybe someday.
   Thanks for the input and thanks for checking out my site.
bill

   Even though I haven't quite kicked this chest cold I have been able to get out a few times in the past week.
   I stopped in at Joe Vicino's jam last week (12/28) and caught Andy Aledort and Mike Dimeo along with the excellent cast of regular players. The Wed. night jam at Sunset Grill is a good bet these days if you like your rock peppered with blues or vice versa.
   The New Years eve weekend had lots of good shows. I only felt up to going out on Friday night so I caught an appearance by the Blue Roots at Velvet Lounge in Setauket.
   The Blue Roots consist of Paul Bassi (bass), Scott Miccichi (harp), the one and only Mark Mancini (keys), Chris Candida (drums) and last but not least the smooth and talented Carlos DeJesus on guitar and vocals. The set list includes some covers of both popular and obscure tunes including Allman Bros, Hank Williams as well as originals. The performances are tight and it's a show that delivers a good mix of blues and tasteful blues inspired rock. 
   The Velvet Lounge is a great room with friendly help and good food served all night. It was a nice night. Check out both the band and the venue when you get a chance.
   This past Wed. night I decided to try (again) a jazz jam in nearby Babylon at Horace & Sylvia's Rest. I stopped by a few times but often the place is packed and seats are not to be found. I caught it on a sane night and got a place to sit and take in an excellent cast of young jazz guys; Andy Ahr on guitar, Chris Norris on sax, Vincent Loccasiano on keys, Chris Covais on vibes and Higo Lopez on drume. The ensemble was also joined by Giovanni (Mari) Von Essen for a few numbers and it was a nice night in a nice room. Check that out too.
   Even being a cold winter month the calendar is full of good stuff. Keep supporting live music and get to a show or two this week. It's a great way to pass the winter months and rub elbows with some good people.
   Thanks for checking in and keep on keeping me posted.
bill