Whew! It has been way to long since I have blogged. Rut? Blocked? Busy? Who knows. I do know, that last night at Steamers in Fullerton, "My favorite jazz club" I experienced one of those awesome, fantastic, smile frozen on face, kind of nights that makes me want to share with everyone. Hence I am blogging yet again.. So let me paint the picture. It's rainy outside. 3 days before Christmas. Its that time of the year when everyone is stressed out and to hectic, but wanting badly to partake in that Christmas spirit. There is a room full "and I mean completely full" of said people. The room is actively waiting for the show to begin. There is chatter, greetings, drinks being ordered. All those great sounds of a fun jazz club, pre-music. Finally the band has set up and Terrance Love (owner of Steamers) comes on stage. Terrance is a great jazz lover and truly a huge part of that community. So Terrance thanks everyone for coming to his 10th annual Christmas show. 10th annual? Where have I been that I missed 9 of these? Damn! Well anyway he then gives a little background on his 10 year history with Chris Williams. Band leader, song writer, singer and part time percussionist. Hugs are given and it is deeply touching. OK OK. On to the good stuff. The music.
Stupendous. Absolutely energetic, festive and pure fun. The Christmas spirit being sought out had arrived. The complete show was Christmas music. Were not talking about the old tired out ones we are sick over the last month. We are talking, classics with a jazz twist that makes you love that song all over again. My two favorites of the night. Chris's new song "Christmas here with me" (Beautiful) , Little drummer boy with Chris, Bryan and Mike killing it on percussion's and Tidings of Comfort and Joy. That song will never again sound that good. As Chris said "life is unresolved" so it is a very apropos. I left this show feeling completely pumped up, relaxed and giddy all at the same time. Thanks guys and Terrance for a great show as usual.
Band member introductions:
- Chris Williams- Can't say enough about him and do not want to bore you but .. Lets just say a cross between Frank Sinatra and Ricky Ricardo, band leader. Beautiful voice. I think the best part of Chris is his bone fide passion for what he does. It is what you feel when you watch him. His leadership as a band leader shows through as there is always an energized presence on stage, no matter who is sitting in. If it starts lagging with a song or a musician he picks it up right away. His voice is award winning, literally.
- Edmund Velasco- I always thoroughly enjoy watching Edmund. Writer, Sax and occasional flute, he is top of the line. He and Chris are friends and have been playing together for a while. this is very apparent as they are tight together. Besides playing with Chris. Edmond plays with the Estrada brothers and has his own quintet which has recorded 3 CD's. The thing I enjoy most about the Edmund Velasco Quintet is the fact that they play their own music. It is always something fresh and original. And how I love surprises. Thanks Edmund for keeping it fun.
- Andrew Carney-Trumpet Astonishing trumpeter at that. He definitely nails it on every song. huge part of my "smile frozen on face disorder" I looked up this mans resume and all I can say is WOW. it is way to long and unbelievable for my small blog. I do suggest you check it out. http://www.bing.com/search?q=andrew+carnegie&go=&form=QBLH&qs=n&sk
- Bryan Brock-Percussionist. So good good good. I have always had a special love for percussion's. That being said, when I see a great one it just takes my night up a few notches. This was the case with Bryan. Kudos!
- Mike Bennett- Drums. Another great artist. Huge contribution to the night. Probably only in mid twenties but has already performed with many great artists. Hillary Duff being one of them. That's OK, I forgive you.
- Llew Mattews-Piano and
- Luther Hughes- Base. wrapped up this amazing group. Both very accomplished and skilled.
