Jerry would have dug this show...

[Botafogo]

Last night we went to see one of Jerry's favorite artists, Charley Musselwhite, here in Santa Monica. Here are the tasting notes:


Oh! My!! GAWD!!! Best blues show I have seen in more than ten years, Charlie is off the sauce, having a ball and playing great (and even sang in tune most of the time).

But......the BAND!!!!!

Rock solid rhythm section, they were like a freight train full of groove (especially considering that they do not pay ANY visual attention to each other while playing). The drummer has a different approach to every song, not just differing speeds of shuffle and boogie. One minute it is second line city, the next he is throwing military / college marching band power rudiments in and the next he is all over a big Bo Diddley style jungle beat. I would have KILLED to have him when I was playing.

The bassist just stands there bobbing and weaving with his eyes closed and LAYS IT DOWN like Patton's tanks on the move. Great tone and feel and no funny stuff.

Then, a twenty something guitarist from NORWAY named Kid Andersen who has completely absorbed and made his own the best parts of the styles of Steve Cropper, Hubert Sumlin, Pops Staples and John Lee Hooker PLUS lots of Robbie Robertson meets Big Al Anderson country style double and even triple stop bends. He plays a Les Paul with a Bigsby with his fingers and no picks and knows the values of dynamics, space, tone and telling a story. I bought two copies of his CD and will review it later.

Charlie was obviously proud of them and they all played together as a BAND, not a back up group and a front man. Every song had a different arrangement, breaks, distinct groove and lots of fun and even surprising call and response.

A great time was had by all and we really DID drink a toast to Curmy!


[This message has been edited by Botafogo (edited 05-19-2006).]

[Innkeeper]

Thanks Roberto; sounds fantastic!

[winoweenie]

Wish I had been there Robo-Baby. Hope they have lots of monetary sucess to go along with their musical talents. WW

[Botafogo]

PS: I forgot to mention, I was right up front and, having met Charlie a few times over the years, we were talking between songs and I made a request on Curmy's behalf for one of his favorites: "Long Leg Woman (with the Short, Short Mini-Skirt)" and Charlie did him proud.