Acton Jazz Cafe/Acton, MA 2/8/07

Back last Thursday night for this great blues jam. Downbeat Magazine just listed this club in it's top 100 jazz clubs worldwide. Of course no jazz tonight-just blues. Got to play a 5 song set with Chris a fine slide player leading things throughout. We finished things off with a blues rumba, a beat I haven't had the pleasure to play in a while. There was also a conga player tonight and I love to play with another drummer most times, except this guy did everything he could to play constant "fills" during the slow blues numbers. No feeling here, just making sounds with every little percussion toy he happened to bring along. Hey I know it's a jam, but please, enough is enough. One of the organ players brought in his own Leslie tonight, so they had dual Leslies hooked up. A lot of sound, but it wasn't any kind of a stereo experience to listen to.

Chan's/Woonsocket, RI

Back at Chan's last night for a great jam. Alternating drummers now with Steve playing in the house band tonight. His set was made up of classic 60's Ludwig drums with 70's hardware, a good sounding set. Always a pleasure to play here since there are always some hot harp players and last night was no exception.

Acton Jazz Cafe/Acton, MA

Got to play here for the first time this new year last Thursday. Hands down this is one of the best blues jams in New England. However, it's also the only jam that I've ever been to that charges a cover($5), even to the jammers. But, that's the only minus. BJ Magoon and crew; Tom Yates and drummer Mike Avery do a fine job of keeping the music on track and getting everyone time to play. There is a sign up list and BJ does his best in getting everyone up in order. 3 or 4 songs is the average jam set and there is a solid crowd here that also likes to dance. Full Hammond organ and a miked baby grand piano is available and it's such a great experience to play with two keyboard players at a jam. Horn players always seem to be in the house too. Mike's drums are a well gigged Tama set with a 70's Slingerland snare. He's a terrific player that loves to drop bass drum bombs. Back in 2005 I was here for the jam and it was a night that BJ couldn't play, so who shows up as his replacement? Ronnie Earl!! What a great first set listening to one of the best- close up in this cozy venue. I was disappointed I didn't get to play with him, since he split after the set. Maybe next time.