Saturday, September 27, 2008

Café R&B : The Bo-Diddley Connection

As Bo-Diddley used to say "You can't judge a book by it's cover", and never was it more true than with Café R & B. The name doesn't describe what this powerhouse quintet is all about.

The backline consists of four gentlemen in suits. These guys seemingly step out of Cadillacs - superfly cool - grab their axes and simply set the roof on fire. Burn it right to the ground. All night long. Effortlessly. 

That's only half of the story. Once you witness lead singer Roach unleashed... well... there's not much you can say with your mouth wide open and your jaw on the floor. Easily comparable to 1970s era Tina Turner, Etta James and Patti Labelle and a touch of Ann Margaret, she is beyond being possessed by the blues; she totally embodies it! Roach turns it out, as the band turns it up! They must be seen and heard to be believed.

Hype?
Not at all.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Ryan Cross : Bringin' The Funk To 4th St

Returning to Harvelle's with his funk and jazz show, Soul Crossed Funk, Ryan Cross is sure to be showcasing the hottest singers and players around. 

You'll spot him right away. He's the one onstage running things, and manhandling the upright bass. 

Word-of-mouth on last month's show was high praise. This should be standing room only.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Miss Willie Brown and Preeta

Miss Willie Brown describe themselves this way: There's a girl with brown hair that sings like an angel and then there's another one who hasn't showered today that sings like the devil. 

Their country-tinged sound is both saucy and tangy, just like a delicious rack of bbq ribs. Tonight these beautiful women will light up the night singing soulful harmonies while kickin' ass and takin' names. What a lovely way to burn!

Opening the night, Kauai native Preeta is dedicated to bringing peace to the world through her music and creating positive, uplifting shows. "I am dedicated to inspiring others and making music with substance." Come early, you don't want to miss the wonderfully talented Preeta.


An Awesome Night @ Bongo Fury




There's something very cool about being out on a Tuesday night. And if you're watching burlesque dancers, it can be downright subversive! This past Tuesday night Bongo Fury brought the crowd out; drinking, dancing and witnessing both club fave Annika, and the voluptuous Nina (lower right) shake their groove thangs.

Walter Davis - the master of ceremonies - led his white-hot group through 3 sets of terrific urban jazz alternating between his alto and baritone sax (with a bit of flute). Holding it down were the guys - Asa on drums, Bjorn on bass and Victor Orlando on congas and bongos. DJ Daylight on the wheels of steel kept the party going in between sets, and had the dance floor sweaty and crowded. Our man Toledo sat in with the band on a couple of numbers, perpetrating his gritty soulfulness while smoking cigarillos.

If you missed it - come see it live and up close for yourself next Tuesday.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Bongo Fury : The Tuesday Night Place To Be

If it's Tuesday, it must be Bongo Fury. 

I have been attending this weekly gathering of improvisational jazz musicians and wild burlesque dancers for well over a year. As always, Walter Davis leads his guys through swinging afro-samba funky jazz with his mighty baritone sax. 

Come early - the crowd is hip, sophisticated and beautiful. 

The video clip below starts out a little shakey, but hang in there and you'll see world-class dancer Carolina Cerisola, one of the faves here in Santa Monica.