Friday, September 18, 2009

A Gozár! : The Cecilia Noel Experience

Understand this : Cecilia is a superstar.
Cecilia Noel's Harvelle's performance last night was unlike anything I've ever experienced. Cecilia and her Wild Clams went through 2 super-tight non-stop sets of over-the-top energetic latin-funk. She did her thing and left me sweaty and exhausted and wanting more. The ultra feminine, hyper-sexy Cecilia spun my head around and got my nose wide open. If you haven't heard Cecilia Noel check her out on Youtube, Myspace, Google her or click the link above.

A extra-special shout out to Wild Clam singer/dancer Ijeoma Njaka, (2nd from right above) a regular 'round Harvelle's, often sitting in with House Of Vibe All Stars. You were awesome!

Harvelle's Weekend : Plan Accordingly

(click on image to enlarge)
follow Harvelle's on twitter : harvellessm

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Harvelle's Thursday : Cecilia Noel

If you come to Harvelle's on Thursday night (tonight) you'll be in for a treat. The great Cecilia Noel will be entertaining with her singing, dancing and electrifying of the audience to the point of exhaustion. You can lose it on the dance floor or you can come, chill out and enjoy the show while you imbibe in the dark speakeasy atmosphere of the best blues night club in L.A. (on 4th St. @Broadway in Santa Monica).

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Brandon Coleman & Gene Coye

I really haven't given enough credit for last night's Soul Funk! performance to Brandon Coleman and Gene Coye. These two guys - these two gentlemen - kept it going all night long. Brandon and Gene both play many places around the world and play all the time, but there's nothing like seeing them in the anything-can-happen arena of Soul Funk! at Harvelle's (every Tuesday).

The Esperanza Spalding video below starts with an incredible solo by Brandon (pictured left in white) - one of many played throughout the night!! Also in the video - behind Esperanza - is Gene - seriously holding it down.

Esperanza Spalding : Let's Fall In Love

The incredible Esperanza Spalding brought her bad-self to Harvelle's and excited the place with her artisanal approach to performing. Unlike any other, Esperanza sings like a bird and plays bass like no one I've ever seen (Mingus, maybe?). She's busy and melodic and truly sounds like she's trying to get into your heart and soul. Everyone fell in love with Ms. Spalding! Check her out - you might fall in love too!

This video doesn't quite capture how electric she truly is, but you'll enjoy it anyway.

Tuesday Night's Soul Funk : Too Much!!!

Too much fun! Too many good cocktails, too many amazing musicians, too much!!!

That describes last night.

Soul Funk, Ryan Cross' Tuesday night residency always gets me out of the house, and puts me in a good mood. Brandon Coleman (keys) and Gene Coye (drums) set it off with Ryan on the bass, jamming deep grooves and tearing it up for the folk who got their early.
The evening unfolded as the stage became a blur of players, singers and musicians sharing their amazing talents with the very entertained crowd. The photos hardly do the night justice, as it's high auditory component was the key!! Esperanza Spalding, Nayana Holley, Kiki, Jacob Lutrell, Todd Washington, Crystal Star Knighton, Wildflower and Kamasi Washington (and many others!) provided an incredible night of music.

Thanks for bringing it Ryan!! And special thanks to Mika and Jessica - Harvelle's staff members - for making it a very cool Tuesday night.

Esperanza Spalding
Crystal Star Knighton
Jacob Lutrell on vocals and keys
Kiki, Nayanna and Crystal Star Knighton
Esperanza
Kiki
Brandon Coleman
Alfredo Rivera with Esperanza
Kiki!!!
Crystal Star Knighton
Todd Washington
Nayanna Holley
Wildflower
Didn't catch this guy's name,
but he pounded the skins into utter submission!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Soul Funk Tuesday : Ryan Cross & Friends!

Ryan Cross has a LOT of friends. And a lot of friends of friends. And they all tend to gather at Harvelle's on Tuesday nights. The word is out and every week it seems, some of the best and the brightest have been showing their stuff off to an eager audience. (l—r: James Allen (percussion), Gene Coye (drums), Nichelle Monroe (vocals), Brandon Coleman (keys), Todd Washington(guitar).

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Toledo Show : A View From The Decks

Vicious Lee is the world's greatest D.J.
He's at Harvelle's every Sunday night.
The place is a sweaty frenzy of funky madness when he's spinning.

He also has a first row view of The Dames, the burlesque dancing beauties that provide the show with unbridled sexuality. He also has a camera. Here's some of his flicks of Dame Mindy.

Thanks Vicious.