JSB : Johnny Stachela BandSets The Night on Fire

I think I must have seen him with Leroy Powell.

Duane Betts was on stage as well, so there were three of 'em in total. Everyone had a Gibson SG and the solos were lengthy and in tandem - like The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was one of the first times I had ever been to Harvelle's.

Over the years I've seen Johnny Stachela come through with at least a half dozen different bands - Just Dave, Miss Willie Brown, The Juke Hounds and of course Jessie Payo.

Johnny will be returning to Harvelle's Tuesday November 30 (playing before Tuesday residents Vintage Trouble), so get there early (8:30 or so), grab a beverage and proceed to the dance floor. Johnny Stachela and Harvelle's favorite - vocalist Jessie Payo will give you what you came for, what you want, what you need!!

Slideshow pix taken with the Hipstamatic app in tandem with the iPhone.

Leroy Powell : Rip This Joint

Leroy Powell brought his southern-fried self to Harvelle's Friday night. Leroy is a hell of a singer and played lead guitar alone and in tandem with Johnny Stachela creating a most Jagger/Richards-esque combo.

Bjorn Fleuren (bass) and Iahji Hampden (drums) are too of the most in-demand players in town; I seem to run into them all the time at jazz and funk gigs. They evidently never played before with Leroy, but to watch these guys git it raw provided an awesome night of real rock 'n' roll.

Leroy Powell & The Messengers : Southern Fried Thursday

If you're looking for authentic electric blues, these guys are it. Twin lead guitars fuel this southern-tinged badass quartet, who last time they played at Harvelle's brought along Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts), who jammed on several songs.  Big shout out to Brian Allen on bass!!!

Leroy Powell & The Messengers and surprise guest Duane Betts!

4th St. felt more like Atlanta, GA as Leroy Powell and The Messengers took over. Featuring blazing twin guitar leads they raised the confederate flag over Santa Monica as Leroy brought the party home, and hell-yeah! was the packed sweaty house appreciative!

Duane Betts, son of Dickey Betts took the stage on several numbers, where he shredded solo and joined in with the band, becoming part of a guitar army,  jamming triumphantly (see video below). Rumor has it these guys are local, but they sounded pretty southern-fried to me!

Tonight it's Dennis Jones' birthday party! Should be a blast!