Jimmy Z : Swiz-eet Siz-oul Muz-ic

It's always awesome when Jimmy Z drops by to Harvelle's. The accomplished saxophonist/harmoni-cat can turn the energy of the joint up just by strolling on stage. A harpist's harpist, Jimmy Z likes to play the blues here, but his work with all types of music with all types of musicians truly defines him as the world class musician that he is! 

Jimmy Z featuring Dr. Dre - Funky Flute

The Soul Of John Black : Free Download

Get a free download of the song "Betty Jean" 

from 

his new album Black John.

The Soul Of John Black is John Bigham, whose resume includes a stint as percussionist with the Miles Davis band, eight years of guitar and keyboard work with the pioneering rock-funk-ska band Fishbone, and touring and session work with Dr. Dré, Eminem, Nikka Costa, Bruce Hornsby and Everlast, to name a few.

The Soulful Mr Bigham is inexplicably funky, and you know how important that is to me! He explores many sub-styles of r&b music, from the aforementioned funk to expressing everything from the deep dark blues to the celebratory happiness of supreme singers like Al Green. There's some country and folk flavors and a little Sly Stone in the mix too, so his live performance should be heart-felt and original. 

It IS Friday night, so dress sharp! I expect this one to be SRO, so I'm sure I will see many of you there!

The Soul Of John Black

John Bigham, lead singer/guitarist of the Soul of John Black, freely admits his act's new release "Black John" was inspired by the blaxploitation film "J.D.'s Revenge," (see trailer below) but that doesn't negate the artistry of the release. The plot of "J.D.'s Revenge" ? A law student is possessed by a 1940's mobster in mid-70's New Orleans. The mobster seeks revenge upon the people who killed him and his sister.

His Myspace Page provides a healthy sample of what makes him such a compelling artist. Experience The Soul Of John Black in the intimate setting of Harvelle's in downtown Santa Monica.

JT Ross : Harmonica Boss

Harvelle's Blues Club has been open since 1931 and has had it's share of famous patrons. . .
Jim Morrison used to take a cab from Venice to drink whiskey and hear REAL blues at Harvelle's. Bob Dylan still frequents Harvelle's and Dennis Quaid's band has played Harvelle's for years.
Keb Mo was discovered by Sony Music at Harvelle's and signed on the spot !

So, Why come to Harvelle's on April 9th ?
Well, besides the fact that it's super cool inside and the amazing history of the place. . .
The band consists of LA's finest Blues musicians.

Flaco Medina (William Clarke) - On Upright Bass
Steve Mugalian (Rod Piazza, Dave Alvin) - On Drums
And Blues Guitar Cult Icon Junior Watson will be burning it up til 1:30am

Of course JT on vocals & magic chromatic lickin' sticks AKA Harmonicas.

There's gonna be crazy drink specials - poured Super Strong, Super Cheap and Super Deep just like you like em' !

Band mascot Roller girl will be there too - so get there early, get a good seat and get ready to have a rip roarin' good time for under 20 bucks !

TWITTER : Follow Harvelle's

user name: harvellessm

Just Dave : Dave Bernal And Friends

Harvelle's recently hosted Just Dave, the country/soul/rock quartet fronted by harmonica virtuoso Dave Bernal. Somewhere between Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Al Green and The Band, there is Just Dave. They threw a party and everyone showed up!!! An awesome Thursday night.

Just Dave is Johnny Stachela - guitar, Dennis Pagano - drums, Dave Bernal - vocals and harmonica and Lawrence Baulden - bass, (not pictured - Nelson Blanton - guitar)

MAETAR : Beat Junkies

Maetar? 

Whuzza - wha?

Maetar is a highly experimental couple of guys, who's style is a crossover of “Jazz-Funk-World-Mid-East-Classical-Free-Rock-Other” are gonna light up Harvelle's on an otherwise gray-ish kinda Santa Monica night. These two brothers Itali and Hagai can jam and keep it in the pocket in a supefly way. But they can just as easily take you on a journey to another world with their exotic grooves flowing.

Currently they have been touring with James Gadson - a drummer, who has played with Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Beck, D'angelo and on like a zillion of the funkiest records ever recorded.

He was the drummer in Dyke & The Blazers and an original member of Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band! His beats have been sampled more times than the cookies at the Mrs Fields on the 3rd St Promenade.

Should be a pretty wild funky good time.