Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
What’s new in Jazz and the Blues?
“If you luv music you’re gonna love this”
Well out with the old and in with the new. I have resolutions a plenty to work on but when you still haven’t taken the weight bench out of the box from last year this gives me pause. You know you can’t rush these things. I believe we can re-invent ourselves with what we do and so I bought a Tenor and Alto Sax and have been taking some lessons with Martin Martinez of Gottschalks Music. Will I be John Coltrane? A resounding no, but it is a gas to play something musical and feel the vibrations of the sax. Next on the list is getting my mitts on a Vibraphone. Well I hope the year ahead is a blessed one and finds you and yours well and thriving.
Blue Monday Party invitational jam celebrates January with a Latin Explosion. We return the first Monday of the month to accommodate two great artists; Cuban percussionist Carlos Caro, and Latin jazz pianist Odaly’s Caro. Other guest artists Jamey Dubberly arranger and Trombone, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Rosenblum Sax. Also in the Band; Johnny Valdes Guitar, Tim Allen Bass, vocals, Dave Hawks Drums, Kevin Marin Trumpet, John Burt Sax, Dave Dow and Eric Benson Keys, and Pat Governor Organ. We will be playing some Blues, Jazz, Funk, and a whole lot of Latin music for listening and dancing. Call the Dog for reservations: 572-2341. If you play, come on down and sit in with the best musicians in the area, it’s gonna’ be smoking!
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family friendly venues continues with some live music coming at you for January; 4th Bourbon street Blues Band, 5th Gordon Kennedy & the Symphonics, 7th Blue Monday Party, 11th David Dow & Friends, 12th Modesto All Stars, (Blues), 17th Art Walk, 18th Valley Jazz company, 19th Gary Gervase Blue Band, 23rd Steve Ashman & Patty Davis & Friends, 26th Craig & Dave. And every single Thursday Dave Dow pianist Extraordinaire hosts a Thursday Jazz Jam session for people to sit in and play some music.
And on the Jazz side bringing back Vurtuoso Jazz guitarist John Stowell to play with local great Jazz guitarists Johnny Valdes and John Albano with catered food at a house party. It will be the three Johns, Tres Amigos tour. Email me for the details for the gig Sunday Febuary 10th; Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
The Gallo Center kicks into gear with the 2019 schedule with more great shows. I guess everybody likes a sharp dressed man because ZZ Top already sold out! For January coming to town: 11th Priscilla Presley, 12th Itzhak Pearlman, 18th Pablo Cruise, 19th Anthem Lights, 24th Anita Renfroe, 25th Jim Curry and 27th Mariachi Reyna.
And slightly off the beaten path the Newman Theatre features for January; 12thThe Quitters virtuoso Flat pickers and finger pickers with vocals, 19th Fleetwood Mask, Tribute and 26th Journey Revisited, (one of the best Journey Tributes with Modesto’s own Dave Hawks on Drums). Call the Theatre for details: (209) 862-4490.
Come back out for Third Thursday Art Walk 5 to 9:00 PM for some great art and music in the downtown! Lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment. So take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our own town as well this month, think globally and act locally. All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209- 918-7033, email; Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
