It’s miserably cold and I don’t want to go anywhere. Actually, I do – I want to go to the beach in 80 degree weather, but alas, that doesn’t seem possible right now. When it’s not raining, it’s cold. When it’s not cold it’s raining. I want to get under the covers and disappear into hibernation.
But finally I talk my husband into going to see a local group, Little Mike and the Tornadoes, at a restaurant where his band plays regularly. I have never seen Little Mike with his band. I’ve seen him play with other people, I’ve seen him play at the blues jam sponsored by the North Central Florida Blues Society, but never with his own group. So I decided to go, in spite of the crappy weather.
At the restaurant, called K.C. Craves, high-def televisions played on the walls all around the stage where the band played. Little Mike was rocking his signature harmonica.
(http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/littlemiketornadoes),
and surprisingly, Ed Jacoby, who I have written about before, was playing guitar. I guess he was a stand-in for the evening, and as always, he was stellar. I believe the bass player’s name was Danny Hamilton – what a talented guy! Not only did he play, but as the night went on, he turned out to be quite a singer, too. And of course, no one puts together a great band without a great drummer.
Originally, I didn’t pay that much attention to the music because I was watching the golf tournament displayed on the TVs – not because of golf. I am probably the worst golf player in the world. I can hit the ball so hard and so far, but with so little control, that it’s just a matter of time before I got sued.
But this tournament was being held in Hawaii and they kept flashing on the coastline, beautiful sun-filled waves rolling in, beautiful sunny beaches, palm trees waving in the sun, sun. I find myself imagining that I’ll catch that next wave, leap into it like a swordfish playing –
Hey, wait a minute. This music is really good. This music is inspiring me! This music is taking me out of my winter doldrums.
That’s the amazing thing about live music – you never know what you’re going to hear. Live music among cooperating musicians is absolutely magic. First was the happiness of finding Eddie Jacoby playing. Then Little Mike switched to the piano, and Mark Jacoby took over harmonica. Wow what a set. Then, a little later, a fabulous blues singer named Sheba, the Mississippi Queen, (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/shebatmq)
was invited onstage and was wonderful. Even the dancing was great.
Something happens when great musicians, singers and performers play spontaneously, when they are obviously enjoying themselves, working together, each urging the other to be better, do more, try harder. Solos and soul. You take the same old songs, Unchain my Heart, Got Your Mojo Working, and Blues for My Baby. Add the many amazing originals by Little Mike, “What did I do to make you so mad, baby?” and you mix them up with a bunch of talented people and lo and behold, magic is born. The night is hot! Hurray!
Now … I’m not exactly a social butterfly – I’m one of these people who prefers to stay in the background and not be noticed. But I couldn’t help myself – I had to tell everyone how great they were. I felt like such a geek, “Oh, I love your playing, wow that song was great, unbelievable – I love how you dance, amazing bass playing…” You get the idea. Later, I thought – geez, all these people must think I’m such a suck-up.
But maybe not – maybe they’ll know I was just grateful to be warm. Why, if this keeps up summer will be here again before we know it! Thanks, guys!
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