I Know, I Know . . . It's About Damned Time.

Yes, I've been remiss--not seeing any music, not writing at all. Not much to say, I guess. I did, however, finally catch Sonic Duality (Trio) Quartet last night at the Flat Iron Cafe. Sadly, we walked in halfway through their last tune (before the jam session). I really don't have a true sense of the band, so I guess that means I'll just have to go see them again. And, from the little I heard, it would be my pleasure.

I got to meet Ben's lovely wife and beautiful baby and had a nice chat with his wife while she let me hold the baby! Ben was talking to my friend, Joe.

I thought that Ben Britton, leader of the band, played his sax with a nice, rich mellowness. "He made good note choices and had nice phrasing" (this from my excellent musician friend, Joe). The bass player (whose name I will get next time along with the two band members who were not there) was a "strong, solid player." (Again, from the expert.) Last night, two of their regular players, the drummer and the guitarist, were not there. The substitute drummer was competent. I've heard her before, almost a year ago, and I do think that she has grown technically in the past year. She didn't do anything too exciting, no interesting "fill" but she kept the time and looked like she felt good doing her thing. The keyboard player, well, he just kind of blended in to the background.

I am anxious to hear the band when all the regulars are in the house. Having just heard half of a tune, I think that they have a very edgy, Ike Sturm sound without being too avant garde for little old me. I look forward to hearing them again.

I also heard the Respect Duo earlier in the evening at the BopFest. They were a little to avant garde for me. They might have been excellent musicians, but I kind of lose interest when there is no melody at all.

I'm hoping to catch Ryan Shaw next weekend at the Big City Music Fest. I imagine it will be absolutely packed. I'll have to go early.

yours in music,
Tracy