Another great night at the Lincoln Inn's Blues Night, Thank to the Greg Izor Band! Greg is back in town from his current digs in Austin, TX while Vermont's very own Blues harp proto-legend waits to get back to his ol' stomping grounds of New Orleans.
Greg's talents not only including playing powerhouse, "I-Give-It-All-So-You-Might-Have-To-Hold-Me-Back" Blues harmonica and rich vocals but also can put together a great Blues group. His circle of friends include many of the great players in our area today let alone everyone he knows from gigging in New Orleans. For example, it was great to see Jason Corbiere from Swanton at the skins laying down the beats and rythmns that support and carry a great Blues performance. Jason shows you that the drums are an instrument equal to those who get to stand in the front. The two bass players, Rob Meehan and Tom Buckley, were locking with Jason keeping the vibe alive and the groove, deep & steady. The crew's guitarist, Dan Whalen, played some seriously smokin' solos on his Gibson (Epiphone?) with his thumb and without a pick. (so cool) I hated to leave. You could tell that they had to hold back ... just a little ... being it was Thursday night
I do enjoy the Blues Night at the Lincoln Inn each time I go. I love live Blues music especially in the right venue. The music room at the Lincoln Inn is one of my favorite spots in our area. You actually get to sit down, order good food & beverages, listen to local musicians strutting their stuff, watch sports in the next room and still there is plenty of room to dance if you want. It is informal, intimate, and family-friendly. Oh by the way, no one is paying me to write or say this. I think it is important to go to a great local business, listen to live music and run into friends and neighbors. Since there is no cover charge, there is no risk. I have to add that outside of Burlington, I know of no other establishment which features live music seven days a week. I hear the other nights are just as fun. I will try to get to the Jazz nights soon. If you are worried about music quality, don't be. These are not high school garage bands who begged their way onto the riser but real committed musicians who just love to play and share with others. I know they can't be paid more than my typical weeknight bar tab so they sure not doing for the money. Well...definitely less money than it would fill my mini-van with super unleaded... maybe by only a couple of bucks... ;-)
So...Happy Holidays! Now, don't stay home, grab some friends and family get out and listen to some Live Music...somewhere! Anywhere! It is just fun to watch and support your neighbors. For example, I had the great opportunity to meet singer/songwriter, Dawna Hammers, who was there cheering on Greg and the boys. Dawna told me about the great harp track that Greg laid down for one of her latest songs. With fingers crossed, hopes high and through the benefits of clean living, maybe "Those Monday Blues" will be granted a special preview of her song.
Cheers,
OneChord
