Robben Ford Discussion

[BlueRunner]

The BlueRunner finally made it to JJ's, in San Jose, CA. Lots of NorCal folks have been filling us in about this place (especially Aeolian, who's played there a bunch), but it took this long for me to work it into a business trip.

Last night, July 8: Sammy Varela band. Sorry (mostly apologetic to the muscians themselves, who were great) that I didn't get all of the names. The keyboardist and alto/tenor sax guy were from Salinas. Excellent drummer and bass player. Varela plays great solos (Les Paul Goldtop through an old Yamaha head and a cab of indistinct parentage), getting a ton of melodic lines and tone in the guitar's lower registers. Vocals were handled by Gene Washington, who aparently does a regular Wednesday night acoustic blues gig at JJ's. Washington is a powerful singer, with great stage presence. Reminded me of Jimmy Witherspoon. And finally, on the up-tempo stuff, Gene Richards on bongos. Huh? BONGOS in a blues band? Yep. And it really livened up some of the tunes.

JJ's is everything that the BlueRunner looks for in a nice joint in which to hear great blues. Reasonable cover charge. Well-stocked bar (with bartenders and cocktail waitresses who don't push you, but also make sure you don't go thirsty) with reasonable prices. And basic drinks. None of those silly $10 chocolate martinis. All age groups. Just about every ethnic group there is. Couples. Guys. Gals. And all friendly. Show up alone. Leave with new friends.

Best tune of the night: "Oh Pretty "Woman." Imagine Ray Charles, backed up by Michael Burks.

First time, but definitely not my last.
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- BlueRunner