I’ve now had two days to process the memories from Friday’s show at Egan’s Ballard Jam House, and I’m still blown away every time I think about it. It was an amazing night all the way around, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud of my band.
All four of us attended Ev Stern’s jam session at Egan’s the night before, and I’m glad we did. It gave us a chance to get a feel for the room and the stage. And boy, what a room! Suzanne and crew have done an amazing job developing this as a true Jazz Club, and it shows. The room is small, but even with our SRO audience never felt cramped. And the staff and crew took great care of us all night.
We came out smokin’ with a version of Hank Mobley’s little-played hard-bop tune “Flirty Gerty”, and for the next two-and-a-half hours played our own music (2 of Troy’s compositions, “Una Colada Con Mis Amigos” and “Emoticon Makeout Party”, and three of mine, “You and Me”, “Tree of Life” and “Fare Thee Well”) and some choice standards from Blue Mitchell, Miles Davis, Mobley, Kenny Dorham and others. The first set was possibly the best set we’ve ever played, and the second set wasn’t far behind. We all rose to the occasion, and really communitcated with eachother and with the audience.
Which leads me to the best part of the evening – the audience! Like I said, the place was packed, both with friends and family, but also the good Jazz-loving folk of Seattle. And unlike some show’s I’ve played in this town, our crowd was right there with us the whole time. They loved Josh’s inventive solos, Troy’s groovy tunes and Dono’s masterful drumming. They even loved my goofy stage banter!
All in all it was an amazing night for us. I want to thank Suzanne, Ben, Jacob and everyone at Egan’s for making us feel like we have found our home. And huge thanks to my boys Josh, Troy and Donovan. Sharing the stage with you remains one of the great joys of my life.
Suzanne Weghorst, proprietor of Egan’s, said in an email to me: “[T]hat was a great night! Thanks so much! We definitely want to have you back in…so pick a date and let me know.” We did! So be sure to catch our return to Egan’s on Friday, January 5th.
Photos by Kirsten Kendrick.
I agree. My drumming was masterful. (Just being silly)
This was truly an amazing night, and my usual performance jitters melted away early in the first set, and I could not only hear the other players very well in this room, the intimate setting forces an interaction between the audience, the players, the tables, the stage, and the drapes that shapes the musical play-doh into wonderful, transient sculptures.
Quit with the whole “I don’t like to take solos” schtick and rock out, brother! You and your play-doh were fab!
“wonderful, transient sculptures.”
Nice turn of phrase, Dono!
Don’t be surprised to find that song on the next JPQ record!
Yeah, I haven’t really gotten over it yet either it was the perfect boppin storm. Love the place, love the people, loved the music.
I think we all walked away with a renewed passion for composing and digging our favorite little known b-side tune out, transcribing it and working it up for next time.
I know we won’t be able to recreate that in January, so we’re going to have to bring something new to the gig. Looking forward to it.
wish i could’ve been there! congrats, boys!