My Funk, Jazz, and Salsa Runneth Over...

I bumped into Rob Mader this evening at Ronnie Foster's gig at The Artisan, where the unreal Bonny B. was sitting in on drums tonight. Bonny Bonaparte has a music rap sheet a mile long, and is now with Spyro Gyra. Wow, did he ever throw down! Rob said "you oughta see him with his huge full kit. He sounds like two drummers and a percussionist all in one. And he sings lead, too." Bonny was all smiles while playing, too, like 'hah! I can play anything that comes into my head, and be right on the dime all the time with the band. This is too much fun.'

So, Rob proceeds to tell me that's he's gotta cut out after a couple of tunes because on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 11 pm, he and Gil Kaupp play in a salsa band called "Latin Breeze" at the Gold Coast, in the showroom where "Forever Plaid" appears earlier in the evening. Well, naturally I gotta jump over and check it out. Yeah, man, the Real Deal. They are so fine. Twelve members, five horns (2 reeds, 'bone, and 2 trumpets). Great percussion, great vocals. Nice room, great sound mix. I am so glad I stopped by.

Soy irlandés. ¿Por qué amo esta música del salsa tanto?

It's been a good day. I am blessed.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE

Jerry Lopez just sent me this beautiful link, A Parent's Wish. Turn your computer sound up and view/listen to it, and then pay it forward. It really echoes sentiments I hold true, but don't always live up to when I let things get me down. My parents are both quite old, ailing, and failing. I wrote a bit about it back in May. My wife's parents back in Alabama are similarly beset by the inevitable consequences of aging. We both spend a lot of time doing drop-everything red-eye flights back east. In fact, my Cheryl is in Alabama right now helping her parents, and my Sister Carole is down in Florida tending to our Mom to give me a bit of breathing space. Ten years ago my Daughter Sissy was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and we spent more than two years helping her fight before she finally succumbed. Sometimes I get very weary and depressed at my seemingly endless next-of-kin gig. I know I am not alone in such a role, by any means, so, later with the Pity Party, BobbyG. Still, sometimes I get to feelin' pretty friggin' crazy.

Whenever I need a lift, I can count on Jerry Lopez to provide it. Thanks, bro'.

FYI- SANTA FE & THE FAT CITY HORNS BACK ONSTAGE

Don't forget. Monday night, June 26th, 10 pm, the Healing resumes in The Lounge at The Palms. See ya there!!