October 6th gig at The Palms

So, Joey Heredia simply shows up and throws down the book. No rehearsal, just show up and read the charts and play.

Cat is thunderingly fine. That represents some serious cojones to come in and step up like that, given both the overt power and arrangement nuance characteristics of this band. Major props, Hermano. They launched right off into "Esta Noche" and then followed that up with a slammin' "Brother to Brother." Dr. Lenny was in rare form.

Our dear friend Steven Lee opened the show for Jerry tonight. I love this cat. Beyond his killer talent, he is the friendliest dude. His Steven Lee Group should be gigging, man, their stuff is so cool. I featured them on Podcast No 4, "Friends of Santa Fe, Volume 1."

Subbing seamlessly for the touring Jamie Hosmer tonight was the utterly capable Michael Gonzales. He just fit totally right in.

OK, Brandon Fields in The House one more time! Yikes. This is one scary alto player. Wow, did he ever play some impossible rides.

In addition to his unreal rides, Brandon also sectioned up and blew some charts with our Fat City Horns.

Nice to see Jerry Merra back on bari (Bette Midler is back in session at Caesar's).

OK, it's almost 3 a.m., I'm gonna post this first increment and be right back. I been havin' so much fun looking at my shots and thinking about what to say, I [bleeping] nuked my egg rolls. Crunchy!
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They moved the congas out in front of the kit tonight, which put Gabriel in some better light.

More shots from the evening, randomly...

Yeah, man, great night, Huge, roaring crowd. Thanks to all for coming to hang.

UPCOMING BENEFIT JAM SHOW

Saturday, October 25th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a benefit jam in support of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Location, Metro Enterprise Area Command Center, 6975 W Windmill Road (Windmill and Rainbow). All performers are welcome. I've volunteered to bring my 12-string and do my Loggins/Fogelberg schtick (with whomever wants to join in the harmonies). Contact person is Carla Daniels, (702) 635-4801, carlamaria.daniels@usoncology.com. This effort is sponsored by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada and Las Vegas Metro Police Department. There will be a lot going on that day, I understand. More details on the blog as I get them.