Molly Maguires
Bar & grill incorporates live music
by Patrice Raplee
Shrouded in fog, a sign depicting the word "Saloon" peeks
out above Molly Maguires. Built in 1906, Molly Maguires (then known
as The Great Northern Hotel and Restaurant) was originally built for
local railway workers. Almost a hundred years later, this bar and grill
is still the site for good food and entertainment.
Kathie Morris, co-proprietor of Molly's, has begun to incorporate live
music on a monthly basis in the bar. The interior decor of Molly's carries
a definite Irish theme. Rich green walls surround a small group of tables
that face the performance area, creating a cozy environment perfect
for listening to blues and jazz. The intimacy of the setting, united
with the history of the building, reminds the listener of days gone
by.
On this particular foggy night, PE editor Bonnie Carter joined this
writer for an evening of blues and jazz performed by Byron Mercurius
and Friends. Mercurius, originally from South America and Europe, came
to Portland a little over a year ago. Drummer by night and a recording
studio construction specialist by day, he is planning to make Portland
his musical base.
Currently, Mercurius works with two different groups; The Earth Tones
is the name of his newly formed Reggae band that has already proven
its merit with bookings at some of Portland's popular venues such as
the Green Room and Seges Art Bat.
The Friends part of Mercurius' jazz and blues group consist of Ramsey
Embick, piano; Andre St. James, bass; and Myrtle Brown on vocals. This
group of world-class musicians perform in so many different ensembles
that it would be almost impossible to list all the combinations. The
Friends blend their talents in soul-filled, renditions of tunes ranging
from the'30s to the '70s.
Performing at Molly's, Brown melted the tension of the crowd's work-filled
day with her full-bodied, vibrant voice. Embick proved that even digital
sampling couldn't compare with the sound of a Rhodes electric piano
as he performed a Bob James-sounding version of Watermelon Man.
St. James has the nimblest fingers to walk a bass neck this writer has
heard in some time.
Mercurius' style is a culmination of legendary influences. One patron
commented, "I'll bet he even uses brushes!" Brushes indeed!
As the evening progressed, so did the level of the audience's appreciation
for Mercurius and Friends. Selections from the Real Book generally
fill out the group's set list, with a combination of personal favorites
filling in the spaces. From bluesy versions of Route 66 to the
sentimental Send Me, there was never a moment of musical boredom.
The smooth Ms. Brown heated things up a little with a blues story as
she then slid into a full-throated "Hey, baby, meet me with no
drawers on!" Y...e...a...h Myrtle, you're one of the best around,
you go girl!
Mercurius has formed two very diverse groups of equal talent. Even
though he is new on the scene in Portland, Mercurius has been around
the block and pays exacting attention to detail where his work is concerned.
From recording projects to performing and writing, Mercurius stays a
busy man with his eye constantly on the future. Molly Maguires, located
at 2400 N.W. 21st Avenue, is preparing quite the bash for New Years
Eve, Check out the fantastic drink specials.
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