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Richard Arnold @ Out Of The Blues
By Steve Rodin
It’s always nice to walk into a new place and be cordially
greeted by someone who immediately takes you to a table and then
takes a drink order. When you hear some great musical sounds coming
from the stage in front of you, it just gets better. Well, you can
expect that and a lot more at Out of the Blues. What you might not
expect is for one of the owners, in this case Francine Marcotte,
to drop by and welcome you. This evening’s experience got even better
as Richard Arnold and the Groove Swingers began a series of Motown
classics.
This writer was there for less than two minutes and already
felt comfortable. The newly opened Out of the Blues club, just off
I-5 at the Bridgeport exit, is the vision of Francine and Tom Marcotte.
Years ago, after graduating from college, they went to a place in
Philadelphia called Dimples. Francine says she walked in and felt
like she was at home. It was a comfortable place and everybody was
friendly.
When this building became available to them, they set out
to make it Portland’s version of that lasting image. Tom, an avid
pool player, wanted tables to satisfy his passion, so four of the
newest and best Brunswick tables line the room along the back wall.
Francine loves music, especially R & B, so the main room has
a nice stage and an ample wood dance floor.
To complete the image, there is a long, well-stocked bar,
plenty of well-spaced tables and booths and a very friendly and helpful
staff. The lighting and room decor are perfect. The entire restaurant
and lounge is smoke-free with exception of the separately enclosed
lottery room. You will feel comfortable soon after arriving and want
to return often.
As for vocalist Arnold, he is a tall, slender, sincere and
personable frontman with a great voice. Keyboard player Rick Slade,
formerly of Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts, is also the musical arranger
for the group, which features Pete Moss on sax, Scot Gudger on bass
and Phillip “Tuck-Tuck” Tucker on drums. Ken Graves sat in on lead
guitar this night.
The group played classics of the Four Tops, Platters and Temptations
for about half a set and had people dancing and smiling. This writer
had a couple of musician friends along for the evening and they were
very impressed. One says, “The drummers touch is awesome, so feather
light and perfect timing.” The other says, “The bass is killer.”
About that time, Moss began a sax solo and they looked at
each other and smiled, “Wow, these guys are tight.” Within a few
more bars, Slade did a keyboard solo and Graves laid down some mellow
guitar licks that were equally impressive. Then, Arnold told a story
and began crooning another great tune.
The Groove Swingers play, as Arnold puts it, music for baby
boomers... Soul, R & B, Motown, some jazz, a little ‘60s pop
and rock. The group only plays public gigs about twice a month, so
keep an eye out for them. If you can’t wait, book them for a wedding
or special event and get the full horn and rhythm section of a ten-piece
group. You can reach them online at grooveswingers.com.
As for Out of the Blues, for food, the Marcottes hired Jim
King as chef. They told him the name of the club was to be Out of
the Blues and gave him the freedom to come up with a great and appropriate
menu. He calls it “Delta cuisine.” There are items from regions all
along the Gulf Coast and Caribbean. Combine great quality foods with
an abundance of variety and good flavor, mix in some spice and you’ve
got it. From the Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo, to the Jamaican Spiced
Chicken Breast, Voodoo Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs and don’t forget the Jambalaya,
there’s truly a touch of the Gulf Coast in each item. The bar has
its specialty drinks as well, like the Key West Lemonade or the New
Orleans Hurricane. A fine selection of brews and wines provides a
choice for everyone.
What is truly amazing about Out of the Blues is that it just
opened and it’s already packed with a crowd that loves what it offers.
As for the future, Francine says they are going to have a variety
of entertainment on different nights. Tuesday nights, they provide
a blues jam hosted by Ward Stroud, who is up for a Cascade Blues
Association Muddy Award as best new blues artist. Expect a feature
group on Fridays. She says look to see the banquet room open some
nights for those who prefer a quiet piano bar setting. They are also
planning nights with a DJ, Karaoke and a “mystery theater.” If you
want to have the same exact experience this writer had, Richard Arnold
and The Groove Swingers expect to be back at Out of the Blues on
the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Soon, the band returned to the stage with Rick Slade singing
lead and the floor filled up yet again. About that time, everyone
at the table was wondering when they could get a gig there. So don’t
be surprised if you see this writer and friends back at Out of the
Blues soaking up the atmosphere and having a good time after a great
meal.
The memory and vision from Francine Marcotte’s days in Philadelphia
have come to life in the Lake Grove/Tualatin area. Out of the Blues
Broiler, Bar and Billiards is exactly what she wanted, a friendly,
comfortable place where people come to hear great music, eat fantastic
food, play pool and meet new and old friends.
Out of the Blues is located south of Portland at 17939 S.W.
McEwan. To get there, take I-5 to the Durham - Bridgeport exit, go
east on Boones Ferry to the first light at McEwan and turn right.
A few hundred yards up the road, the club is on your right, set back
near the freeway. If you have a large party, be sure to call 503-598-6682.
And bring your toe-tapping or dancing shoes.
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