Sonny Hess & Rae Gordon join forces with top players to form hot ensemble
where is Sonny playing ? by K.R. Laurent
The Candlelight Café and Bar in Portland was filling up early for the performance of local legend Sonny Hess. As the band was setting up their equipment, the room excitement was growing. When it became show time, the band took the stage: Kevin LaBaron, tenor saxophone and vocals; Jim Hively, bass guitar and vocals; Kelly Pierce, drums and vocals; and the local legend, guitarist and vocalist Sonny Hess.
What makes Hess a local legend is that she has the ability to turn acquaintances into friends and friends into family. She accomplishes all of this within the performance of the music called The Blues. Read More
Condition Blue
Band covers myriad of music styles
by Bruce (huh) Gifford
Condition Blue is Robert Carson's latest band and is worthy of a 'go-see' rating.
The group ranges stylistically somewhere in the funk, rock, blues and jazz music categories, but doesn't really fit any of the slots exactly. The categories that describe them best are exciting, local, genuinely entertaining, popular, fun, dance music.
Carson is the primary front man with Carey Rogers (bass) and Tim Doyle (keys) taking up the slack. Portland's well-known drummer John Police fills out the rhythm section on drums. Read More
The Mt. Ranier Blues Fest
Staff
The Mt. Ranier Blues, Jazz, Wine & Brews Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, from noon to midnight.
Eleven bands will be featured including Ronnie Oliver and the Swamp; The Coyote KIngs featuring Michelle 'Mush' Morgan; Little Bill and the Bluenotes; Stacey Jones and the Wolf Tones; Michael Powers; Polly O'Keary and The Rhythm Method; Maia Santell and House Blend; The Randy Oxford Band; The Gunnar Roads Band; Bucket of Blues and John Sparrow. All this for only $25! Read More
Oregon Zoo concert
Talented acoustic duo opens for Emmylou Harris
By K.T.
Emmylou Harris was the headliner at a recent Oregon Zoo concert. The staging at the zoo is pleasant for attendees, especially the sound system. The seating is arena-au-naturelle-style (on the grass). The slope of the ground, combined with the excellent outdoor sound system, provide good seating all around.
The first act was Jimmy Gaudreau and Moondi Klein. This writer feels that no mere narrative can really explain how good these folks are. They perform an essentially acoustic set, with power and grace. Gaudreau announced the songs, giving a little history with each one and singing the lead on most songs. You could stand these guys up anywhere and they would do a great show! The selection of tunes included not only some original material, but also one song that Gaudreau describes as "over 150 years old," called Take Me Back. The authenticity of the delivery, supported by the duo's artistic and technical expertise, made every tune a joy to hear. Ms. Harris joined the duo vocally for the tune I Submit. Read More