Back Alley Jammers - Band delights crowd in impromtu ja, w/talented players
The musical climate in the Portland area is, historically and presently, a viable endeavor for musicians in many different genres. This consistently provides an entertaining experience that is enjoyed by music lovers and musicians alike. There are many establishments in this city that feature live entertainment, usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Fortunately, a welcome tradition of local musicians is to feature open jams on “off” nights such as weekdays and Sunday evenings.The Gresham Inn, located in downtown Gresham, proudly features The Back Alley Jammers every other Sunday evening from 8 p.m.-midnight. The Back Alley Jammers are a group of experienced and talented musicians consisting of, but not limited to: Greg Raschio on drums; Brian Redine, guitar and sometimes bass; Jade Stone, guitar; Mike White, bass guitar; Gary Jaskowiak, keyboards; and Sue Bohr on lead vocals.
This combination of talent and experience yields a varied and unusually tight array of performances from an impromptu jam session. This tightness in sound is due largely to the consistent and solid drumwork of Raschio. He has performed with several local bands over the years and his experience is evident, as he conducts The Back Alley Jammers through complex songs such as, Dear Mister Fantasy by Traffic. Raschio’s stunning work on this number is further enhanced by Jaskowiak’s extraordinary keyboard playing and of course the near flawless synergism and counterplay of guitarists Stone and Redine.
The audience is also treated to great renditions of classics such as House of the Rising Sun and Red House featuring soulful and moving lead vocals from Bohr. Her vocals are beautifully executed on the aforementioned songs as well as tunes such as White Rabbit from Jefferson Airplane. Bohr’s uncle, local musician Mike Beaver, dropped in to perform Neil Young’s Down by the River along with his niece and long-time bass player Roy Murray taking over on bass guitar.
Later in the evening, with Redine positioning himself on bass guitar and Roy Murray taking position behind the drum kit, the audience was treated to a string of songs featuring Rob Wessels of the Bar Pilots on lead vocals and guitar. Wessels shined on a performance of Wicked Game by Chris Issac.
Bassist Mike White, who usually performs with Pryzm (appearing at the Gresham Inn on alternating Sundays with Back Alley Jammers), plays with enthusiasm and expertise across the set list.
The Gresham Inn features a full bar with 12 beers on tap, a plethora of bottled microbrews, lottery games, pool and happy hour from 4-7p.m., Monday through Friday. The Gresham Inn also features Taco Night on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. If you enjoy your local music or if you are a local musician yourself, swing by the Gresham Inn on Sundays and treat yourself to a rockin’ good time, courtesy of the Portland music scene!
