Norman Sylvester & Lloyd Jones
Dynamic duo unites for hot show at Club 915

by Linda Phillips

Boogie-Cat meets the Swampified Storyteller

by Eric Tworivers


An incredible show was performed Dec. 23 at downtown Portland’s Club 915 featuring guitars/vocals by Norman Sylvester and Lloyd Jones!

In every community, musicians have played for many years, honing their craft to a tight, definitive show and “wow” people at every show. Sylvester and Jones, each on their own, surpass any pre-conceived notions one may have of what great entertainment is; each has performed for many, many years.

Norman Sylvester and Lloyd Jones
(Photo by Eric Tworivers)

This was a night that featured them together, sharing the stage, playing off each other as if joined at the hip. With Sylvester’s mighty groove machine playing behind them, the duo laid down a layer of funky, soulful, bluesy rock and roll that truly cannot be properly described here. These guys tantalize and amaze!

Sylvester (known as The Boogie Cat), is a master of soul/funk/blues that you must hear and feel. Many are addicted to his music and most of his band members have played with him for more than 20 years; that makes for a seamless groove that transcends mere communication between band-mates.

Jones is a master of soulful blues with a very long history of touring and recording with some of the biggest names in the music business. He is legend here in the Northwest and deservedly so. Artists such as Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt and Robert Cray have shared stages with him and sing high praise for his talent. He’s a guitar wizard with a smoky, soulful voice.

Both these artists have won many awards and are on the road most of the year. Those here in the Portland can feel blessed that they live here. The duo keeps their chops up in between festivals and other events around the world by playing local rooms like Club 915.

Check these websites; Norman Sylvester:
www.normansylvester.com.
Lloyd Jones: www.lloydjonesmusic.com.

Club 915, located at 915 S.W. 2nd Avenue, is a cool venue for live music, although most of the entertainment is furnished by DJs. Live music is featured on Mondays, when Keegan Smith and other local artists get their time in the spotlight.

The club is a very clean, well-appointed venue, complete with security and a dress-code. This writer’s female companion said she felt quite safe there the night of this visit. The interior is warm and friendly, with exposed brick and hardwood flooring, great for dancing almost anywhere in the two levels. Upstairs, you’ll find a pool table and large curved sofa for relaxing. Most weekend nights will find entertainment on both levels.

The menu is robust, with lunch and dinner items that are California-Mexican in nature. Prices are moderate; for the late-night appetite (after 9 p.m.), there’s an extensive appetizer menu, with nothing over $5. Some vegetarian choices are available throughout the menu and they seem open to some flexibility, so just tell them what you want, you’ll likely get it.

A full bar is provided and Keith (the professional behind the bar) is the creator of many deluxe cocktails for your enjoyment. Make no mistake, this is an upscale bar and the drink prices reflect it, although folks there all felt that their particular drinks were well worth the premium price. The mixed-drink menu is huge.

Twelve large flat screens are situated around the venue, so those who need the latest scores can keep up to date.

Lots of parking is available in a corner lot that’s shared with The Lotus and, with the aforementioned security, there’s little need for worry.

All in all, Club 915 is a great place to go for food, fun and dancing. When you can catch the likes of world-class musicians like Norman Sylvester and Lloyd Jones, it truly makes for a perfect, if exhausting, evening. Check it out for yourself; you’ll be glad you did.

(Eric Tworivers is a photojournalist in Vancouver, WA, and can be reached at: eric.tworivers@gmail.com)