Volume 33 Number 6 July 8, 2009

Cactus Davis & Friends
Jam sessions draw top musicians to Big Apple

By KT

People call New York City “The Big Apple.” In Gresham, Ore., there’s the Big Apple Pizza at 1125 N.E. Kane Dr.

The Big Apple jam sessions, on Wednesdays, starting around 8-8:30 p.m., are as big and warm as the pizzas. The live music showcases some world-class players. Cactus Davis, a musical savant, sings, plays keyboards, piano, drum set and probably a few more instruments not known about yet.

The Wednesday jam session, hosted by Davis, is friendly and has room for talented players. It is typical to see Davis and others swapping instruments and creating several bands from the same set of people. Musicians you can expect to see are Pete Ford on keyboards and Shawn O’Connor on guitar. Also, you may see Frank Register (guitar and voice, formerly with the band Miriah); Greg Raschio drumset (tables, beer kegs, etc.); Ed Jordan (drums); Eric West (steel and regular guitars); Johnny and Albert Pomar (bass and more) and Rockin’ Ron Ruedi (guitar, voice, drums, wireless mobile table-top guitar and more).

On one of the evenings this writer attended, the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The baritone sax this writer brought could fill in almost anywhere and occasionally teamed up with the tenor sax played by Richard Faulkner. On a second visit, this writer’s alto sax did even better!

The styles of music range from country rock to classic ‘60s rock. One guitar player did a short set consisting of a medley of Hendrix-style tunes, woven around other pieces from that era.

The “regular” jam host band is Cactus Davis on keyboards, vocals and drumset; Pete Ford on keyboards and voice; and Mike Cross on guitar and voice, with various bass players.

Jam host Davis encourages jammers to take advantage of the opportunity to be recognized in print and Curt Nelson is a skillful and enjoyable singer who also plays guitar. Ed Jordan was also identified. There are too many people to list, but you need to visit on Wednesday evening to see who appears on stage, then you can follow your favorites.

Ford’s band, Pete Ford & Texas Hold’em, won the best band award recently at the Ponderosa Lounge in the Jubitz Travel Center. Davis played drumset for that gig. He also works with Mike Cross’ project band Tex Velvet. They recently completed an extensive tour. If they need to go out again, Ford and several other players will continue the sessions, so there will be no break in the music for jammers, dancers and those who merely come to relax, eat and drink.

The food at the Big Apple Pizza is good. Editor of this newspaper Bonnie Carter can testify to that! Owner Dan Sands welcomes all to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and yummy pizza. Davis gives a positive review for the chicken pizza. This writer recently had a substantial beef burger with a generous green salad.

Bartender Cindy also fixed up a cherry calzone to-go. Anyone who loves pie has to try the cherry or apple calzone, with ice cream or orange sherbet as extra options. This writer had to sit in the car with a towel just to eat the first piece! They’re sweet, gooey and huge! So that’s good authority all around. The pizza menu includes build-your-own, as well as specialty items. You can also find sandwiches, calzones, salads and more.

The service is efficient and friendly as well. Bartender Cindy is the one who encouraged Davis to come to the Big Apple, and this action has benefited musicians.

Davis is also part of a “Nashville West” type honky-tonk road show, featuring the very traditional and sweet favorites of tunes emulating Hank Williams, Sr.

The Wednesday jam will continue even when Davis is touring, so please drop in to the Big Apple Pizza and relax with food, drink and live music. A sheltered smoking area is available.