Pat’s Picks – Weekend of 9/26
What??! It’s the weekend again?! Yeesh. Well then, here are my suggestions for your live blues listening in PDX-land this Friday and Saturday. Love to get your comments, so keep ‘em coming. Also keep your shirt on, as my mother used to say, for that new show I keep promising. It really is coming.
Tonight, Friday the 26th, you have the opportunity to hear one of my absolute favorite blues vocalists in the Portland metropolitan area, and sadly one of the least-heard at the same time: it’s K.G. Jackson and his band The Shakers, with Dave Mathis. They’re playing at Charlie’s Tavern & Grill at 3315 NE 112th Ave. in Vancouver. (Don’t be scared, now – just close your eyes when you’re crossing that big ol’ river. Unless you’re driving.) Maybe the band’s recent nomination for the “Best New Band” Muddy Award from the Cascade Blues Association will bring them a bit more attention. K.G. (Ken) is a very expressive guitarist along with his standout singing, and his sideman Dave Mathis is a well-renowned harpist in these parts, for good reason. The addition of Ken’s wife Candy on accordion lends a zydeco flair to the band’s style, and my old pal Fred Garner on bass and Julian Brogi on the drums keep things cooking. For a taste of K.G. Jackson’s soulful vocals, check out Show #8 and Show #16.
For Saturday the 27th, we’re gonna stick with that crazy Vancouver vibe and point you toward the Cascade Bar & Grill to hear the moody blues musings (no, not those moody blues!) of the Joe McMurrian Quartet. If you haven’t heard Joe’s work before, he’s got a unique style that defies pigeonholing but never fails to please. Brooding Delta blues, progressive blues, dark and hypnotic fusion…but those are all just words. Check out Joe’s gritty vocals, his singing and biting slide guitar; David Lipkind’s soaring harp; Jason Honl’s melodic bass; and the undeniable propulsion of Jimi Bott (Fabulous Thunderbirds) on the drums. Wanna hear some Joe? Check out Show #3, Show #8 and Show #29. Oh, and while you’re there enjoying the JMQ, look around for the old guy celebrating his birthday. That’ll be CBA Vice-President Terry – buy the man a Geritol.
That’s it for Pat’s Picks this week – now get out there and keep the blues alive!