I finally got to hear me some Mary Russell last Thursday night.  I have but one word:  DAAAYUUUM!  She’s amazing (ok, I have more than one word).  She’s spectacular.  She’s really, really good.  The crowd had some difficulty staying in their seats, particularly me.  There was some considerable dancing going on, and with so many of us trying to bust our moves, I actually have a couple of bruises from bumping into people and vice versa.  Worth it.

 The entire band is first-class talent, and I will badger the hell out of all of you about coming to their next gig as soon as I know when that’s going to be.  They are one of the best feel-good bands I’ve heard in a long, long time, and I’m still feeling good (crazy about their cover of “Twist and Shout,” although I may have pulled something while twisting and shouting).  It was also nice to see my friend, Jerry Deall, sharing harp duties with David Chamberland. 

 There’s something about Mary.  A lot of people knew her, or at least seemed to, which gave the entire evening an intimate, private party feel to it.  By the end of the night, I had about a dozen new email addresses for subscriptions to the Blues Letter, and probably a couple of new friends (hi Andrea!  Don’t forget that conversation we need to have with Rex Peoples).  I also ran into a couple of old friends; they’ve known Mary for years, so even before the first set began, I heard, “You’re going to love her voice.”  I do. 

 Speaking of “I do,” I got a breathtaking surprise a couple of nights later from friends, the aforementioned Jerry Deall and the lovely Jackie Eberl.  We were all there to hear Eddie Devilboy Turner (more on him in a minute), but first Jerry and Jackie dropped a happy bomb on me: They decided it was time to make it official and they’re getting hitched!  I love sweet news.  Our best wishes to both of you.

 Speaking of the lovely Jackie (and one of my favorite dance partners), her birthday is a couple of days before Jason Ricci and New Blood storm the Outlook again (3/15), and as she and Jason and the boys are friends, we’re throwing her birthday a party to rival mine.  Mark your calendars for this one, folks, ‘cause it’s going to be off-the-hook fun!  Although, I still somehow doubt that Jerry will sit in with Jason.   For some reason, he’s convinced Jason is a better harp player.  Whatever.  All I know is March can’t get here fast enough.

 I also know that this is not the first engagement I’ve learned about at the Outlook; last month when Rex Peoples and the X Factr were tearing it up, Rex announced that his drummer, Randy Thompson, was marrying his gorgeous girlfriend, Yvette Richardson, a few days later, on December 22^nd.  Congratulations you two!  I do believe you might be perfect for each other.  Can’t wait to see you next month (2/9) and hear all about the wedding (I wasn’t’ there, because for some reason they didn’t feel the need to invite someone they had just met to their wedding. Go figure). 

 Ok, so back to Devilboy.  There’s a bit of a contradiction in that moniker in that he plays and sings like an angel, with an imposing grace and tremendous style.  I bought Live At the Triple Door, and it’s a great live CD.  I’ll try and review it for you soon.  In the meantime, if you’re not already well-versed with this notable guitarist, visit his site.  Hopefully he’ll be back soon, as the dancing was going on.  It was an inspiring evening.  http://www.eddiedevilboy.com/

 So, did you notice that we have an abbreviated calendar on this page now?  It’s so I don’t have to keep repeating the bands and dates every week (thanks for the suggestion, Sharon!).  So as you can see, we have Johnny, Tempa, and Mojambus, oh my.  It’s going to be an excellent weekend, and unless Mother Universe bitch-slaps me to my knees with unforeseen circumstances, I plan to be there all three nights (although given the weather, I might have to leave the stockings at home). 

 Also, last week I gave you a link to George Whitesell and His All Stars featuring Jill Watkins.  Here is the preferred site.  www.amusiccompanyinc.com

 And, as promised, here’sthe first (and only) review I wrote on the Johnny O. Band last spring.  I think you’ll be able to tell that I really like this band.  They’ll be hitting the Outlook on 2/2.

Honey Sepeda

[Sidebar to Dan:  there is an urgent memo from me to you below.   Please respond accordingly and in a timely fashion.]

Dear Dan,

Although I try very hard to sync my bladder with the set break, that doesn’t always happen, and on occasion I simply have to make a trip to the restroom.  Whilst in there, I can’t hear the band because the house music is playing in the ladies’ room (and men’s as well, I presume).  I don’t think I should have to miss any music from all of our great bands just because I drink so much water.  Is there some remedy for this intolerable situation?

With love and affection,

Dear Honey:

 
Another Great suggestion about the music in the restrooms.  I’ll get on it.  But you say you drink so much water.  Water?  Come on. Who do you think you are talking to here?

 
Hugs and kisses,

 
Dan