[Harp-L] Jason Ricci harp blow off

["mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Laptopless I'm forced to type this report from the basement of the Spah
hotel in St Louis.  The tuesday show was an interesting time.  I'd never
seen Jason's band before.  He's doing something very different from
anything I've ever seen done on a harmonica.  I would not classify it as
blues.  Talking to Jason later in the week I've discerned that he wouldn't
call it blues either.  His take on it was more of a jam band thing.  Jason
lead off the tuesday show with a short set.  He was playing without his
regular bass player who had recently had major heart surgery.  I don't
think I've ever heard anyone play like a guitar on harmonica as well as
Jason does.  He's also one of the fastest harmonica players I've ever seen.
Truly amazing stuff, I really enjoyed a fast shuffle the band did towards
the end of the set.  Ever the gracious host Jason yielded the stage to
Chris Michalek and Chris Strone for the night's second set.

Although I live just a short 120 miles from Los Dos Chris's this was my
first opportunity to see them live.  An intriguing set somewhat hampered by
Chris Michalek's having to use Jason's Bassman rig and the fact that the
entire band wasn't playing with Chris.  Christopher Strone is one of the
best bass players I've seen in a very long time.  Their set really whet my
appetite I'd like to see the entire band in a setting that was better
suited to allowing the subtlety and nuance of their playing shine through.

I believe Michael Peloquin played the 3rd set, he did a great job of
working the room and fronting the band. I'd never seen Michael play before
and I was impressed with the way he seamlessly incorporated overblows into
a blues style.

Dennis Greunling and Gina Fox were up last.  If Jason plays the most like a
guitar player of any harmonica player I've ever seen then Dennis plays the
most like a horn player of anyone I've ever seen.  This band swings it
hard.  Watching Dennis and Michael Peloquin who doubles on sax play horn
lines was really a treat.  

Ok, the qualifiers, I've had zero sleep in the last couple of days and I've
got people looking over my shoulder wanting access to this computer.  I
really liked the show, all the acts were superb and I hope I've managed to
communicate that.  Really a nice club and the food was great.  My only
complaint would be it was all too loud but I always think that about almost
any music.  fjm

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