[Harp-L] Subject: Jason Ricci & New Blood at Paula Jean's - 4/29/06

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Not only had a great dinner, but got to see Jason Ricci & the  latest 
incarnation of New Blood at Paula Jean's Supper Club in East  Setauket, Long Island 
last Saturday Night.  Steve Johnson,  Jason's regular drummer (for those who 
still don't know)...sustained some  injuries including a broken wrist recently 
and has had to sit out some  gigs necessitating missing the French and Belgian 
tour as well.   Jason had a fill-in drummer Mike (sorry don't know the 
spelling of his  surname) for the Paula Jean's gig....they'd just picked him up the 
morning  before and he had absolutely no time to rehearse.
 
Despite what must have been much trepidation....the gig came off  great...not 
the least because Todd (Buckweed) Edmunds on  bass was able to give Mike his 
cues ....as well as did Shawn  Starski...allowing Jason his usual free rein on 
harp.  After some  initial seeming awkwardness they settled into a nice 
groove....the  audience didn't notice a thing (at least those who hadn't heard them 
play  before).  Jason was in top form as always...he has an ability to play  
over all personal issues (something I have to learn from him).
 
Then when he brought young Zack to the stage...the audience  erupted.  This 
was an especially fun crowd....completely into the  moment....giving Zack all 
the time he needed to find his way...then  thoroughly enjoying the call and 
response number he and Jason  performed.  The applause at the end went on and on, 
wasn't "purely  polite" by any means.
 
At the end of the evening, Jason himself seems to miss the irony of  closing 
the show by announcing "one last small number"  ....then launching into 
Goenophiny (the longest in his  repertoire).  I'm worn out watching him in action 
for the hours he  puts in. He's non-stop motion.
 
After packing up the Van, they were headed to Maine next....at an  ungodly 
hour of the night...so we at least made sure they had some late  dinner/early 
breakfast hot food in their stomachs, before hitting the  road.  This band sure 
pays their dues...and Jason himself was taking  the first leg of the trip 
behind the wheel....unbelievable.  I've no  idea how he does it...where he musters 
up the energy after  putting on that kind of show....  
 
Can't wait to see them again at Terra Blues tonight...only wish I  could get 
to the Mexicali, NJ gig as well....but then Garry (Hodgson) will  always 
provide the downloads to those gig too.  If any of  you haven't yet seen them live 
and has the opportunity do  so, do yourself the biggest favor of your life as 
a harpist and go  see this band if they're coming to your town...and be 
grateful that you  got to see him in person.  You'll be blown away by his abilities  
on the diatonic.  (This is not to mention one of the best young  guitarists 
EVER....incredible bass player...and drummer..the entire band  is phenomenal).
 
Elizabeth