ijazzglobal | artists

Lynn Olson Smooth Music Cruise Account Part 3
January 31 - February 4, 2009

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Larry Carlton Guitar Clinic

Larry Carlton said, “They put an amp in for me. I have to find my comfort zone here. Shall we do something? Is everyone in the back ok? I can hear you. Shoot, I don’t even know what to play. Should I play a Christmas song?” Surprised to discover a sprinkling of women in the audience he quipped, “I expected to see all guys, so I could ask them how long do you got?”

Question: “What is your love and frustration?”

Larry Carlton: “This is about nothing. I just want to share with other people who love the guitar as much as I do.”

Question: “How do you know chords?”

Larry Carlton: He demonstrated a heavy chord. “That was a bad chord, a bad chord right then.” He went on to say, “It just kinda happens. I’ve been playing since I was six years old. Now I’m sixty. You can create anything you want and hopefully it sounds musical.”

Question: “Where are we all harmonically?” asked Carlton. “Here is an exercise for all guitar players. Pick a note, any note. Pick ‘E’. Now many chords can we make with the ‘E’ note? Next chord with E now go to A, then to C, then to F major seventh. Keep ‘E’ going to C-sharp minor.”

Larry offered an informative demonstration to his inquisitive audience. The audience said aloud: ‘D-minor, G-13^th, D-2, F-sharp 7, A-minor 11, flat-5 major 7. One note stimulates thoughts and it gets more sophisticated. Pick a song you didn’t know and take some of those chords. Find them.”

Question: An audience member asked about ‘Smiles and Smiles to Go’ (Alone but Never Alone CD).

Larry Carlton: He shared details of song development adding to his previous comments about frustration. “You can’t win, you can only get better,” offered Carlton.

Question: “Did you take lessons, if so for how long?”

Larry Carlton: “I took lessons from age 6-14, eight years.” He elaborated about his frustration saying, “Frustrations are unique to each of us.” He added, “My reaction to John Coltrane is that I want to connect with my guitar.” He said he wants to recreate the life-changing experiences he felt when he heard Coltrane.

Question: Jim Peterik asked him about how many takes it took for the Kid Charlemagne Steele Dan solo.

Larry Carlton: “I played the solo that the whole world listens to. I humbly say thank you.”

Question: Someone in the audience asked about his guitar and how he picked it.

Larry Carlton: “I picked one that is as versatile in sound as I am as a musician. The guitar can go as far as I can take it.” From there he told a heart-warming story about a fan that offered him a guitar as a gift. The guy seemed sincere and had an interest in blues. Larry accepted the gift and is still playing that guitar. He invites him to his gigs to this day.

Question: “What is your interest in blues?”

Larry Carlton: He shared that at age sixteen his grandma had a BB King, King of Blues CD. He explained how he fell in love with it. Back then he was doing five shows a night, six days a week developing the blues. He reminisced about the Jazz Crusaders in 1971 telling us a story of Donavan calling him to do a session and Joe Sample being there. They made an immediate connection and by Monday morning he invited Larry to join them.

Question. “What was the Tommy Tedesco influence?”

Larry Carlton: He shared a story about a players and wives spaghetti dinner. He was in the fold by then and says Tommy was a great gentleman. The joke was that he ravenously attacked a huge first course not realizing there were many more to follow. He talked also about how by playing at such a young age he dented his still-developing fingers as he molding them to play the guitar.

Question: “What songs frustrate you?”

Larry Carlton: “‘Strikes Twice’, from 1980.”

Question: “Who did you learn the most from?”

Larry Carlton: “Keyboard players like Joe Sample. I learned a lot working with him.” Larry admits to loving harmony. He talked about the ten years he worked with Terry Trotter saying, “He made my notes sound better.”

Question: “How did you start with guitar?”

Larry Carlton: “My mom played the guitar and my dad played the fiddle. At four years old I was fascinated by it. My mom said when I was physically big enough I could take lessons.”

Question: “Have you turned down other distributors?”

Larry Carlton: He spoke of the Gibson 335.

Question: “What kind of pick do you use?”

Larry Carlton: “It doesn’t’ matter what kind of pick I use. It’s what you pick,” he explained.

Question: Someone asked about ‘Crying Hands’ (Blueprint CD).

Larry Carlton: “Song titles come after the fact.” I play songs, write all thoughts and get the title.”

Question: “Who do you like to listen to?”

Larry Carlton: “Albert King, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny.”

Larry Carlton said, “I noticed my wife hasn’t asked any questions yet. She’s reading a book! Michelle is a three-time Grammy-nominated vocalist. She will sing on this set.” He talked also of the 335 Gibson and his own independent record label. He stated, “I like the freedom to do any project I want. I like the creative talent. I’m not looking for new talent. I keep it small.”

Question: “Do you play a lot of standards?”

Larry Carlton: “I do 150 shows a year including hits, blues and my new stuff.” He admitted he loves standards. He commented, “What an education for us if we can find different versions of the same song.”

The up close and personal moments we spent with the legendary Larry Carlton gave us the once-in-lifetime intimacy everyone craved. In the end, Jim Peterik and Buddy Fambro performed. When Larry Carlton was joined by Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hildebrant they reinvented the blues string-by-string. Larry gave it up. The audience loved it and him!

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Greg Adams Event
Trumpet: Greg Adams
Special Guest: Mindi Abair on Saxophone
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Percussion: Johnny Sandoval (Los Angeles, CA) (Greg’s band)
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

I was lucky enough to enjoy the Adam’s sound check. “Mindi’s coming on to do ‘Felix the Cat’ (Cool to the Touch CD), so keep your eyes and ears open,” warned JV. “Yey guys are you done?” he asked. “Can we meet back there to talk about the set? Ok, do we have a buzz in the keyboard still?” the sound man asked.

Norman Brown took the stage and said, “He’s a part of a group called LA Chillharmonic. He was with Tower of Power. Are you ready for some more music? Tonight we have Mr. Greg Adams.” Greg exclaimed, “Hello cruisers! Did you get off the boat today? I did.”

Greg hit the stage with his signature trumpet living in the crisp and clear. His clarity is amazing. He played the title track for, ‘Cool to the Touch’, with the mute taking it from clean-crisp to swanky-sexy and back again. He was blew it out of the water!

“Thank you very much,” Adams said. “I’m still getting my sea legs. I see some of you were at the beach today. I’m very happy to be here. I hope all of you are having a good time. I’m gonna cover all four of my CDs.”

“Hidden Agenda was my first CD after leaving Tower of Power. ‘Moon over Palmilla’ (Hidden Agenda CD), has a calypso vibe.” Johnny on percussion started things out continuing the groove with Kevin Flournoy on synthesizer who added his slow rockin’ beat. Johnny then slipped in another solo. Greg lit it up on flugelhorn and shuffled it back to Sandoval one more time. Adams as continued to direct the band and let out one more blow. The calypso mood cried out Coco Cay prompting our island adventure to linger.

“This is the title track from the Midnight Morning CD, hence the title, ‘Midnight Morning’, he quipped.” The transition was seamless. We slipped into a nice chill and welcomed his music with open arms after our adventures on Coco Cay. He kept things chillin’ easing his mute to near silence on the fade. “You wanna snap your fingers? Come on now. Clap your hands if you will. Go!” he exclaimed. Adams fired things back up boiling.

This next tune needed no introduction. Sultry arrived via, ‘Smooth Operator’ (Cool to the Touch CD). His song made a grand entrance. Greg’s rendition on this tune is second-to-none. JV took it on bass and ended it with Johnny Sandoval on percussion rocking it home.

Adams asked, “What do you think so far? Are we doing ok? Sometimes that song can kinda get away from ya,” he admitted. This is off the Cool to the Touch CD. It’s called, ‘Felix the Cat’. Come on Mindi,” Greg Coaxed. Abair strutted out in a spectacular silver sequined dress. It was a perfect match for her sterling sax and sparkling music. Their duet was great with magnificent volleying.

“Mindi, she’ll be back,” Greg reassured. Suddenly Mindi started playing, ‘Happy Birthday’. The audience led by Alan Hewitt joined in song. Hewitt toted in a colossal, chocolate birthday cake. “Blow out those 29 candles,” Alan joked. “We want to wish you a very happy birthday on behalf of Haven Entertainment,” he added. “I need a drink of water with this one,” Greg said. “I usually have a stiff shot which I did four songs ago,” he jested.

“This one is called, ‘When the Party’s Over’ (Cool to the Touch CD).” The tune was a night’s-end song. It had the power to deliver the feeling you get after a lovely party with friends has come to a close. It was beautiful.

“Does anybody like a samba in this room?” Greg queried. “This is also off the Cool to the Touch CD. It is called, “One Night in Rio’.” The song depicted the sights and sounds of a parade in Rio. Johnny Sandoval on percussion delivered us to

Brazil

, suspending us there as we danced our own dances and sang our own songs. Kevin Flournoy on synthesizer kicked it up several notches guiding it back to Johnny’s expertise on percussion. Chad’s drum beat spurred him to Rio and back again. We enjoyed a musical parade with his mind-blowing succession of instruments. When he hit the congas we were all in a crazy Brazilian. Sandoval was unstoppable. The cowbell was insanely fun and the side drum was thumpin’. He was a musical madman. Greg cut back finishing it off. “Johnny Sandoval on percussion was too cool!” said Adams. “Anyway um, we’re gonna finish up and I want to thank the band again. I hope to see you somewhere in your travels across the

USA

. It’s tough when you get to be this age. Maybe I’ll see you here if I get invited back.”

“This is off the Hidden Agenda CD.” ‘Sup w/ That W/Ma’, took Greg and his mute to jazz heaven. He called out, “Oh Mindi.” She came out and they dusted it to a close. Abair was blowin’ it up and rocking the house while she strutted across the front with her electric energy. That dress was a triple wow!

Adams instructed, “You gotta clap your hands on this one. You can’t get away with that one. Take your head to the side and to the right on this one.” The two played side-by-side while leaning in and out of a fantastic finale.

Deep respect for seasoned performer, Greg Adams, filled the stage. His experience precedes him and commands humble respect to all he touches with his music. A very Happy Birthday to you, Greg Adams!

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Steve Cole Event
Saxophone: Steve Cole
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant
Keyboard: John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson
Bass: Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand
Guitar: Buddy Fambro
Drums: Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil

Norman Brown announced, “Without further ado, I think they’re ready. Put your hands together for my man on his beautiful saxophone,” he added.

Steve hit the ground running with his powerful vibe on, ‘Off Broadway’ (NY LA CD). He stopped mid-opener to ask, “Do you feel alright so far? I feel good! Thank you very much. Thank you all for coming. I’m from Chicago where we do funk. Is it ok if we keep it funky?”

‘So Into You’ (Between Us CD), had everybody rockin’ it. Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand and Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant smoked it on bass and synthesizer while Cole on sax gave it up like crazy. The crowd was going nuts loving Steve’s style. “You’re gonna give me a big head,” Cole warned about the huge applause he enjoyed. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m in a very good mood. I’m trying to say something that will stall so I can catch my breath,” he admitted. “This is my first time on a boat. It’s warm here and people are nice here.”

“This one is dedicated to my wife. From the Stay Awhile CD, this is called, ‘Where the Night Begins’.” He shared a comical story about his wife talking the cabin steward into giving her cuff links for Steve. He ended his tale with her quote, “Don’t ask me what I had to do to get them.” The song was up and Buddy Fambro on guitar started things out. The upturned bell of Cole’s sax danced laboriously with his awesome paused note. What a song!

“While we are walking down memory lane, here’s another one from my Stay Awhile CD, ‘When I Think of You’.” Steve’s passion was unplugged tonight. He was all over the stage and dug from the deep well of his soul. There were many huge moments during his concert when the crowd went completely nuts and screamed for more of Mr. Steve Cole.

He asked, “How are we feeling so far? Who’s drinking? There’s one thing we have to own. I am gonna be a sweaty mess. I’m gonna turn shades of red. This is my process,” he admitted. A guy from the audience screamed, “You rock man!”

“If you would indulge me, I got into music because of the girls. I like them because they are soft and pretty. Women buy this load of bleep. I played (wrote) this one for my wife and now I have been married for fifteen years. She’s here!” he exclaimed jubilantly. “I wrote this song for her later than I was supposed to. It is from the Spin CD, ‘Letter to Laura’, and I’d like to play if for you all right now.” The song was heartfelt and filled with passion. On this beautiful tune John’s keyboard mimicked raindrops against the bitter cold of an icy window pane. Cole’s eyes were closed at song’s end and it was pin-drop quiet. The quiet spoke loudly of his true love. His contented smile was priceless.

“I get to sleep in my own bed tonight and everything is cool,” Cole said. “I’m from Chicago where an amazing group of musicians we revere stand on their shoulders.” He talked of the multitude of artists from his home town then offering tribute. “I wrote a song for Curtis Mayfield and a love letter to Chicago.” ‘Curtis’ (True CD), had a great beat. Steve did a little side-to-side and put his all into it. His passion for music saturated the stage spilling out into the venue in flood-like per portions. “Where’s the life jacket?” he joked. Just then a lady in the audience hollered out, “Bring it back to me.”

“I think we’re gonna keep it with this vein of Chicago.” ‘Just a Natural Thang’ (Trust CD), had Cole all over the stage. He blew, blew and blew more. While he was wailing away he propped one leg on a speaker and blew even harder. “Yeah!” Steve confirmed. “You all feelin’ ok?” Buddy dished out an amazing guitar solo. His eyes were closed and he was deep into his zone. Cole said, “Give it up for Buddy Fambro.” From there Steve bit one side of the chill and steamed up the glass on the other. He was blowin’ like a maniac. He walked back, caught his breath and brought the finale home.

“Hah,” he sighed aloud. He said he co-wrote the next tune with Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand. “I wrote this for my record called Spin and it’s called ‘Thursday’. Cole rockin’ it like crazy with ‘Hollywood’. The tune was mellow yet had the Steve Cole passion embedded deeply within the vibe. The entire stage was filled with incredible energy. Everyone was having a blast from band to audience. Buddy Fambro shined brightly. The chemistry between Fambro and Cole was thick. The crowd screamed and cheered.

“The Spin CD is available here,” he reminded everyone. “I had remarks prepared, but I’m gonna wing it. I’m gonna play what I want to play. You can tell me if it sucks. Where to begin? Where any of you guys at the jam session? I know what you want.”

He was uncorked, unplugged and so far beyond off-the chain he put his sax into the outer limits. His funky style with a twist was a huge hit. He walked over to play with Hiltebrand and gave up a whole lot of funky blues style. ‘Our Love’, (Stay Awhile CD), had the audience mesmerized. The band joined in clapping and Buddy Fambro was in the back, side pocket rocking out again. He turned it inside out. Steve never stopped outdoing himself! John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson continued to stir the pot with his colorful keyboard solo. He led us to a steamy little jazz club. You know the one on the other side of town. Ya gotta get there while it is still light.

From the jazz club in my mind Steve took over on sax and did a striptease down to the bare bone with his bad self. This guy rocks! Tim ‘The Rock Gant faded the synthesizer a bit. He must have sensed it wasn’t over just yet. He brought it home jazzy-bluesy signature style.

Steve’s music is truly soul wrenching and life changing. This song made me remember why I love jazz. It brought tears to my eyes and ran shivers down my spine. As the gooseflesh rose across my arms I entered jazz euphoria. The final fade in the end was a version of breathless I cannot describe. I really wish everyone I love could have been there. Steve is a shining star and one of my favorites.

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Michael Lington Event
Saxophone: Michael Lington
Special Guest: Mindi Abair on saxophone
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Drums: Chad Wright (Keiko Matsui)

When I arrived Michael Lington and special guest, Mindi Abair, were kickin’ it. This team of silver and gold saxophone magic had the venue on its’ ear.

Michael said, “Mindi Abair everybody. Why don’t you stay a quick second?” he suggested. Michael chatted about how the two of them go back twenty years to days of performing at weddings. He talked about the looks they used to give other when they simultaneously would say, “We gotta get outta here. What are we gonna do?”
“Now we’re here,” he said sharing a glance with Mindi.
“It’s better? he questioned. “Yes!” she exclaimed. “Mindi Abair everyone,” Michael repeated.

Michael began, “We all heard Norman Brown talk about loosing our favorite radio stations wherever you live. We are lucky enough to put together a medley of stuff from smooth jazz radio stations you will recognize.” The powerful lungs of Michael Lington engulfed the venue. The tall Dane took hold center stage. His presence commanded the attention of all. When Brian Price came forward center stage they tore it up.

“Get your hands going,” Lington said. He took one note and held it for what seemed like forever while we all drank in his moment. JV on bass teamed up with Michael and let it loose.

Chad

’s drum beat was perfect. JV was still thumpin’ and bumpin’. He was really in it man. His twilight was shared by everyone joining in.

Chad

was in his groove as Michael said, “I think we’re finally warmed up. The medley took us from ‘Twice in a Lifetime’ (Vivid CD) to ‘Two of a Kind’ (RSVP CD, Stay With Me CD) and back again. ‘Off the Hook’ (Everything Must Change CD) was appropriately in the mix.

Lington said, “I’m so happy you have decided to join this cruise. You are here and this means a lot. The house bands and the amount of music they learned was overwhelming. Thank you guys,” he said as he scanned the band. You might have known I have a little bit of an accent. A few months ago I became a citizen. I’m very proud of it. The interview process was a year long. I was so nervous when my official was asking questions about the flag, where I work and who writes the checks.” In the middle of the questions Michael’ music streamed over the guys internet radio. After Lington’s song ended the clerk smiled and granted him an immediate stamp of approval.

“Whoever screams the loudest I’m gonna play for,” Michael announced. He then walked out into the audience and selected the subject of his serenade. He snuggled in amidst the crowd and played the title track, ‘Everything Must Change’. The woman he chose never took her eyes off him for a moment. His phenomenal talent had her hands in a prayer-like position while she moved with a gentle sway. He leaned in and kissed her then arching is back with the full-bodied essence of Lington genius. He was so close I could see the hairs on his arms against the spotlight. There was a little throaty, a little sultry and a whole lot of jazzy in his ending. He fills the space around him with his deepest soul when he plays this tune. The song finished center stage with a faded-but-intense finale. Michael was phenomenal and left no question as to what makes us love jazz.

“Why don’t we stay on the boat another week?” he suggested. He mentioned his cigar event slated for the next afternoon inviting everyone to join in. He tossed a few cigars out into the audience.

“This one is ‘Show Me’ (Stay with Me CD).” Everyone was standing, clapping and dancing. He had the entire showroom on the edge of frenzy. He finished with the arch of his rainbow.

“So do the guys know it better or the girls?” he asked. A full-audience participate exercise began. “Guys first, I think the guys are louder,” he suggested. “Come on everybody.” He wailed on the sax one more time ending with his signature Copenhagen-arch. An audience member called out, “We all love you Michael Lington!”

Norman Brown took the stage asking, “Give it up one more time for Mr. Michael Lington. Give it up one more time for the band. Remember to cast your votes for Michael Lington for the Smooth Jazz Award. Go on-line,” he urged.

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Larry Carlton Event
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Special guest: Michelle Carlton (wife) on vocals
Special Guest: Shilts on Saxophone
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusader)
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Drums: Chad Wright (Keiko Matsui)

Norman Brown asked, “You enjoyed Michael Lington right? He’s staying outside to take photos. So take a photo with Lington. This next gentleman is an eighteen-time Grammy nominee and three time winner. This year he is nominated for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award. He received the Guitar Player Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a fantastic guitar player, Mr. Larry Carlton.”

“You sound good, are you good?” asked Larry. “I’m gonna show you. I don’t ever start off the show with something fancy.” Larry was immediately in the zone with some of the fanciest finger work I have ever seen. Genius, expert and extraordinaire all come to mind when I see the infamous Mr. Larry Carlton. With eyes closed he invited us to join him on a journey to guitar heaven.

He joked, “Don’t do that, it never works to start a show showing off. It also never works to come out by yourself and have the bass player sneak in on the side,” he joked with JV. Collier and Carlton proceeded from there to rock out some of the finest blues I’ve ever heard. Their talents meshed perfectly. The concentration level was so intense you could have cut it with a knife. The bass was deep, low and thumping unearthing the BB King in all of us. Their connection was as profound as their concentration as they entered the string zone. These cats rocked!

Larry continued joking, “Don’t ever do that. It just doesn’t work. Oh Lord, too young. Never bring someone on stage that looks better than you do,” said Carlton referring to his wife. “Please welcome three-time Grammy nominee, Michelle.”
Michelle asked, “Do you want to hear a secret?”
“Which one?”
“What could I tell you that no one else knows?” Michelle went on to explain there are many women aboard that would like to take her position as Larry Carlton’s wife and said she is interviewing them now!

Love filled the air and the stage when Michelle sang, ‘At Last’ (unrecorded). She was accompanied, of course, by her husband Larry Carlton. Their love spoke volumes. At song’s end Larry said, “So, don’t ever bring someone out who is better looking than you. Don’t bring out Shilts on tenor sax to play,” he warned.

With Shilts was on sax Larry asked, “How about it?” When Michele started singing her eyes were bright and her voice glowed. Shilts then added, “Thank you guys for a beautiful thing.” Larry added, “We’d better add a little drum to the mix.”

Chad

, JV and Larry took hold of the stage in jazzy madness. The finale with Shilts was gorgeous.

The team of Shilts and Carlton had us wondering what Billy Joe McAllister might have thrown off the Tallahassee Bridge. The team of Collier (JV) and Carlton were at it again with their unspoken guitar camaraderie. They speak their own language and it works! JV never stopped smiling as he comfortably wallowed within the confines of the stellar Carlton vibe. The entire audience clapped in sync. Brian Price joined in as did Kevin Flournoy on the synthesizer.

“I’d better quit that blues stuff you’re lookin’ sad,” Carlton told the audience. “We’ll play one you’ve all heard on the radio a few times. Got it!” he exclaimed. ‘Smiles and Smiles to Go’ (Alone but Never Alone CD, Collection CD, Smooth Jazz CD, The Very Best of Larry Carlton CD), revived the audience clap. The intricacies of Carlton’s finger work exude the love of music and genius that are Larry Carlton. He holds his guitar close to his body like you would someone you love. It is evident music is in his blood.

“Thank you, but now I’m confused. First you’re sad with the blues and now you are smiling and clappin’. So, I’m going back to the blues,” explained Carlton. He created the side-to-side sway with his music and we all became deeply engrossed. Larry and JV bent some foot stompin’ heavy-noted deep blues. “Alright, no more blues,” he said.

“This next tune has been at the top of the chart for six years.” The title track for, ‘Fingerprints’, wowed everyone.

“I was thinking a really new way to end my set tonight would be to pick and acoustic guitar and bring Michelle and Shilts back out. Please sing along when we get to that point,” Carlton asked. He assured us, “You’ll know that part.” ‘Minute by Minute (Collection CD, Discovery CD) had everyone was in the groove and still clapping. Shilts was a screamin’ and a wailin’ sax man. We watched as JV dished out a great-playin’-with-you hug on his way back to the side pocket.

I can write, write and write more. But, honestly do not believe there are words enough to describe the legendary Larry Carlton.

Norman Brown closed this one out by saying, “Thank you again ladies and gentlemen. Please rest your ears and come back and join us for the jam session.”

Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2009 (Formal night)
Nick at Night Jam Session
Guitar: Nick Colionne
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Tim ‘the Rock’ Gant
Keyboard: John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson
Guitar: Buddy Fambro
Bass: Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand
Drums: Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil

Tonight’s set-up crew for the jam session looked like Santa’s elves getting ready for for Christmas. I guess in a jazzy way they were! The gorgeous and energetic Lynn Briggs from the Oasis radio station in Las Vegas, Nevada took the stage. “I’m still on high from Larry Carlton,” she admitted. “Let’s give another hand for Shilts along with Larry and Michelle Carlton. I’m sorry I had to take my heels off. Please give it up for Koch recording artist, Nick Colionne.”

A Colionne explosion hit the stage in tan and brown casual tonight. Nick had everyone clapping their hands from the first moment. Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil lent his crazy drum madness straight to Nick. “Y’all ready to get goin?” Nick asked then strutting across the half-moon of the stage. He said, “Thank you so much! How about a hand for the band? So, we got a lot of characters back here tonight. We’re gonna get ‘em all up here. This first gentleman we’re gonna bring up if you would be so kind as to put your hands together for Chieli Minucci. I’m gonna start puttin’ a time limit on getting ‘em out here. The thirty-second limit is six steps.

This is one of my favorites, Chieli Minucci, and we’re gonna turn him loose.” Minucci jammed giving some deep, soulful licks while playing with his eyes closed. Nick voiced his approval saying, “Alright Chieli.”

Nick announced, “We have a young man who has come a long way across the water. You might know him from Down to the Bone (Shilts introduction). Colionne interjected, “We have Cisco on trumpet. You got some CDs out here? Nick asked. When Cisco shrugged in answer Nick said, “Good, I don’t need the competition.” First up was Cisco on trumpet with a great solo. All the band members stood back and let him have at it. The crowd loved him. Minucci turning it over to Shilts who rocked it home. Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant’s savored his moment in the sun. Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil rounded it out with a phenomenal drum solo. In the end all the guys jammed center stage. Shilts, Cisco, Chieli did a great version of the Herbie Hancock’s tune, ‘Watermelon Man’. Nick thanked Cisco, Shilts, Chieli, Meskil and Tim Gant.

Nick said, “We’re gonna change the stage up a bit. First Chocolate Chip going once. He’s gonna be a chip off the ship, he warned. “We had our first no show. We got Jay Rowe.” He announced Marion Meadows. One girl let out a blood curdling scream at the top of her lungs, “Marion!” Nick answered by saying, “I don’t know what’s up with that! We’re gonna take you to all the shows. We don’t have to worry. After you loose your voice it’ll be real quiet. Everyone give a big thank-you to Bob, Judy, Henry, Mark and all the staff.”

“Meet and greet Miss Heather Headley. I just got to meet her for the first time.” Singer Heather Headley sang, ‘My Funny Valentine’. What a set of pipes! Her soul caresses the microphone each time she sings. She blew everyone away.

Marion Meadows popped up next on Soprano Sax just as John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson and Jay Rowe rocked it home. Nick commented about Heather, “You can only see it on this cruise. So, make sure you see her show.” A crowd member hollered out, “When is she playing?” Nick countered with, “I don’t know. You all got a schedule.”

Michael Manson took the stage next saying, “What’s up?” Louder he repeated, “What’s up?” A little louder he asked, “Y’all ready for a little funk?” One more time and louder, of course, he asked, “Y’all ready for a little funk? I can’t hear you? Michael hit funk the funk like a Mac Truck. He got down, got funky and really funked it up. Michael Manson teamed up with Chocolate Chip, and what a sweet bass pair they were. The tandem M&M-Chocolate Chip delight was sweet and delicious. Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant ripped into the keyboard releasing a whole lotta funk. Michael was dancing and getting his groove on while Tim continued to lead the way for Buddy Fambro on guitar. Michael released a, “Tim Gant y’all. That my home boy. He’s in my band. Sorry y’all. This is the way we do it in Chicago. Oh, I won’t apologize this is the way we do it.” Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil dished out a killer drum solo. Chocolate Chip and M&M were still dueling with their bad selves. Manson owned the stage and the zone. A crowd member yelled out, “We love you Michael Manson!” Oops, I think it was me!

Nick said to Michael, “Wow. That is the first time I didn’t see you break a string. Man, we’re rollin’. We’re rollin’. We’re just gonna keep on keepin’ on. I’m gonna buy you lunch tomorrow on the eleventh floor,” Nick joked about CD and hat sales. “I have a young gentleman who is all the way I’m not sure where. He is very special. And, I don’t mean in a retarded sense. Here’s my guy Steve Oliver.”

Steve said, I’m gonna do my Nick Colionne imitation.” He added, “I’m gonna do my jam acapella. It’s a jam and we haven’t rehearsed it, it’s a jam.” Steve opened with his percussion sound that mimicked horses. The unique talent of Steve Oliver blanketed the stage and the audience. His song choice was ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’. Everyone loved him. Steve paired himself with Buddy Fambro. The two guitars exuded genius. The Oliver zone was rich with both his falsetto and contrasting bass. When a girl from the audience hit a high note Steve commented, “That’s what I’m talkin’ about. That was high!”

Nick announced, “Jay Rowe, Chocolate Chip, Marion Meadows, Norman Brown. Can we have a big hand for ‘em? Here they come, Michael Manson. There they go.” From there Norman Brown gave it up front row, center with spotlight on. Marion Meadows joined him with a stellar solo. They then shared a duet.

Minucci and Manson created musical lightening with their electric volley. Minucci, Norman and Michael dished out some kinda crazy. Marion Meadow’s solo was breathtaking. Norman said, “Music is a language we can all come up here and carry on a conversation.”

The jam continued from Meadows-Brown, Minucci-Brown, Minucci-Brown to a little Manson and an Erickson solo. The finale stirred magic moments.

Brown said, “Yeah, it’s a universal language man. You know what I mean? No words required.” Norman worked another solo while everyone danced in the aisles while singing, “Thank you, thank-you, thank-you with a zoo-do-do-do-do-do on the backside.”

Nick was poised side stage and said, “Come on everybody.” He held his clap overhead saying, “We need your help over here. We’ve got some dancers over here.” Norman and Nick captivated the entire audience when they performed side-by-side. It doesn’t get much better than this. Now, that was magic!

“Oh baby, that was hot,” quipped Brown to Colionne. Nick called to the band, “Everybody in the back come on out here.” Norman said, “Steve’s show starts at 5 PM. Everyone come out and support Steve.

It was back to Colionne asking, “Y’all wanna get funky? Come on Michael Manson show us some Chicago funky.” Everyone was jammin’ and most were singing, “Thank you for letting me be myself.”

Michael Manson said, “Make some noise over here. Let me hear you scream.” That session was some of the funkiest insanity I have ever had the pleasure of seeing and feeling. The stage was rockin’ funk-style, Chicago funk-style.

There is nothing more amazing than a stage overflowing with Manson-style, Colionne-cut ups, the Oliver funk twist, Minucci-madness laced with Brown-style funk madness. With the shuffle of Nick’s fancy feet, a taste of his snazzy clothes and the Colionne-Brown strut the team of Manson-Hollywood attacked it head on. A group side stepping frenzy led to a seemingly endless set of silly bunny hops. Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil tore it up on drums.

In the end the boys lined up jam, jammin’ and more jammin’. They were unstoppable. Everyone in the venue had their feet stompin’ as they bopped with the music. “His name is Norman Brown, not James Brown,” Nick joked. “Put your hands together for everybody on stage,” he said. An enormous group bow ended the jam with precision.

© February, 2009. All rights reserved. All information presented is copyrighted by Haven Entertainment Inc. and author (Lynn M. Olson) except where otherwise noted. No portion of this work may be reproduced, displayed or sold without the express written consent of the both Haven Entertainment Inc. and the author. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.