Well this week started off weird I went to go see Deadline Friday on Tuesday [grin] but forgot they charge a $5 cover at Winston's in O.B. So I had to turn around. Five dollars really isn't unreasonable. I would have paid it if I had it, but its end of the month and I am as broke as a guy can get. But I did manage to see a really great line-up tonight at Portugalia in Ocean Beach. Where every Wednesday night Jefferson Jay hosts an open mike. Some Wednesdays are really good and some are slow but its' always good music!
Tonight's line-up was exceptional. It was supposed to start off with Podunk Nowhere a really exceptional duet. I don't know if you can call them that because it is a Phenomenally good guitar player and an awesomely talented female singer, but they don't both sing. So is it still a duet? Probably? I will do a more in depth description of these two later after I give a rundown of tonight's open mic @ Portugalia. Now like I said Podunk was supposed to open because they had actually been arranged ahead of time to open at 9pm but Jefferson was a little early and put another duo on first, promising them another spot later, depending on who shows up. Jeff Johnson and a buddy did three songs as most of the performers did this night. Very good guitar playing and somewhat reminiscent of Dave Matthew's. Next came Podunk Nowhere who were amazing (more later). Then Johnny from Podunk played with a friend named Jody Wood and they did a set of country style acoustic songs. Next was J Downs and yes he has trademarked his first name to be J, who did a hip hop style of acoustic percussion guitar styling's. Then another favorite came up with Justin James with out his band (the Sons of Beaches) but with a harmonica player named Murf (yes this is the correct spelling). Justin has had one of his songs featured on the TV show "Laguna Beach's" Season Premiere. He's great but I worry that the guy is so energetic he might hurt himself jumping around on Portugalia..s smallish stage. He has a show there on Saturday the 4th of November. If you miss it then it's your loss. After Justin was the comedy/blues styling's of Happy Ron Hill (sans the boytoys) who got the most energetic applause of the evening. Then of course my personal favs of the evening my closest friends Chelsea Flor & the Dreamstalkers composed of Chelsea, Billy Fritz and Doktor Dave Sawyer. They were joined by a friend who plays the "Djembe", an African Drum for those who don't know? I didn't catch the drummer's name but I am sure I will hear angry retorts tomorrow for not remembering. I actually brought paper and pen this time. I just forgot to write down his name. Then Brooklyn came up to play with Doktor Dave. (yes, many of these artists are in multiple bands). Brooklyn has a very different style. A sweet voice and very sweet, well written and enjoyable songs. Her voice seems very well trained and she uses it commandingly and can quaver with the best of them. But I have heard her sing other places and she also sings very soulfully when she gets the notion. A new regular to show up for open mic night is Alan Silva who wears a sign around his neck with his name on it while he plays. He seems to be improving each week but sings quite well when he does a Portuguese song. Last but not least was our beloved leader. Open mic host Jefferson Jay! Jefferson has quite a few really great songs and he played three of them here. But he didn't seem as boisterous as usual. Jefferson also does a radio show I've heard and is quite a personality. He is charmingly obnoxious at times but that is one of his best qualities. He still has one of the best open mic's around town and if you can't get to O.B., then he does an open mic at O'Connells on Sunday nights.
Which brings me to my focus here! Podunk Nowhere a very interesting name for a band and maybe Johnny will or Heather will tell me where they came up with it someday! I don't know how to put this but these guys rock, even though their style is a little bit of indie, country and experimental. Whatever it is, I like it a lot! Heather is a very pretty vibrant woman, although petite in stature. She has a wonderful and powerful voice. She sings out and grabs your attention and makes you want to listen to them. There may be some country in the voice but her style seems more like really good torch singers from the past. Maybe that is where the experimental comes in? I don't know I'm just a fan and friend who is listening and liking what I hear. Johnny is an exceptional guitar player his style is very different than a lot of people I hear. One of the reasons I think that is, is his sense of timing I have not seen many with a talent for timing in playing. I am no expert by no means, but I don't know how else to explain what I see and hear. When you watch him play you can see on his face as his eyes are closed. Just like B.B. King that he feels every note he is playing like it is coming from his soul and just the playing of it is like a high for him. And you can tell by listening as well. They both have a stage presence and are a very cute duo on stage as they anticipate each others moves and each note played or sung. Johnny and Heather have just finished their first CD after years of perfecting their sound and it will be released soon. Produced by Chuck Schiele from The Grams at his Studio B recording facility. If you get a chance to see them around town be sure to come see them and help support them by buying their CD. You won't be sorry. If some of you out there like me have misgivings about listening to country. This is not twangy Nashville like country. Besides there is nothing better then going out to listen to live music. No matter what the style! You can't go wrong. I dare anyone not to like these guys and if you do? Well its' your loss! In fact don't hesitate to listen to any of the people I have talked about tonight! Some have CD..s and some are working on new material and some are just starting out. Whatever the case, go out and support your local musician's. I think a new musical revolution is happening here in San Diego like it has in many states over the years, like Seattle. Be on the ground floor and go check out some music! Come to my site and pick an artist and go see where their next gig is and make up your own mind. Well I'm Out!
Ciao
|
Design