MUSINGS & RAMBLINGS

"Mighty" Mike Schermer was there on guitar and I guess Ian Lamson hasn't been with Elvin for a good year now. I didn't know that and I was really lookin' forward to hearing him. Mighty Mike is awesome and was great to see taking his place. Really missed Ian though. I'm hopin' he's still with the Ed Early Band which is where I'm gonna have to see him down at Peri's next time they roll around there.

Ed is still with Elvin. He also had Mike Emerson on keys on this night and that was cool to see. Too bad I couldn't here him that well from where I was. That would be a problem all night. What I did hear was great, of course.

Evan Palmerston on bass, a really good drummer who's name I didn't get, Ed early on trombone and of course Elvin singing and on that guitar!
Man, can he still play the hell outta that thing. I just love his playing style.
I love watching Elvin more than anything. His facial expressions, his funny songs, he's so animated. Always a great show from him.
He invited a couple guest up one being Angela Strehli. I love her singing style. Again, from my standing point, I couldn't make out her vocals too well. Not even out of the monitor which I was standing next to. All the same, she sounded great. Still got that awesome voice, she does.

Finally....it was time for Little Smokey Smothers. He strapped on his guitar, and commenced to playing and singin'. He's still got that "Smokey" voice and there was no problem hearing him!
His guitar playing was alright but what got to me was that big voice of his. I think his rendition of "Little Red Rooster" is by far the best I've ever heard. Even if not Politically Correct by today's standards. I'm sure Imus would've loved it ;-) Little Smokey was having fun with it and that whole issue, no doubt.

What a great night. Not a whole lot of "jammin" going on and it was tight.
I love his song "My dog". I dedicated that one to our old family dog, "Petey". We had to put him down a few weeks ago and that was one of the hardest things I've endured yet in this life. That and watching our Son, Brian, go off to war. I love you, Petey! We miss you.
He was one of the kids for many years and grew up with them.

There were many great moments lastnight. Rancho Nicasio is a great venue to go hear some blues. It's warm, cozy, friendly, and a great dance floor that's always open and man, was it full of lots of fun dancers lastnight.
A great place to go for dinner and a show if that's what you like.
My legs and feet were achin' after that one! Two & a half hours straight but to be honest.....it seemed to fly by.
It all ended so soon and then it was time for that blustery drive home. Finally got some wet weather and that's refreshing.

Thank You Rancho Nicasio for a great night of blues and warm venue to call home for a few hours.
Elvin and Gang....you guys are the best!!

Later,
Mo