Matt_Jammer

The Blues Central Jam Blog

February 15, 2009

February 15th brought 25 jammers to the room and 23 jammers to the stage. Such fun we had this night.

A bit of a late start due to technical difficulties so we appreciated everyone’s patience while we waited for our long tall sound man to make an appearance. We started out quickly with Glory and Tupelo and Doc Schultz joined the core band for a rousing “Darlin’ Corey” to get everyone’s blood pumping. Kathy Claiborne and John A joined Doc for several classic folk tunes, with Meg Anderson joining in on harmony.

Set two began with Gary on drums, Ed on electric, Meg Anderson on bass, and Paul Paisley on acoustic guitar. Paul sang a classic Merle Haggard song, “Rambling Fever” and “Long Lonesome Highway.” Meg sang “Sweet Blue Honey” off of her recently released CD. If you haven’t heard it, you should.

A quick change brought the “Eastside Band” to the stage for a showcase moment with Cliff on keyboard, Cal on vocals, Sam on drums, and Bernie on congas. Cal stole the hearts of the audience with his ownrendition of “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and “Stormy Monday” as he got down on his knees and he prayed…honest he got down on his knees and he prayed!

Who knows who in our audience this night is a Tuskegee Airman? Can anyone guess? He sings, he dances, and he is a regular Blues Central man.

Robin Dollar then joined Stu, Keith, and Matt. Thomas took center stage on the drums. Robin launched into “Love Me Like a Man” and several of her favorite diva tunes. This gal can belt ‘em out and she brings out a crowd with Becky, her faithful assistant, every time she performs!

This night found Joey C. in a fritter, ready to play bonk-a-blonde…ah life in the fast lane…and, as always, in a flash Joey was gone.

Set three brought Keith, Hector, Thomas, and Stu to the stage. A little Freddy Fender by Hector with “Until the Last Teardrop Falls.”

The Little Red Rooster jumped to the stage on “Unchain My Heart” and Pat Wendt played harp. We had solid gold dancers who filled the dance floor.

For a change of pace, a little country rock with Hector joined by Robin for a little harmony on “Rambling Man.” A little Stand By Your Man, Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, Cupid medley rounded out this set.

Curtis then stepped to the stage with Pat on bass, Ed on Electric, Matt and Gary and Curtis sang, “Mustang Sally” and Robin joined him on “Wonderful Tonight.”

The core band rounded out the night with “2-14”, “The Weight,” and “Tupelo Honey.” As always, a good time was had by most, if not all, Live Long, Love Much, Laugh Often… and play good music! lah

February 8, 2009

Welcome Jammers…Keith joined us on fiddle this day! Wow, are we in for a treat! As we looked around the stage we thought an apt name for the core band could be “Girth” and I mean that in an “around about the belt sort of way!” Present company included, maybe we should make an appearance on “Can You Duet…wait…change that to… Can You Diet? Oh, this old age stuff isn’t for sissies! Pardon me, I digress.

Great jammers this night John A. took the stage for his favs and a couple of new tunes he brought to the stage. John did a great job on “Saint James Infirmary” for a first time to the stage. Paul S. played some hot harp licks this night.

Set two brought us up to a showcase moment with “Detour” a name this band picked because of all of the free MOA promo all summer (and winter) long. Thomas, Keith, Doug, Tom and Matt joining in on Flute. “House of Blue Lights,” “Big City,” And “Going Back to Tennessee,” were a sampling of their tunes.

A few prine tunes, with a bit of Willie thrown in and John A. stepped back up to the stage with “San Francisco Bay Blues”, “Alberta, Alberta,” Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley,” and “Rose in Paradise.” He joined the core band on “The Weight.”

Matt opened up the last set with, “Souvenirs,” and then launched into “Lying Eyes” with Joe, Mark, and Keith. A little “Steamroller Blues” with Mark on the bass and a volcano song in honor or Mt. Redoubt brought this evening of jamming to an end.

February 1, 2009

Matt welcomed jammers and launched into a bit’o Buffet to get the jam going and then his own rendition of “Taxi.”

John A. then took the stage and sang five of his personal favorites. The audience was restless this night with solid gold dancers/aka cheerleaders on the floor cheering John on. John ended with “City of New Orleans.”

Mike Olsen stepped to the stage with a Dirks Bentley tune which he sang to perfection. Three more cowboy tunes left the audience wowed.

The core band then reclaimed the stage for a bit of “Prine time in prime time” fun.

Michael Thomas set up his keyboard and Thomas moved in on drums for a little “Stormy Monday,” sang by Michael. Frank then stepped center stage, grabbed a mic and sang “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Georgia,” and “It’s a Rainy Night in Georgia.” The core band sand “Some Things are Never Gonna Change.” And them Michael brought us a little “Kansas City” and “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone.” A few “Weighty” Hammer favorites and all too soon another night of jamming came to a close.

January 25, 2009
Welcome Jammers! Once again jammers start out with a trio of Hammer favs!

Then up jumps three of our favorite jammers, John A., Paul S., and the good Doc Schultz for five classic folk tunes. John then left the stage and the good Doctor was joined by Kathy Claiborne and they launched into a Graham Parsons tune…more classic folk tunes and a finale of “Today I Started Loving You Again” brought set one to a close.

Set two brought, Mike, Ariel, Jared, Keith to the stage for some “Viya Con Dios,” an original tune, and a few more tunes done to perfection. A bit of “Devils and Dust” by Matt and Scott was up jamming with Keith doing some of those fine cowboy songs he does so well.

I lit out early, early workday but rumor has it that Patti G and Texas Jimmy D came in and rocked…excuses me “bluezed up the house. Sandy snuck in but didn’t play as did Veronica… celebrities in the audience!

A good time was had by all this night!

January 18, 2009

(check back when I get the photos)

Wow! What a difference a week makes… we’re in the + now temperature-wise. Weather report -- warm and wet for this holiday weekend!

And folks came from near and far for this jam…we had 20 jammers signed up by the middle of the first set. I think this is a record! Big happy birthday greetings to Miss Kathy Claiborne, folk artist most excellent!

Matt and the band started this jam off with a duo of tunes and quickly moved into jam mode. Jack S., our first jammer, began. He sang a couple of old standards and a new original entitled, “Cat’s in the Room.” Interesting tune, Jack is a prolific songwriter and just keeps bringing new originals to the stage. Great job, I can’t wait to hear the song he’s gonna write about his journey toward being a non-smoker.

Jack then swapped places with John A., a perennial jam performer. Catch John at the Anchorage Folk Festival this coming Sunday on the last day. John was joined by Loren Arment and they sang Abilene in sweet, sweet harmony. John brought us three other yester-year tunes. Great job, John!

And already we had a little rooster in a suit a’dancing, wow, can he cut a rug or what. He was a favorite with the ladies! And the audience was festive, could it be that most didn’t have to go to work until Tuesday? A little San Diego Serenade by Matt while the jammers swapped out with Eddie Lee accompanying on the harp.

What a treat, Robin Dollar, joined jammers once again, we haven’t seen Robin since Eddie’s … if you haven’t seen her, this gal can belt a bluez tune with the best of ‘em. Two year’s new to Alaska, she has made Alaska her home, and we are lucky to have her! She brought her entourage and her big girl voice, wowing the audience with tunes: “Love Me Like a Man,” “The Road is My Middle Name,” “Come to My Window,” “Landslide,” and “Stormy Monday.” Robin has that comfort and ease on stage that comes only with years of entertaining an audience. Great job! It’s a thrill when Robin walks in to belt the blues!

And many thanks to our jam band: Stu Schulman on bass, Frank Iarossi on electric, and Gary Price on drums. These guys give jammers such comfort, providing a superb backdrop for any song. And many thanks to Miss America Erica and Miss Amanda who were responsible for tending your every refreshment need.

After a quick break, Meg Anderson, Doc Schultz, John Schlomer, and Kathy Claiborne, aka Oldenweiser, hopped to the stage. It’s Kathy’s birthday on Wednesday, catch them again at Borders Books Wednesday evening, and we were celebrating early this night with cake and presents. What fun to see these folks perform on the heels of their Folk Festival performance. Great stuff these guys brought to the stage. Kathy sang her original song, “Hard Man”…a tremendous song, if you haven’t heard it, you should, this song always tugs at my heart strings for it reminds me of my dad. Meg then stepped to the mic with her big bass and her bright, lyrical voice, singing, “My Daddy Used to Be a Rolling Stone.” Sweet stuff, Meg! We should have had a choir of chick singers chanting the scatter on this tune “used to be a rolling stone”…from the audience. What a fun tune! At this point we were all a’rockin…wondering…what’s next!

And I looked around the room and who did I see but that ole Joey fellow. This time he was serious--working, shooting film, and seemed to be having a great time filming… is there no end to this guys talents…and then, in a flash, he was gone once again.

And we had the phantom-twosome in the audience again this week, Mark and Keith. Rumor has it that Keith is going to stay and play next week which is always a treat. Maybe we’ll get Mark to stick around on his birthday!

Another featured performance by a group called “The Defrosters” followed. Mike J., Bob R. and Andy T. Kevin B. joined them on keyboards. These guys really stirred it up for us and got folks tapping their heels and toes and the dance floor rockin’… the Little Red Rooster jumped to the stage and sang “Mustang Sally” in honor of Miss Kathy’s birthday and it was a dance floor filled with multiple woman and one doctor. The Defrosters ended their set with “Standing on Shaky Ground.” Wow, these guys are great! If you haven’t heard Mike sing, “Setting on the Dock of the Bay, ask him to sing next time, it’s one of my favorite arrangements. Hope these guys come on down again! They were on fire!

Set three began with yet another group of seasoned Alaskan performers. Andy T., Texas Jimmy D, Eddie Lee joined by Frank and Stu. Jimmy D belted out the blues singing a Calloway tune from the depths of his soul. Jimmy can sing the bluez! Just one great performance after another this night!

And then another featured band, “The Rockit Rangers” took center stage; Loren and Penny A., Bob R., Special Ed, and Andy T. My goodness, they launched into a trio of fast, tight tunes “Black is Black,” “I Feel Fine,” and “Boys of Summer.” Wow, what a terrific, high energy performance! Catch these guys next year at the Beer & Barley Festival, if not before! Classic rockers, extraordinaire! Pat Rat joined them briefly on harp, but his mic was on the fritz and he slipped away before we could squeeze him in on bass.

A quick change brought Ed, Stu, Gary, Matt and Kevin back to the stage. Hector, a local singer, stepped center stage and sang, “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” and then launched into “Ramblin’ Man” with Robin stepping up to the stage to sing a sweet harmony as Matt joined in. At this point the stage was jammed with musicians.

A call out to Carlos to sing went unanswered and a quick change featured another Carlos -- Special Ed and Loren stepped into the spotlight on “Black Magic Woman.” Another change with two Hammer originals, a weighty tune, and the last song of the night brought Miss Penny back to the stage to round out the night with an old audience favorite, Pure Prairie League’s, “Amy.”

Four and a half hours of almost non-stop jamming had the Freedom Writer's ears spent... he said I could quote him, but this is a family blog…it suffices to say that he had an absolutely exquisite evening. Actually, I think if we took a poll I believe that almost everyone would agree that it was a wonderful evening filled with birthday frolic and friends, good drink, better food, and great music!

A big thanks to all of the wonderful talented musicians who came in to jam, my hat’s off to the wonderful audience, the solid gold dancers, the Blues staff, and many kudos to our core jam band! We look forward to seeing all of you soon at the Matt Hammer Jam—Live at Blues Central. Live long, love much, laugh often…and play good music! lah

January 11, 2009
(photo's by John A.)
Miss America Erica and the lovely Amanda tendered the refreshments this night. We started out pretty much a men’s night with not many lovely ladies in the audience…and boy was it cooolddd…

Matt and the core jam band started out with a Matt Hammer original then slipped into a little Buffet…and I don’t mean food!

Jack Shockley then stepped to the stage and said these temperatures had him thinking about being an Alaska man…Dean Reeves, a most excellent drummer, stepped up to the stage sporting a new hairdo…albeit on his chin. Looking good he was! Jack sang a duo of originals and then brought a classic Bob Dylan song to the stage. Jack is learning and growing and enjoying his music and that’s what it is all about. Thank you, Jack, for coming to play on this cold, cold night!

Keith Junot and Mark Houle held down the professional musician audience table, they were plum worn out from playing this weekend! Kudos to these two fine musicians! Paul Schlomer, playing harp, also joined us for a few tunes and Bea Allen and resident “Freedom Writer” and photographer, Bill Topel, held down yet another table. For a treat, catch Bill’s photos on the web.

John A., our resident folk artist, and artist he is, stepped up to the stage. It’s a wonder he’s even unfrozen and moving yet…he told us he rolled in from Delta Junction where it was -56 below zero…way up north, north to Alaska…makin’ Johnnie Horton proud! John tells us that tires are preeetttty darned bumpy at that temperature. Anyway, I digress. John also brings you a portion the photos that are taken every week. Thank you John! John sang a couple of his old favorites and then mixed it up a bit with “Rose in Paradise” and “Mary in the Morning.” John did a superb job on “Mary in the Morning” and this song promises to be one of John’s best. WOW! For a performance, catch John at the Anchorage Folk Festival on Sunday afternoon, January 25th with Tom Ralston and Paul Schlomer. John rounded out his set with a hang down your head song Matt dedicated to Captain Hazelwood and “City of New Orleans.”

Wow, there was a lot of static electricity in the room this evening! Klaus, our soundman was pretty snappy all night! As I looked around after a bad snap, I saw ol’ Joey C. sipping cough medicine through a straw…and then like an aberration, with another snap, he was gone. Did I imagine seeing J oey C? Hum…the cooolllldd is a pickling my brain…either that or I’m going to heaven in a flash of fire! Won’t you sing it for us, Mark!

And where’s Doc’o, we imagine he’s tucked tightly between the sheets in his warm, warm house on this coolddd, colllddd, evening. Smart man, there is a reason they call him doctor.

Matt told us he’s quitting smoking and the stop smoking medication, they say, causes depression… and it is Armageddon week on the tube and he is feeling rather depressed… hum… Matt, maybe it’s just the med…but then again, maybe not.

Set two began with a little “Summertime”…yep, we’re calling her back…I think it’s going to take her about six months to get here though…and then a little “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and Frank Iarossi stepped center stage and Matt moved to flute. What a great, versatile musician Frank is. Catch him at his other gigs around town for some great music. He sang an “Amazing Rhythm Aces” tune.

The treat of the night was when Cam Campbell stepped up to the mic with a Merle Haggard tune, “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation” and all of a sudden it turned into a “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Cam sings every word from the bottom of his heart, what a treat, boy he can sell a song! …and they tell me he plays guitar…And the ultra-amazing Stu Schulman was on bass holding down the bottom end, all night, making it right! With a priceless drummer, Gary Price, on sticks, what a great core jam band! A little “Devils & Dust” from Matt and then the band ventured back into history for a Young protest song…”Four Dead in Ohio” followed quickly by “Find the Cost of Freedom” and “For What It’s Worth.” I stepped up to the mic to take us to warmer digs, singing “Atlanta.”

Set three brought more versatility to the stage…a love song, a Band song, with Frank once again stepping center stage to sing the king’s “Be My Little Good Luck Charm” and Ricky’s “Traveling Man.” Matt and I sang Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey” and Matt’s original “Some Things are Never Gonna Change” (ain’t that the truth) and Matt ended the night serenading the audience with a Tom Wait’s tune, saying this is Manic Matt signing off…could it be a new handle???

To those who are unhappy--with us, the Alaska music scene, or the goings-on in life, in general, or those who are having a hard time in this economy, we wish you well! I know that it’s been a hard year for many and we all share some of the same scars. We welcome you to our jam. Come in and jam, you just might have a little fun; there is room for all of us to play music in this city and we all need to work together to support local musicians playing local music in our city venues. Live long, love much, laugh often…and play good music!

lah

January 4, 2009

And... it's the shakedown cruise of the Matt Hammer Jam, Blues Central. Special thank yous go out to Bob, Erica, Klaus, Miss D and all the "Blues crew." We had a blast on Sunday night!! Pictures to accompany this blog later in the week...they are currently frozen in Delta Junction...hurry home Delta man before you freeze solid!

...and what a great core jam band: Frank Iarossi on superb electric guitar, Stu Schulman on magnificent bass, and Gary Price on hot drums. Yes, Virginia, we are no longer "priceless." What a great crew! Many thanks to the core from our core for their support.

As is Matt's custom, he christened the jam with a solo Paul Simon tune, "I am a Rock." He and I launched into "Leaves that are Green," another Paul Simon oldie but goodie from the soft side of Simon. And then the core band joined us for a "Band" tune with Frank flawlessly snagging the third AND the seventh. He is amazing! Matt then sang his original tune, "Start All Over Again."

And yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, albeit he's really slender and cranky these days. He told the crowd it's because of all of the cookies and milk he's been forced to inhale all these years, when all he really wanted was a good stake. Boo R joined the band on congas. Many thanks to Boo for joining us on this frigid first night!

And...did I mention, it was Sully's birthday?

A quick change brought perennial jammer, John A and Keith Junot to the stage...John took us on a trip to Texas via Abilene, a bit of bluez for the room with "Nobody Knows You", with some sweet, sweet fiddle licks by the fretless man from Texas, a windy song, and a bit of jokin' with John rounding out his tunes lookin' for a little "Greenback Dollar."

Vederan, the Croatian Sensation, joined jammers with a trio of originals dedicated to lost loves and ex-wives...don't ask! Vederan told us he was honored to have the fiddleman playing his tunes. Somewhere in here Scott joined Boo on congas and Boo began shakin' it.

And a star was spotted in the corner booth...why it was Joey Caneolli sittin' in, zoning out, and listening to a few tunes.

Set two began with Jack Shockley our Broadway Man singing a trio of his favorite tunes. Alaskan Man is a fun original tune of Jack's. If you haven't heard it, you should. Alaskan-made music! We had a few change out moments with Pat Rat on bass, Marilyn on drums, and Boo continuing to conga.

And...did I mention, it was Sully's birthday?

And what tune did the birthday boy desire? Well, him being a cowboy and all, he wanted a cowboy tune...Keith serenaded him with a bit of "Orange Blossom Special" and mostly the whole bar, save a few, kicked up their heels on a crowded dance floor. 'hit kicking fun!

Bridgett Sullivan, Sully's talented daughter, breathless and breathtaking, moved to the stage and Keith assumed the position as fiddleman once again. Bridgett launched into "Crazy" and "After Midnight" tickling the fiddleman...literally...in her spare time... and doing a fine Patsy Cline ...Bridgett can belt a tune to perfection...and boy, they were having some fun celebrating with the birthday boy. Nice drumming by Marilyn, wo-maning the drums! You go girl! Keep an eye out for Bridgett's new jazz CD and if you haven't heard Bridgett sing the blues, make it a point to...

Then Thomas, one of our favorite jam drummers, grabbed the sticks, Stu grabbed his bass, the Rat moved to remote harp, and Joey slipped silently into the night as Matt launched into "Devils & Dust", with a "2-14," "Tupelo Honey" double-back.

New jammers in the audience...Sam, Don, Dylan, and Greg...they tell us they are men from work...but we're calling them the "Best Buy Guys." Stop in and say hi, you know where to find them. Sam, Don, and Greg started us off with an instrumental power trio sound that was awesome...and they had never played together before, so goes their tale... Dylan joined them on congas as they wowed the audience with their "Santana'ish" sound. We look forward to seeing these Guys again.

A quick-change and it was back to the core band with Dylan continuing to man the drums for a song or two and Matt steamrolling some blues with Stu playing a mean solo bass and Frank doing a great electric lick. Frank stepped center stage for a little "Moondance" and two other old favorites. He sings, he harmonizes, he plays multiple instruments...my question...can he dance? The core band then rounded out the night with songs from Surreal Sessions and I helped.

A big thanks to all the familiar faces, too numerous to mention, in the audience. We so appreciate everyone's support. Where's Doc'o, well tonight he was in the audience with Miss Kathy. Who is older and who is wiser? Now that's a question. Next week, rumor has it, they may take to the stage. Big thank yous to the Blues Central locals, we so appreciate the warm welcome we received this frigid first night and look forward to next week. Remember: live long, laugh often, love much, play good music...and stay warm! See you next week! In the infamous words of the Human Voice, "We love you man!" lah