When a band is packed with musicians who have chops and technique for miles, it's a good thing. When a band is packed with musicians who have fantastic groove and pocket and feel, that's even better. When you have a band that has BOTH of those things, you have Phil's Juke Joint.
Tonight at the Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg was a rare treat for me, as I caught PJJ in concert. Led by their namesake Phil Magallanes on keyboard, the ensemble poured out well over two hours' worth of unbelievable funk, jazz, pop, and even a few 70s TV theme songs (The Barney Miller Theme, and "Angela" - the theme from Taxi). Even better was the opening number; "Late Night", by Paul Shaffer and The World's Most Dangerous Band - which you might know as the theme to Late Night with David Letterman on NBC in the 80s.
Tonight at the Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg was a rare treat for me, as I caught PJJ in concert. Led by their namesake Phil Magallanes on keyboard, the ensemble poured out well over two hours' worth of unbelievable funk, jazz, pop, and even a few 70s TV theme songs (The Barney Miller Theme, and "Angela" - the theme from Taxi). Even better was the opening number; "Late Night", by Paul Shaffer and The World's Most Dangerous Band - which you might know as the theme to Late Night with David Letterman on NBC in the 80s.
Everyone in the band is a musician of the highest order. Guitarist Geoff Jacob was a master at catching every nuance of the vintage sounds the band showcased, he played impeccable and tasty rhythm guitaer, and his solos were joyful, musical, and searing with emotion. SO many styles and influences in Geoff's toolbox! Sax/flute master Kenny Anderson was simply beyond belief. Passion, flames, and a mighty altissimo highlight the playing of a truly formidable musician. There wasn't a note he didn't have - everything he reached for, he hit. Boundless energy! Tim George, the bassist, was the perfect combination of chops and groove. Funkified, blistering speed, DEEP pocket, stratospheric soloing capabilities, good percussionist, too! He's forgotten more about the bass than I will ever know. Drummer Ric Craig was a veritable machine - perfect meter, focused and micrometered groove, powerhouse fills and solos, and just taste, taste, taste in every note. Phil Magallanes is a force of nature himself, a whirling dervish of musicality behind the keyboard. His musical direction was professional and sensitive; his playing is incredibly skilled, emotionally charged, and playfully irreverent. The versatility of this ensemble is inestimable.
Guest vocalist Joy Francis was a powerhouse as well. She was the vocalist in Miami Sound Machine before Gloria Estefan, and that pedigree was evident in her soaring vocals.
Thanks to John Kelly and Hideaway Cafe for continuing to bring us the premiere listenign room in the Tampa Bay area!!
Guest vocalist Joy Francis was a powerhouse as well. She was the vocalist in Miami Sound Machine before Gloria Estefan, and that pedigree was evident in her soaring vocals.
Thanks to John Kelly and Hideaway Cafe for continuing to bring us the premiere listenign room in the Tampa Bay area!!
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