Star Players

This week's Wednesday jam went well again. We had a crack at a few songs we've never tried before, like Little Charlie and the Nightcats' "Clothes Line", and Junior Wells' "Little by Little". Definitely stuff to work on and put in the set list. No serious candidates for our new rhythm section among the jammers, although one could have the job if he wanted it. Glen Krawczyc popped along with a couple of my other workmates from NHNZ. Glen used to play bass in big time Aussie band "Icehouse", but of late has been putting in a lot of time with electronic drum kit and ipod. He got up for his first time drumming with flesh musicians and really nailed it. Shame he's only in town for a few months finishing a documentary, or we'd have press ganged him into our lineup.

I've been meaning to check out Leo LaDell, an American bluesman who has moved into town recently. So, last night I got off the couch, called Anders and dragged myself into town. Pity Mike didn't make it, but I'm damn glad I did. Leo is awesome, as a guitarist he has a great classic Chicago style and he's a mighty fine singer and harp player too. Dunedin stalwarts Ivan Hamilton, Jack Hiku and Nic Leeden from Sufficiently Breathless were backing him up, and Nic played some pretty blistering blues himself. That was great, since I've really only heard him play immaculate rock guitar. After Nic filled Leo in on my pedigree in a most generous fashion, they invited Anders and I to sit in for a few songs. We were pretty nervous, not wanting to show ourselves up, but I'm happy to say we didn't embarass ourselves too much. It was a lot of fun. The guys were making suggestions as to who we could recruit into our band, and it reminded me what a great musical community we have in Dunedin. I have to get out more.

Looks like blues is undergoing a little revival in town. Hallelujah. It's good to have more souls in the congregation.