The Dawg Meets the Bear

January 28th, 2009

The Dawg and the Bear

The Dancing Bear had lived in many places in North America but he found himself of late residing in an urban area of the great Northwest with normal people. At least as normal as anyone could be considered on the Best Coast in a large metropolitan community.

He loved to dine on local fare and listen to the music  that was played by local musicians as well as visiting performers and among his favorite haunts was a local jazz club that featured a continuing lineup of world class music makers.

This is what drew him to Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley on a Saturday night in the big city.

There are a lot of performers who sound better on their recordings than they do in person.

David Grisman has made some incredible recordings over the last forty years but he is one of those performers who you just have to see in order to really appreciate. I have had the pleasure of seeing him on a number of occasions but last Saturday night at Dimetrious’ Jazz Alley in Seattle was the first time in at least five or six years. It’s a pleasure to report that he is still the master of the mandolin.

The David Grisman Quintet has been around for thirty years, but Mr. Grisman is the only original member. The names of the various people who have been members of the band at one time or another reads like a list of who’s who in acoustic music.  Tony Rice, Mike Marshall, Mark O’Connor and Darol Anger just to name a few. The current lineup has a couple of long timers who have played so long with the Dawg (Mr. Grisman) that it sounds like they are not only playing as one but thinking together as well. Matt Eckle has been the flute player for nearly twenty years and Jim Kerwin has handled the acoustic bass for twenty-three years. They are the core of the band and they can read each other’s musical minds. I am sure of this.

This was my first experience listening to George March on the drums and he handled the job flawlessly. That is no small feat given the changing tempos and racing performances that the Dawg puts the band through. The “Dawg” sound is based on a jazz swing that can be at times melodious and sweet as sin. It can also rock and reel and race around the room like a hurricane with each performer taking the lead and soloing.

The other new band member was a rather young looking guitar player named Grant Gordy. His demeanor was calm and his attention was devoted to his band mates and the music. He never wavered in his duty and he was the biggest surprise of the evening as far as I was concerned.

When called upon to pick up the lead and solo he burst forth in a machine gun attack that captured the whole room’s attention. He was masterful in his solos and had the unerring sense of rhythm that “Dawg” music requires. Whether the tempo was fast or slow, this young person, who out of respect for his talent I will refrain from referring to as a kid, just plain tore up the guitar. I have heard several guitar players perform with Grisman over the years but this guy was fresh, exciting and just screamed potential. If he is this good now, I can’t wait to hear him in a few years. He was just outstanding.

The band did a wonderful blend of old as well as new numbers and the time just flew. They do two shows a night at Jazz Alley and the first show never seems long enough.

My wife and I had a delightful dinner and were close enough to the stage to feel as though we were part of the performance. After an encore we moved to the bar and purchased a CD to take home. One of the great things about seeing the Quintet is that Grisman always comes out to talk to the fans afterwards and signs autographs. He is a treasure and if you get the chance you should go hear him play. The master of the mandolin is one of the best musical acts that you can see and we need to appreciate him while we can.

A bear and a dawg might seem like an unlikely combination but all was peaceful this wonderful evening and a good time was had by all.

How ’bout them Steelers?

The city of Champions is about to send their beloved Steelers to their 7^th Super Bowl and you know that I will be in front of the TV to watch them capture their 6^th Championship. I’m making vegetarian chili for the meatless crowd and Buffalo wings for the carnivores. If you’re in the neighborhood, do drop in.

The Bear as a Steelers Fan

Entry Filed under: General, What's Bob Listening To?