Concert Review: Karl Hunter Jazz Quartet at Squashed Grapes

By Pam Baumgardner
Karl Hunter Jazz Quartet performance at Squashed Grapes, Wednesday, November 27, 2013.

As soon as I got wind that Karl Hunter had put together a jazz quartet and would be playing at The Grape, I was on board.  I got my ticket and I asked Karl if VenturaRocks.com could publish his post he had placed on his Facebook page as he wrote about why he was doing this and highlighted each musician he had handpicked to play with him (see below photo gallery).

I’ll be honest, I expected a great night of jazz because you know the guys in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are the best, hardest working group of talented musicians around.  And after reading what Karl wrote, I figured I was in for a really cool night of talented friends getting together to mess around and kick it up a bit.  But what I got was a mind-blowing experience of ultra talented musicians brought together in an intimate setting giving it 100%.  It was the kind of performance that strikes at your inner being.

My highest regards to Rufus Philpot (bass), Andy Langham (keyboards) and Aaron McLendon (drums).  Coming together along with Karl to do this performance on Thanksgiving Eve was an extraordinary thing to do.  You guys so nailed it.  I loved how Karl would just step aside and let his friends work their magic as he watched from the doorway with a very smug smile on his face.  And then he’d step back in and “BAM” he’d hit it out of the park.

I just want to personally thank Karl Hunter for bringing this caliber of talent to Ventura and to Squashed Grapes. The four of you together was truly inspirational.  It was a privilege to be there and witness it and it’s a night I will never forget.

 

(Karl originally wrote this for his Facebook page.  We thought it super awesome so we asked him for permission to post it on our website, and he said, and I quote, “I would love that. Thank you so much!” 
The Karl Hunter Quartet plays Squashed Grapes Wednesday, November 27, 2013.  For advance tickets, stop by Squashed Grapes at 2351 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA)

417034_10152219956780018_142424281_nSo in all my years of being a musician I have never fronted a band. Never had my own project or my name on a marquee. I’ve always wanted to but never got it together. That’s about to change. I was approached by the awesome folks at Squashed Grapes in Ventura to put a band together for a “Karl Hunter Quartet” gig on November 27th, the night before Thanksgiving. I’ve mulled over a potential dream band for years wondering what it would be like to play with X drummer, Y piano or guitar player, or Z bass player. Never in all those years did I ever conceive a line up like this…
I put together a “what if” dream line up and picked up the phone. And low and behold, everyone was down to get down, so to speak.

Occasionally there are a-ha moments on the bandstand. Those moments that usually make me laugh out loud on stage, because someone has played something so left field, so unique and cool, that I wouldn’t of thought of it in a thousand years. I’ve had one of those moments with each of these guys. And I can’t wait to hear them together on the same stage and discover what craziness ensues.

Rufus Philpot, while being one of the funniest hangs and a real character is also incidentally a deranged monster on bass. He’s one of the few bass players I’ve ever had the honor to play with, who’s technique is so honed that he has absolutely no barrier between thought and execution. Sometimes it’s absolutely ludicrous what he can fit in before the end of a phrase, all the while never sacrificing the groove. Much like the funny comments between the tunes that skirt the edge but never quite cross the line 🙂 Rufus has mastered the dark arts of Jazz fusion while playing with a who’s who of the genre. Allan Holdsworth. Simon Philips , Chad Wackerman, Randy Brecker, Al Di Miola & David Gilmore, to name a few. (Okay, David Gilmore is probably not jazz fusion but still demands a mention.)

If you’re an local 805er and into the music scene you must have felt the auora of Aaron McLendon. The mere mention of the name makes the clouds part, and vocal choirs appear out of nowhere. Along with serious proclamations that usually go like: “duuuude he’s the baddddest!!!!” For years, I heard the rumors and wondered what it was all about. Aaron and I both had the awesome opportunity to have been students of the amazing music mentor, Isaac Jenkins. And it was at an alumni tribute to Ike that I got to have one of those a-ha moments I previously mentioned, when finally witnessing Aaron’s playing. He had a drum solo in a big band tune, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was he going to showcase amazing chops? Or go obscure with metric modulation & over the bar line trickery? (All of which I would have loved.) No, he did a solo almost completely on cymbals. super textural, and unbelievably musical. All the while holding everyone’s attention with an iron fist. The rumors were absolutely true, Aaron parts clouds. He’s Badddd. So Badddd that He a heavy among heavyweights. Playing with: Charlie Haden, George Clinton, Billy Childs, Christian Scott, Kurt Elling, and the New York Voices.

Andy Langham is a deep well. His bag of tricks is bottomless. If music was a poker game he would see you and raise you on every hand. Whatever improvisational musical idea you have, he can take and refine, and then redefine and then take that and redefine it again in a way that is so many levels deep, that you’ll be absolutely dumbfounded how he got from point a to point z. He is undoubtedly the most gnarley musician I have ever played with. No joke. A lot of musicians can sound good on their instrument, but that is just the tiny point on top of the tip of the iceberg for Andy. His understanding of the inner workings and interrelationship of harmony is super-human. He honestly should wear a cape. But that’s not Andy’s style. He’s is perfectly comfortable with being Clark Kent, and like Clark, is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. If you have any interest in Jazz and the improvisational process you need to come and see Andy play. If you enjoy witnessing the extremitys of human accomplishment and potential you will be amazed. He’s the Carl Lewis or the Michael Jordan of Jazz Piano. How often do you get to rub shoulders with Olympians?

Those lucky enough to play with Andy include Pancho Sanchez, Natalie Cole, Christian McBride, Ernie Watts, Dewey Redman and the New York Voices.

I am honored and flattered that these gentleman would come to Ventura to play with me. If you can’t tell already I’m beyond excited about this night of music, you must have skipped a few paragraphs.

My hope is to get the train rolling, grab onto the caboose and hold on for dear life. I absolutely know one of the things I’ll be thankful for when I wake up on Thanksgiving morning. If you are free on Thanksgiving eve, you should consider joining us on this very special night. I feel very fortunate that these gentleman are able to be in one place at the same time. If you can, come out and share in what with undoubtedly, will be an amazing evening.

Heart & Soul Benefit Concert for Polly

The concert was held at Bombay Bar and Grill in Ventura, CA, on Sunday, November 24, 2013.
Polly
Sometimes it just feels good being able to help someone else.  But, it feels even better when you’re giving back to someone who has done so much for others; and that is why the music community came together for Polly Hoganson.  They came because she needed assistance.  They came because they felt indebted for what she and her husband Steve had done for them and for the music community.  They came because they wanted to help.

There were over 100 items donated for the Silent Auction and Raffle. The items were as small as Blenders in the Grass gift certificate, to a custom-made Willing Guitar. We had t-shirts, and CDs as well as house concerts from our local artists (Shane Alexander’s went for $250); we had wine, gift baskets, dinners, artwork, jewelry, drum hardware kits, voice lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, trips to the Channel Islands…we had great stuff!

The White Buffalo -  photo: Cliff Montgomery

But more than the stuff? We had the talent in the house.  The White Buffalo was the headlining act and he brought down the house. Surf pro/musician Timmy Curran was amazing; Nathan McEuen was outstanding; and we also had Zoey favorites like Shane Alexander and Justine Bennett. 50 Sticks of Dynamite played, I heard one of their first gigs was at Zoey’s.  Tommy Marsh did a set with Steve “Smokey” Hinojosa. Guy Martin played with longtime friend Lee Koch.  The rest in no particular order were simply fantasitc, there wasn’t a single bad act all day and night; they all shone:   Kyle Hunt, Todd Hannigan, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Boys, Jade Hendrix, Jamie Drake, Shelby Figueroa, Pi Jacobs, Xoc Moraza, Roger Keiaho, Salty Suites, Max Kasch, Seth Petersen, Calico the Band and many of them brought additional talent to back them up!  They all played for free.  They all played for Polly.

And of course there is the back story of those who help to pull this event together, making the callings for auction items and picking them up, putting up posters (thank you Where2Print.com for donating them), gathering all materials for the day, rallying the troops, contacting the media, writing the stories, going on the radio.  And let’s not forget Diego and Bombay’s for offering up the day for the event!  Two sound guys who worked their asses off (Thank you Robin and John), security, and offering up either gratis items (thank you Firestone 805) or seriously reduced items for the bands.

photo by Amanda PeacockAnd the volunteers showed up.  Some for a few hours, but others all day long from 10:30 until midnight, plus, there were only a few minor hitches!  No matter what was thrown at us in the middle of trying to get through the day, we did our best to keep smiles on, and keep everything in perspective.

It was truly a night to remember for many reasons. But what I took away from the day was the love and generosity this community showed for one of our own.  Polly feels the love and support and is so very appreciative.

Thank you Ventura Music Community.  It was a great day indeed!

See: previous story about concert (before event).
See: Zoey’s The Heart of Local Music No Longer Beats

Photographers who donated their time and photos:
Amanda Peacock


Bob Muschliz

Cliff Montgomery


Albert Munoz

Gene Dunn

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/27/13 – 12/10/13

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Guy Martin

How cool is it that our very own Guy Martin, guitar wiz extraordinaire is opening up for B.B. King at the Majestic Ventura Theater? “It is definitely a rare opportunity, and I’m honored to say the least,” Martin confided to us. You know Martin is going to bring it on and represent Ventura.   Talking about the big night, Martin disclosed his game plan, “It will be the usual in-your-face ‘Guy Martin’ style blues, but maybe with a little toned down homage to the great BB King; possibly a sit-in with the man if I’m lucky.” Backing up Martin will be his long-time friend and bass player of 16 years, Tony Trigueiro, and local skin beater Pete Gallagher driving the bus, on the drums.  B.B. King who recently turned 88 years old, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater, Wednesday, December 4. Visit www.VenturaTheater.net for ticket information.

 I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the 5th annual RAWawards semi-finals for Ventura. Sara Vausbinder, Showcase Director for RAW Ventura explained, “Artists are competing locally for the title of RAWartist of the Year in their category. They then move on to compete nationally – of which our national winners receive career boosting prizes including gallery placements, consultations with professionals in their field, magazine features, and more.” Bands performing for a chance to move on to the National finals are Sleepercub, Ship Wreck, Easy Bear and Jukebox Mutiny. Get out and vote for your favorites Friday, December 6 at Bombay Bar and Grill.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating the opening of their 20th anniversary season entitled, “Festivo!” You’ll want to take the entire family Sunday, December 1, to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center when Nuvi Mehta, the company’s Artistic Director, will narrate Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood with live musicians and slide projects. Mehta told us what parents could expect, “Great stories, great music, great fun and a chance to meet the instruments of the woodwind section!” And according to Mehta, he has a plan on how to keep kids engaged, “Both works are narrated, with music chiming in, and there are images on the screen to see, too! Both of these works are as fun for adults as they are for children.” For more information go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

(This paragraph did not make print copy)  If swing is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Swing Big Band Dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 6th. Dress up and get out and enjoy the full sounds of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring 17 musicians and vocal styling courtesy of Donna Greene. It’s only $15 at the door and if you need more information than that, call (805) 648-1143.

 And as always, it’s a crowd favorite when Billy Vera and the Beaters play the room at Yolie’s. Vera has written a number of hits and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Capitol Records. “At This Moment” which hit #1 in January 1987, still gives me goose bumps! Vera and crew will hit the stage at Yolie’s, Black Friday, November 29. Go to www.HiHatEntertainment.com for more information.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/13/13 – 11/26/13

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Sunday afternoons at the Ventura Harbor just got better for the month of November with “Wine, Dine and Jazz”. Every Sunday, noon to 3:00, live jazz can be heard on the Village Carousel Stage. Participating venues will offer up wine and food specials while patrons get to enjoy jazz out on the grass. Still to come are the Toni Jannotta Jazz Duo on 11/17, and Justin Claveria Jazz Trio on 11/24.

Rockabilly legend, Wanda Jackson, and a psychobilly band from Denmark, Nekormantix, hit the Majestic Ventura Theater on November 24 with local bands supporting the bill including Hard Six who have been called, “the ultimate party band” by members of the Dead Kennedys and have collectively opened for such acts as The Black Eyed Peas, Sponge and Veruca Salt. Also supporting the bill are Radio Threat, The Graveyard Kings and The Cursed Bastards.

After their amazing debut performance at Squashed Grapes, Jazz Punks will be returning to Ventura for a show at Amigos on Friday, November 15. You got to trust me on this, they are off the hook!!! Don’t miss it. And as always, no cover at Amigos on Main, but you’ll want to bring some extra cash for dinner/drinks and to get your own Jazz Punks CD and t-shirt.

The 13th annual 4Kids2Kids Toy Run and BBQ will be held on Nov 23rd at The House of Magic. Grand Marshals are Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf) and Mickey Jones (drummer for Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers, Dylan). Local musicians will be dropping by all day for Nick St. Nicolas all-star band. See www.VenturaRocks.com for more information and flyer.

The Winter Wine Walk is one of those annual events where they shut down portions of downtown Ventura and the town really comes out to mingle with family and friends while visiting participating venues. Snow will be falling on Main Street and music will be provided by Orlando Napier, The British Beat Band and The Bomb. This event, December 7, traditionally sells out ahead of time, so don’t miss out! www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Local favorites Shaky Feelin’ have released their second CD called “Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.” If you know and love the band, trust me, this CD captures the band live at their finest. Plus, they’ll make lovely stocking stuffers for Christmas. Just saying.

And finally, even though Zoey’s may have closed their doors, you have to love Steve and Polly for seeing through this year’s Ones to Watch. They put out feelers for a venue to hold this important event and immediately Jim Rice, Executive Director for Bell Arts, stepped up. “I have been a long time fan of Zoey’s and how they really honor musicians,” Rice explained. “When I heard they needed a venue for The Ones to Watch I thought we might provide the same type of atmosphere and attitude towards singer songwriters.” The Ones to Watch will be held at Bell Arts on Saturday, November 23. Finalists are Alicia Murphy, Max Kasch, Mitchell Blake, Derek Jennings, Grace Fellows, Anita Coats, Gabby Sol, and John Ash.

Eve Mimiaga’s Departure

Pam and Eve

My business partner Eve Mimiaga gave me her notice that she could no longer work on VenturaRocks.com.  It broke my heart, but I completely understand.  She gave me to the end of November.

When I approached Eve, over five years ago about this venture, she didn’t think twice about jumping in.  She was 100% on board about our Mission Statement:

Our Mission is to help stimulate the economy in our favorite city in the whole wide world by promoting venues who offer music and to promote the artists who live in and around Ventura as well as those who travel here to play.
We want to inspire people to get out and support Ventura’s music scene.
We promise never to charge the venues or the artist to be listed on VenturaRocks.com.

That’s a pretty cool endeavor.

We’ve had a blast working together going out supporting shows and becoming friends with so many venue owners and artists.

But there is a cost, monetarily, physically and mentally.  We have not made a dime off of VenturaRocks.com to date.  We’ve sold a lot of t-shirts, but those sales have not covered the cost of producing them yet.  So, no, we have nothing to show, but the fruits of our labor, a more vibrant music scene. We have paid for everything out of our own pockets, which neither of us is complaining about, we’ve been happy to do it.  But the strain of every single week compiling information from venues and bands has taken its toll on Eve.

She has had to continue to badger certain venues for their music listings, sometimes driving there to speak to some new employee who could care less about the music and who has never heard of VenturaRocks.com.   Your first response might be, “Screw them!  Don’t list them.” But we want to be the source for people who want to hear music.  So we have to cover everyone, whether the venues care or not.  I feel her frustration.  And I’m going to know it more intimately as she hands over all her notes and contacts so I can take it over.  But more than anything, Eve would like to be able to relax and not deal with the strain of a deadline twice a week.  She has earned a stress-free life.

I love Eve dearly and we will continue to be best of Friends and we will continue to hang out and support shows.  Our families will continue to spend holidays together and I plan on growing old together, so don’t worry about our friendship.  It’s rock solid.

This blog post is about validation for Eve.  Her selfless contribution to Ventura’s music scene is appreciated.  Ventura Rocks even more because of her.

Album Review – Shaky Feelin’

Live at Green Art People
By Pam Baumgardner

Live at Green Art People

Live at Green Art People

If your band kills it live and your following is loyal, it’s a complete no brainer that you have to record your next CD live.  Too often when a band goes into the studio their collective sound becomes sterile and they lose the essence of what makes them special.  Hence, Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People was recorded during one of Green Art People’s weekly Wednesday night shows on April 24, 2013, and the band nailed it!

While doubling drumming is not a new idea, it’s always a treat when you get to witness it first hand.  Two drum kits with Cameron Probe and Paul Menchaca working off each other, complimenting each other and sometimes working in unison to create a fuller sound.  Love it!  Add to that a strong bass line from Rob Jeffries, and impeccable keyboards from Franklin Murphy for that extra fuller layer of rhythm, creating a perfect balance for Mr. Masson on lead guitar. The thing about Mark Masson is that he really knows how to play his guitar.  He creates these loops live on the spot, and plays upon those layers.  You can only imagine how many hours it took to gain the ability to play like he does, but trust me, it was time well spent.

Together, the band creates this amazing upbeat groove that so seductive and addictive, you’ll find yourself dancing with a room full of people as one, or by yourself if you play this CD in the privacy of your own home!

Friday night, November 8, at The Tavern was packed to the gills and the night was a huge successful for the launch of the new CD.  Seriously, the band is something to behold live.  I found myself cruising around, shooting pictures and talking with people, it was undeniable the love and support this town has for the boys.

Danielle Marie Aue told us, “The Number One reason I like Shaky Feelin’ is because when I hear them I have to dance, you can’t sit still during a Shaky show.  The Number Two reason is the atmosphere and following, it’s like a family reunion every time!  Everyone is dancing with everyone, feeling free and welcoming new followers.  And the Number Three reason is that it’s different and the same; I always hear something new that keeps me intrigued but I always hear something I know which keeps me coming back for more.”  Describing the band’s sound Aue said, “I would describe their music as a little bit of everything; unstoppable and unforgettable.”

Seth Brandes said he likes the band for a couple of reasons, “They are a generation younger than myself,” he explained. “Mark who leads the band is 30 years old and he writes lyrics using the word, ‘groovy!’  How many kids his age use the word, ‘groovy?’  Not too many, but Mark does! But what I really like about the band is that they create a sound that’s much larger than really who they are. There’s a big percussion section behind them, but really only three guys on guitar, bass and keyboards, yet it feels like a much larger band without being really really loud. I also like the way they improvise, they’ll move from one musical genre to another effortlessly between songs.”

A self professed Shaky Feelin’ virgin Maggie Ramos McKinney, said,”I can’t believe I’d never heard them before!!! I’m hooked and can’t wait to listen to the CD!”

And finally, two of my favorite women here in town, who are BIG FANS of the band share the same thoughts, “Bottom line, when I hear Shaky Feelin it gives me happy Feet. Such a fun engaged band,” exclaims Cheryl Swift.  And local photographer, Amanda Peacock, says she likes Shaky Feelin’, “Because the music makes me FEEL GOOD! It makes me get a Shaky Feelin’!”

Do yourself a favor and invest in our local boys and get yourself a copy of Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.

www.ShakyFeelin.com
www.Facebook.com/ShakyFeelin

Guitar, Vocals: Mark Masson
Keyboard, Vocals: Franklin Murphy
Bass: Rob Jeffries
Drums, Vocals: Paul Menchaca
Kit-Cussion: Cameron Probe

Shakey Feelin Live at Green Art People was recorded by Jon DeBaun.

 

Benefit Concert Scheduled for Polly

The music community is coming together to help a woman who has been the heart and soul of the Ventura music scene for many years, Polly Hoganson.  Polly and her husband Steve were pivotal in helping so many artists launch their careers, giving them a safe place to play as well as bringing national acts to our town. Now Polly needs our help.  There will be a benefit concert on November 24 at Bombay Bar and Grill, 143 S California St, Ventura, from 3:00 pm to midnight. The benefit will help with medical expenses and recovery for a much needed operation.

At press time these are the artists schedule to perform:  The White Buffalo, Timmy Curran, Meiko, Shane Alexander, Todd Hannigan, Lee Koch, Guy Martin, Tommy Marsh, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Boys, Kyle Hunt, Jade Hendrix, Justine Bennett, Jamie Drake, Shelby Figueroa, Pi Jacobs, Nathan McEuen, Xoc Moraza and Roger Keiaho and more!  (Added note 11/20: The more includes:  Calico the Band, Max Kasch Trio, Chelsea Williams and Salty Suites, Seth Petersen)

This will be a full night of amazing music for someone who has helped launch and nurture the careers of so many musicians. Tickets will be available at the door $15 from 3-6pm; after 6pm $20. Also scheduled is a raffle/silent auction.

Click here to Purchase tickets in advance.  Or Click Here to make a Donation.

Thank you for your help.

(Added note 11/20: contributions from Guitar Center, The Watermark, Amigos, Saltzers, Betty B, Blenders in the Grass, Channel Island Packers, Four Brix Winery, Got Rhythm Dance, Pulse Drumming, Rubicon, Squashed Grapes, Totally Local VC Dinner series, Trufflehound, Ventura Wine Walk, Winchesters, Yoga Jones, Garman’s, Architexture, The Armory, Sweet Pea Floral, BluesAholics, Pin Ups, DW Drums, Pete’s Breakfast house, Guitar Tech Corner, JD Wolf Photography, Willing Guitars, VenturaRocks.com, Robin Lee, Mary Osborne Surf Camp, Edwin C Dies, Suzanne Blanco Massage, Kim Pickering Print, Brendan B. Willing art, Delaney Gibson art, Guy Martin DVD & shirts, Kat Wasden, Shawn Jones music, Pi Jacobs music, Print from Amanda Peacock, Where2Print posters, Jodi Farrel voice lesson, Chrstine Marie intro violin…. and more coming in!!!)
Heart & Soul

Deep Pockets at Wine Dine & Jazz

The Ventura Harbor is trying something new called Wine Dine & Jazz on Sunday afternoons in November with participating merchants offering up wine and food specials while patrons get to enjoy some amazing jazz out on the Village Carousel Stage.
The first Sunday in November they offered up one of our favorites, Deep Pockets.  Still to come: Jon Stanger Jazz Duo on 11/10, Toni Jannotta Jazz Duo on 11/17, and Justin Claveria Jazz Trio on 11/24.

Blues at the Beach – 2013

BATB_Misc_003We can’t imagine there won’t be more future events like this because Blues at the Beach was a huge success!  Players Casino, Roadshow Revival and Totally Local VC teamed up to bring a Blues festival to Ventura County and they pulled it off to a big win on November 2, 2013.
All the acts on the bill were outstanding with the 44’s opening, then the R&B Bombers, Guy Martin, Shawn Jones, James Harmon, The Mannish Boys and Elvin Bishop.  Extra added treat was Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds joining both The Mannish Boys & Elvin Bishop for a number of songs.
We hope you enjoy some of the photos we took:

Headliner: Elvin Bishop


The Mannish Boys

James Harmon

 

Shawn Jones

Guy Martin

The R&B Bombers

See you next year!

Jonny Reese of Amigos and Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com

Jonny Reese of Amigos and Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com