Chuck Lambert was the first local musician I became familiar with when I moved back to the Jersey Shore at the turn of the century, after a nearly thirty-year absence. He was a straight-up blues man and was one of the main reasons I became involved with the JSJBF. All these years and many musical roads later, I’m hosting Reckless Steamy Nights with Chuck and his top-notch band, which includes Eric Salkin on sax, Bob Stasiak on keyboards, and the rock-solid rhythm section of Eddie Ellis on bass, and Chip Dixon on drums.
On a beautiful night, it was a testament to Chuck’s popularity that there wasn’t an empty seat in the room, with fellow musicians like Lee Sanderson, standing in the back! It was nice to have a balance of new and old faces there, eager to hear the band. As I mentioned earlier, Chuck is a blues man who represented the JSJBF at the IBC in Memphis several times in the early 2000’s, but over the years, he has studied with the late great jazz guitarist, Jerry Topinka, and has gravitated in that direction, but his music is still firmly planted in the blues.
The first several numbers were instrumental workouts, leading into a medley of Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins Con Carne,” coupled with the great Taj Mahal’s “Strut,” featuring some terrific sax soloing from Eric. Chuck’s ability to curate a set list, next featured Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah I Just Love Her So,” one of his mid-century gems that the band really brought to life, including Chuck’s lively banter with the audience. From there, Chuck encouraged the room to harmonize on the Band’s classic “The Weight,” which they did with great results. Chuck then led out with a spoken intro, giving listeners a vivid picture of the main character in Benny Golson’s jazz standard, “Killer Joe,” over the band playing behind him. From there, Chuck’s deep rich tone highlighted a very personal interpretation of Bill Withers “Just the Two of Us.” Up next was a spirited version of a song made famous by Nat King Cole, “Route 66,” which featured a searing solo by Bob on the keys. The first set closer took Chuck back to his blues roots with a song originally sung by Buddy Guy, “Blue No More,” which included his outstanding solo and some gritty vocals.
The second set kicked off with a jazz instrumental, Pee Wee Elis’ “The Chicken,” with Eddie stepping up, laying down a funky bass solo. One of my favorites, Robben Ford’s “You Cut Me to the Bone,” included some nice vocals and inspired playing from Chuck. They then reached all the way back to 1939 and Billie Holiday’s timeless recording, “God Bless the Child,” with some of Chucks most heart felt and powerful singing. In a tip of the hat to the King, B. B., that is, they did a rocking version of his calling card, “I’ll Play the Blues For You.” Another great choice, “The Shaker Song,” made famous by Spyro Gyra was a hit with the crowd. The Joe Zawinul classic, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” closed out the night on a high note, and everyone there knew they had just witnessed a man and his band at the peak of there powers.
If you missed the show and want to see them live, which I highly recommend, go to www.ChuckLambert.com for upcoming dates.