Thursday, August 26, 2021, 7-10PM
On a hot August night, the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation resumed our quarterly membership meetings, the first in eighteen months, at a wonderful new venue for us, Triumph Brewing Company at 1 Bridge Ave, Red Bank.
A great setting for musicians and customers alike, their winning combination of outstanding craft beers on tap, a variety of unique mixed drinks and tasty food dishes along with a slew of rockin’ blues musicians resulted in a terrific night for all.
The Incinerators got everyone started and in the mood with a six-song set that included “Help Me”, “Talk to Your Daughter” and a favorite rendering of mine, the Rides’ version of “My Imagination.” At that point I was invited to the stage to conduct the “business” portion of the night. I was overwhelmed by the turnout, so many familiar faces not seen since that last meeting at Marlins in February 2020! The packed room also included some new faces, showing that our JSJBF social media posts are effectively reaching music lovers from our community in cyberspace. After talking briefly about upcoming events, the need for volunteers, especially those with special skills that we need to make the foundation run more smoothly, The Incinerators returned to finish their set with “Discarded”, featuring the fabulous Miss Kimmie on vocals, “Sugar Coated Love” and “Showdown”.
Once the band left the stage, the open mic jam began with Frank Fraishe on sax, Tad Schaefer and Jim Fritz on guitars, Mike Fash on bass, and Walter Doebrenz on drums. Their three song set was highlighted by a smoking version of Robert Cray’s “She’s Into Something”. Next up, Peter V, whose new CD should be out shortly, was joined by Charlie Wuth on guitar, John Dammaco on bass, and Walter again on drums. They performed a great version of “Black Cat Bone” and the sultry slow blues, “If You Don’t Love Me,” accentuated by letting the guitars stretch out, to the delight of the audience. Our third jam group featured Bob Del Rosso and Rob Chiarappa on guitars, Chris Martell on drums, Mike Fash on bass, Dave Altemose on sax, and Wayne Kessler on harp. The Howlin’ Wolf classic “Killing Floor” and Freddie King’s “Big Legged Woman” were given the full treatment by this group of blues jammers! Our last group was fronted by Michael “The Reverend” Rochelle of the Shadetree Mechanics, with Chris Martell on drums, Rob Chiarappa and Tad Schaefer on guitars, Mike Fash on bass, and our Jazz & Blues by the Sea headliner Jonny B on Harp. A fiery rendition of Eric Clapton’s “I’m Tore Down” had the audience on their feet and the finale, “Got My Mojo Working”, had everyone singing and dancing along. It was a great night of food, drink, great music and good fellowship. Check our website and social media platforms for the dates and locations for upcoming events and the next Quarterly Membership meeting. We’d love to see you there.
1 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701