Reckless Steamy Nights
Fri. Sept 24, with Peter Veteska and Blues Train
Fall arrived last Thursday and, as if on cue, the next day was followed by a cool evening at the Women’s Club in Red Bank heated up by Peter V’s Blues Train featuring very special guest, Pennsylvania’s own Mikey Jr.
To date. the Mikey Junior Band is the only band to represent the JSJBF at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and reach the finals, losing only to the eventual winner, Selwyn Birchwood.
Peter Vetska runs his own business, Architectural Detailing, a company that creates one of a kind handcrafted furniture and room construction design masterpieces for homes of distinction. That’s his day job. By night, however, he is the lead singer and terrific guitarist of a band of some of the finest musicians around. Bassist Coo Moe Gee has fronted and played in Jazz and Blues bands for most of his adult life. Teamed with drummer Alex D’Agnese, they are among the most formidable rhythm sections around. When you add Jeff Levine, former keyboard player for many years with Joe Cocker’s band and the owner of Shore Fire Recording Studio in Long Branch, you know you are in for a stellar night of live, driving Blues.
The Peter V Blues Train has released four CD’s in the past five years and this night was supposed to be the debut of the new collection, titled “So Far, So Good.” Unfortunately, production issues pushed back the release several weeks. Nevertheless, that didn’t preclude the band from treating us to several of the new numbers including the title track, “I’ve Got the Blues This Morning” and “My One and Only Muse.” The band’s own styling of tunes like “You Don’t Love Me” and Black Cat Bone” also allowed them to stretch out, giving Jeff room to display his ample talents on both the electric piano and organ. Given this performance, I can’t wait to hear the rest of the songs when the new CD comes out.
Mikey Jr. then got the audience going, singing and playing harp on “Got Me A Fat Woman.” Surprise guest, Gary Neuwirth, joined in on several songs, including some great call and response on the harp with Mikey Jr. By the time they finished “Blues This Morning,” everyone in the room was standing and applauding.
The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation presents monthly jazz and blues concerts at The Woman’s Club of Red Bank. This month we featured the music of Peter Veteska and Blues Train!
Next month our annual visit from Joe Hughes and Goldenseal, so mark your calendar for October 29th and another great night of blues music.
Shows are on the Last Friday of the Month from 8:00-10:00 PM at the Woman’s Club on 164 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ. The admission is $20 which goes towards next year’s JSJBF Scholarship program. For more information call: 732-933-1984