A review of the Last Reckless Steamy Nights of 2021 – Friday, October 29, 2021
A Very Special Reckless Steamy Nights by Tom Baldino
On a very windy, rainy last Friday night in October, we hosted the band Goldenseal and their leader Joe Hughes at the Red Bank Women’s Club. Despite the weather conditions outside, an enthusiastic crowd welcomed a band known for their high energy performances and audience interaction. Kicking off with a fiery rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Cold Shot,” we knew this was going to be a special evening.
The rhythm section consisting of drummer Pat “The Legend” Martucci and bassist Jesse Kessler propelled the song along, while their guitarist Art Hoffer, a solid player, who has been with them since the pandemic, offered up some soaring solos while always keeping the tune true to its blues roots. Then there is Joe Hughes, longtime board member who this last month stepped down (more on that later) on his acoustic guitar, vocals, tambourine, with his infectious persona, making it a pleasure for everyone in the room.
Many of us who are familiar with their musical choices were given a treat with the inclusion of songs varying from Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” to the modern country classic “Tennessee Whiskey.” The inclusion of Joe’s self-penned “Streets of America” reminded us of the importance of our country in these divisive times. The first set ended on a high note with the room singing and bopping along to the Foundation’s “Build Me Up Buttercup.”
It was a special night in several regards with our VP, Dennis Eschbach, in attendance, and a special award at intermission to Joe Hughes. For Dennis, it was his first appearance in the months since his operation for oral cancer and his hip replacement. It was great to have him out and participating in the evening’s festivities.
As previously mentioned, Joe, who has been on the Foundation Board since 2003, recently left the law firm and longtime sponsor Zager Fuchs, PC to open his own firm. He decided to step down to concentrate on this new endeavor. He has pledged to continue that sponsorship and presented us with a check covering the upcoming year. In a surprise to him, the Foundation presented Joe with a plaque commemorating his years of service and our gratitude for all that he has done. We had a cake especially in his honor. Also during the intermission a Halloween-themed basket created by Juel Kern was raffled off and won by members Roberta and Raleigh Truitt.
In keeping with the Halloween theme, the band led out with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to open the second set. The surprises continued with Bob Marley’s “Jammin” and ended with a spirited version, their ode to COVID, the Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” It was a wonderful evening of music and friendship, and a terrific way to close out the season for Reckless Steamy Nights.
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See you in 2022!