By Ralph Jones
9/9/02

Downtowns by design and purpose are gathering places. Drawn by a desire to experience the sights and sounds, people arrive.

Downtown Boise is no exception. It has something for everyone; (musically) Rock, Blues, Jazz, Karaoke, Disco, if it has to do with music, of any kind, you can find a sample any night of the week. Like a cornucopia overflowing with falls' harvest our downtown core dispenses its "fruits" for all to enjoy. Everyone living in Boise and the surrounding communities have a valuable source for enjoying many of the amenities other city folks take for granted. Every night of the week some form of live music is happening at one of the dozen or so clubs that comprise the core of the downtown "beat".

Every week I try to get out to several of the clubs and check out the happenings. Let me tell you what I found last week:

Monday

Most of the clubs were closed for Labor Day. I did get the chance to hear Richard Soliz and his band the 'Blue Ray's, at a private "pool" party. Russ Martin sat in on guitar with Richard, Mike McEnerny on drums and John on bass. It must have been the outdoor setting combined with a great crowd, as the players were really "on". Richard's guitar is fine any time but put Russ in the mix and they take "playing to a new level." Watch for Boise's' Best "A Showcase" in the upcoming months for a chance to see these two together in a club setting.

Tuesday

Three clubs three bands.

Starting at Tom Grainey's Sporting Pub. John Nemeth and the Jacks are there every week usually on Mondays. The Jacks; John on harp, the new rhythm section of John Simpson on bass, Rob Wilson on drums, is anchored by the incredible Mike Trail on lead guitar. John is doing a more traditional blues format with covers of "harp " greats, Sonny Boy Williamson and Junior Wells mixed with John's own compositions. The music is infectious and has the crowd dancing and clapping time. Starting at about 9:30, with no cover charge, you can catch a set or two and still be home by midnight. Adam, Noah, and the "crew" will treat you right. Make it a point to catch John soon.

Next a quick trip to Riders Bar to see the "Jam". Richard Soliz hosts and tonight there were several "guests" including Tom Moore and Lori B. Sometimes the best music happens spontaneously. Jam's are a great place to see mixes of musicians that normally do not play together.

Third stop of the night was the Blues Bouquet where 'Straight Shooter' featuring 60's, 70's, 80's rock and country were playing. ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, and Van Morrison are just a few of the sources for covers done by the "Shooters". More on them another time.

Wednesday

Sees me talking to a lovely lady most of the evening. Very nice getting to know you, L.P.

Thursday

6:00: A fish fry "Red Fish and Blues Music" at the Fish and Game Headquarters. Fat John and the Slims. The rain holds off and the 300 fish eating fans enjoy John Nemeth. The benefit is for the Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days program. Over 4000 4th grade students every year get a tour of the Morrison Nature Center and an education on the Salmon recovery problem we have in Idaho.

8:30: Pengilly's Saloon. Frim Fram Four, John Nemeth in his role as a jazz singer. This lineup has Tom Moore on guitar, Andy Cortens on keyboard and on stand up bass. John sings many of the popular songs from the big band era. Titles by Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra along with many other standards are the bill of fare. Good place to come and talk, yes you can still hold a conversation and enjoy the music.

9:45: Piper Pub. Strolling up the street to hear Ben Burdick, Rebecca Scott, and Debbie Sager on the patio. No need to climb the stairs, the music is really good just sitting on a bench in front of the bank.

10:30: Blues Bouquet. Neighbor Dave and the Kings. Dave, on guitar Bob Christ on bass and on drums, sorry I will get all the names down as time goes on. Dave rocks the house with electric and slide guitar. Hi, Jo, Kitty, Mark and "crew".

Friday

Pengilly's Saloon. Rebecca Scott and Ben Burdick, a sit down relaxing time. String dazzlers these two. They play acoustic guitars and Rebecca sings lead with harmony provided by Ben. They have a new CD out. Better get a copy so I can review it.

Riders Bar. The Solution Brothers, this is the old Martin Robinette Band. With the addition of a keyboard the line up is stellar with Bob Christ on bass, John on drums and on the keyboards. The music is classic "Rock and Roll" featuring songs by The Doors, Santana, and several other greats. Dave Robinette does most of the vocals, with John, the drummer and Bob also singing. Russ Martin's stellar guitar work is impossible to miss. Russ, you make it look so easy but then 40 + years can do that, for some people, anyway. I must admit I closed the place, dancing with Mary was really fun, Thanks.

Saturday

Ha' Penny Bridge Irish Pub. The Paul DeLay Band from Portland and the Brews and Blues Fest. The rain caused a late start but Paul was cooking from under the bridge by 4. Several different "Micro" brews were available to sample and enjoy. Great sounds, sunshine and good company made the time pass too quickly. Nice to meet and talk with you, Nicki.

Off to Fight Night at Farmer Brown's Barn near Star. I am the referee for 20 bouts. Tired and happy I fall in bed about 2.

Sunday

Pool Party again. How can I get this lucky? Thanks Blue Ray's for capping off a great musical week.

That was the week that was. Stay tuned and look this week for:

• The Hyde Park Street Fair
• Reckless Kelly, Muzzie, Mickey, The Motorcars
• Night Train
• Nada Brahma
• James Vincent
• Jeff Baker Trio
• Marcus Eaton and more

See you downtown and around "The Beat".