Vacaville Represents at Sac IBC
Mick Martin’s Birthday Party
Northern California Blues Festival
Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival - 8/23/08
B.B. is still the King of the Blues
Mr. December at Constable Jack's - 5/9/08
I had promised Dana Moret that I would make it up to Constable Jack's to see Mr. December on Friday, May 9th on a purely personal note since she treats me so well when I make it up to Newcastle to see a show. I didn't know what we were in store for but did have lofty expectations having read the bios of the band members. I have found from past experience to beware of high expectations because a let down is usually the outcome. Not on this night. This is a band with an amazing mix of talent, all bound together to form a really hot, rock-a-blues sound. Rarely does a band have a cast of members that are exciting to watch individually as well as together.
Front lady, Dana Moret is one the nicest ladies you'll ever meet besides being a fabulous singer and performer. She takes control when she is on stage and creates a personal relationship with her audience. She has a commanding voice and a style that reminded me of Janis Joplin at times with a little Tina Turner thrown in to spice it up. I was really impressed with her range of vocal skills as well as her energetic stage presence. She has definitely formed her own style after gaining experience singing with many people including side by side runs with Tim Barnes and Stoneground and Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers.
If you like a band with plenty of guitar action then I have found the band for you. There's plenty of guitar work in this band to make everyone take note. Chris Martinez is a crazy talent and plays an axe like it's on fire. He has a sort of Stevie Ray Vaughn feel and I had to just stand and watch at times when he would break off into a solo fret run. Chris has played with the likes of Chuck Berry, Commander Cody and Jimmy Rogers. Jimmy Papastathis is the other side of the stage workin' a strat like he stole it. He steps up and shows his talents and has a great rock-blues sound. Jimmy has also played with Tim Barnes as well as Pat Travers, Cold Blood and has toured with Mick Martin.
Keeping the beat alive are bassist Steve Schofer and drummer Billy Roberts. Steve is a great bassist and is also part of the stage show, not just sitting back providing thump. He is great to watch and works his bass enthusiastically. He has backed a lot of people including Mick, Sonny Rhoades and others. Drummer Billy Roberts is a real percussion talent as well as getting to show off his songwriting and vocal skills as an integral part of this band. Billy spends a lot of time in the studio and has been writing and recording since he was a kid.
Put this bunch all together on stage and look out. They mix it up and transfer seamlessly from blues cuts to rock to soulful anthems and often mix it all together. Their performance is exiting and lively and you will find your feet tapping immediately followed by an irresistible urge to get up and dance. The hard part isn't getting up; it's trying to find a place to take a break. This band is uniquely talented and there was never a dull moment.
When you leave a Mr. December show, you'll get in the car and say "wow, that was amazing". The best compliment a reviewer can have is to say I'm looking forward to seeing them again.
"Keep your eyes and ears open, the Blues are alive in Northern California!"
Cole Fonseca at the Torch Club - 3/28/08
Blues Blowout at Cache Creek - 2/1/08
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