Mr. B's 9th Annual Boogie Bash
Last night we went to the Blues and Boogie Piano Celebration at the Ark, in Ann Arbor, with Matt and Karen, Chris and Ron, and Paul. It was a four hour marathon of great boogie, blues, and jazz. Bob Seeley rocked the house with some vintage boogie and stride music. Gotta love that "Bumble Bee Boogie." Dave Burrell played some outstanding jazz pieces and improvisations. He was definitely a favorite among our group. Mr. B offered up some blues and boogie, including one with an "Amazing Grace" riff, as its theme. Hilton Ruiz started out with a Latin tinged piece, and followed up with some jazz and showmanship. The end was a piano duet of "Misty," followed by all four performers on stage, using two pianos, just tearing up the place with the ending boogie. It was spectacular. Four hands to a keyboard. (How can you play boogie with your arms around someone else?) Those guys have phenomenally strong hands, and a love for their art. I really enjoyed the mix of musical styles. Each person brought something different to the stage. That Steinway took a royal beating last night. There's not one key they didn't use.