Kerry Kearney Band, Special EFX at Long Beach Jazz Festival 2016 September 19, 2016

Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal, Photography, Travel.
trackback

On Friday, for the first time in four years, I came to the second day of the four-day Long Beach (NY) Jazz Festival. This was the festival’s 14th year and the sixth year I’ve attended.

I was there to see Chieli Minucci and Special EFX, but was treated to blues by the Kerry Kearney Band beforehand.

Despite running 7.6 miles earlier in the afternoon, I walked a mile and a half to the Wantagh LIRR station just before 4:00. I waited for the 4:27 westbound train, which I took to Lynbrook. Then, I switched platforms to board the Long Beach train. I took the same two trains four years ago.

After I arrived in Long Beach, I walked to Brixx & Barley for a pasta dinner. I had eaten there with my parents and sister on Mother’s Day after we walked the Long Beach Boardwalk.

Unfortunately, there was still a lot of time before the Long Beach Public Library was opened to patrons. So, I walked to the nearby Starbucks and treated myself to dessert. There were only a few people outside the library when I left, but a crowd had gathered when I returned. I was still able to get a front row seat when the doors opened at 6:45.

The Kerry Kearney Band went on just after 7:00.

Here’s Kerry in action:

The rest of Kerry’s band was David Cohen on piano:

Gerry Sorrento on bass:

Mario Stiano on drums:

…and Nydia “Liberty” Mata on percussion:

I saw Nydia perform with Alan Bates at the 2008 festival, and she played the steel drums during cocktail hour at my friends Jenni and Clemente’s wedding reception a few weeks after the 2011 festival.

The band was also joined by Victor Poretz on harmonica:

…and Charlie on trombone:

A few wide shots:

The last note:

The set lasted about an hour. A half hour later, it was time for Chieli Minucci and Special EFX.

As with the Kerry Kearney Band, Special EFX was introduced by Steve Adelson, Long Beach Jazz Festival founder and Chapman Stick player:

Chieli played electric guitar:

…and acoustic guitar:

Jay Rowe was on keyboards:

Jerry Brooks on bass:

Joel Rosenblatt on drums:

…and Antoine Silverman on violin:

As always the set list was a mix of Special EFX tunes and Chieli’s solo work. Here’s the list:
1. Courageous Cats
Originally heard on: Jewels (Chieli), 1995

2. Dance on the Delta
Originally heard on: Yet to be released album

3. Crazy Eights
Originally heard on: Genesis, 2013

4. Daybreak
Originally heard on: Global Village, 1992

5. Speak to Me
Originally heard on: Masterpiece, 1999

6. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (Allman Brothers Band cover)

7. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers (Stevie Wonder cover; based on Jeff Beck version)
Originally heard on: Renaissance (Chieli), 1996

8. Kickin’ It Hard
Originally heard on: Night Grooves (Chieli), 2003

Antoine Silverman did not perform on #1 and #7.

Various shots of Chieli Minucci:

Jay Rowe:

Jerry Brooks:

Joel Rosenblatt:

Antoine Silverman:

Wide shots:

After the last note:

The bow:

With that, my night was complete. It was great to be back at the Long Beach Jazz Festival. I hope to be there again next year.