Thursday, October 23, 2008

Saturday Afternoon at the Rex

Saturday, March 22, 2008, 3:30pm
The Rex, Queen & University, Toronto
by Live Music Head

I arrive late
But I still got my spot on the barroom floor
It's Saturday afternoon
But despite the sunny weather outside
The Rex Jazz and Blues Bar is jammed with fans of live music
The noon band is just finishing up
And soon Jerome Godboo and David Rotundo will take the stage
I order myself a cranberry soda
The first friend to arrive brings bad news
Rotundo will not be here today
"What?! Oh, this is very disappointing news!", I say
Godboo and Rotundo are great performers on their own
But it's when they play together
That makes this Saturday afternoon gig so special
As the big hand of the clock inches closer to the six
Standing room only is tight
Clearly indicative of the band's popularity
Jerome takes the stage adjusting his harmonica belt
As the rest of the band moves behind their instruments
"Rotundo won't be here today", Jerome confirms
"No, he's not in jail", he laughs
"Actually he's stranded on a beach in Mexico"
The audience is not sympathetic
It's the month of March in Toronto after all
A few more friends drop in who haven't seen this show before
And I feel the need to explain, "it just won't be the same without Rotundo"
Despite the fact we all know how good Jerome is
The band sends out Deep Sea Diver to the missing one in Mexico
And I notice for the first time Shawn Kellerman
I don't recall seeing him play at this gig before
But boy, can he play his instrument
When Jerome leaves for the jug collection
The show off guitar wanker
Has Kellerman taking the opportunity
To really shine at center stage
Amazing us all with all his mimicking and scat singing
But I couldn't help but wonder if
It was bothersome to anyone else in the band
When Kellerman didn't give up the spotlight easily
Even after the front man returned with the jug
Overflowing with fives, tens and twenties
From the crowd's pay-what-you-can
And the set closer is Hip Shake Thing
During the break, Jerome's other half is selling cds
Jane encourages me to buy the new Humdinger
I note Shawn Kellerman is Godboo's guitarist on this recording
But it's the art design which is interesting
The inside flap has a family bio
And woven around the liner notes about the music
Is a message of clean, healthy and organic living
Can't say I've ever seen a rock or blues cd
With a message like this
Or a cd which includes the fiancé of the artist
But Jerome's love for Jane is clear
He talks about her often from the stage
Pointing her out in the audience, causing heads to turn
During the 2nd set
He even jumps off the stage and from his knees
Sang to her, Eye on You
By this point I've adjusted to not having Rotundo
Alec Fraser is not showy and I'm digging his groovy bass
As well as Al Cross, the drummer
Shortly into the song Not Fade Away
Jerome invites this Max guy up to the stage
I noticed him earlier sitting at a table in front of me
And it was like Max had been holding his breath in anticipation
For Jerome to extend this exact invitation
He ran up to the stage in lighting speed
Folks were taken to another level of show biz excitement
When Max sang Bo Diddley
With dance moves to match, including the splits
It feels like old time rock and roll
With the entire audience singing along to it
And a set closer like this
Damn near blew the roof off the Rex
Thanks Jerome and company
For another great afternoon of blues music
But could you please make sure Rotundo pulls himself away
From the sun, sand, and sea
To return here in time for the next Rex gig
Unless of course he's not in Mexico at all
And he really is in jail
In that case
Perhaps you could use the jug money for his bail



http://www.jeromegodboo.ca/
http://www.davidrotundo.com/
http://www.therex.ca/