I got to hear Jon Cleary perform on Saturday night at New York City's legendary Bitter End on Bleecker Street. I wouldn't say a N.Y. appearance by Cleary is rare. But it certainly isn't as easy to see him here as it is in New Orleans.
The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Jon's long time band, had a new drummer. Gone is A.J. Hall, an amazing talent, for sure. In his place was Thomas Glass, who effortlessly played some heavy duty funk, while never overstaying his welcome. I exerted more energy getting off and on my bar stool than Glass did in a fiery 105 minute set that had more than enough "holy crap" moments on the kit. With respect to A.J. Hall, Glass was more my speed and I hope he sticks around.
As always, long time AMG member, bassist and vocalist Cornell Williams lit up the stage. It was one of the best sets I've seen in some time and I've seen Cleary more times in the last 25 years than I've seen my mother.
As expected, I got up on Sunday morning wanting to hear Saturday night's performance, something in the day and age of technology, isn't an impossibility. But alas, the tapers were quiet and nothing had surfaced...yet. So, I went deep into my archives and found a radio broadcast from 2010 that was unique in a few ways.
This show from 2010 was billed as Jon Cleary's Piano, Bass & Drums and featured a rare trio of Cleary, James Singleton on "bass fiddle" and Doug Belote on drums. The performance was from Lafayette Square during French Quarter Fest, 4/14/10 and the set list was to die for, as were many of the special arrangements. Even WWOZ managed to keep their station IDs to a minimum.
I know some of you have an interest in this music, so this is here for you. I loved it so much, I needed to share. If you think this is not in your wheelhouse, it's here anyway.
SET LIST
It Ain't My Fault
Mary Ann
I Get The Blues When It Rains
Take My Heart
Help Me Somebody
Bringing Back The Home
C'mon Second Line>
Piano Solo>
C'mon Second Line Reprise
Brickyard Blues
Those Lonely, Lonely Nights
Leaving Trunk
Tipitina
Don't Do Me That Way
Young Boy Blues
Loberta
When You Get Back
So Long
11 comments:
Thanks so much. What a great way to start the week. Pure joy. Glad you had a great time on Saturday. I am sure the show will turn up.
Liked AJ and he had been with Jon for a few years, so not sure what happened. I was at that Laf Square show and recall it being damn good (James is a great bassist).
FYI - link isn't working for me!?!
I double check links before publishing. It's def active. Try a different browser. If that doesn't work, I'll get it t you.
RE: A.J.--I liked him, too. Though too often I think he shows up Cleary. I wonder if that was the issue.
Looks like a great set. The link worked just fine for me.
"keep their station IDs to a minimum" FCC regulation is every 30 minutes at a minimum.
- Paul in DK
"I've seen Cleary more times in the last 25 years than I've seen my mother." Ha! A nice way to start the week.
Got it - security had to be overridden. To me, that set list is prime Cleary.
I think you posted this before. I have it and can't think of any other way it would be on my hard drive. But thanks again. I've played it often and agree it's a special show.
You're right, back in 2010. I had forgotten. That link is dead, so here we are again.
Glad you got to see Jon. We saw him at FQF and it was terrific. That piano, bass, and drums set is a keeper (I still have it from when you posted in 2010).
Listening now and it sounds great! (Hey, aside from all the things we don't love about modernity and tech, it is pretty cool that files can be exchanged as easily as this)
I've just seen Jon Cleary once, at the 2019 Jazz Fest (last one I've been to, so far). He was so great!
Thanks for sharing this show.
I cannot wait to hear this! Thank you.
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