Genuine, friendly, down-home and fun describes both the Westallian Brewery and the fundraiser they are graciously hosting this Friday night April 5. Mark your calendars; it promises to be a groovily delicious evening of craft brews and music with the J Ryan Trio. Every penny raised goes directly to the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative. We are beyond excited to debut the Westallion – be there as it ain’t the same without you.
Westallion Brewery
1825 S 72nd St, West Allis, WI 53214
414-578-7998
www.westallionbrewing.com
Friday April 5
7pm – 10pm
I’m told there’s no such thing as a sure thing. But odds are it’s a lock, a lock I say, that April’s Bugsys outing will be a perfectly blended a mix of swingin dance-able tunes, good laughs and gen-u-ine rejuvenation in Milwaukee’s coolest and friendliest spot.
Tell ’em Ryan sent ya.
To which they’ll respond “Ryan who?”
You’ll then clarify “you know – J Ryan”
Which generally prompts the response “Who’s in the what now?”
So yes, it will get awkward, but still – totally worth it.
Bugsy’s Backalley Speakeasy
218 N Water St, Milwaukee
(but enter via the alley off Chicago Ave)
414-221-6565
www.bugsysbackalleysaloon.com
Saturday Apr 20
9pm – 1am
It’s funny, this musical thing of ours. I gotta believe not too many bands slate Miles Davis and Lady Gaga in the same set. Or ricochet from Sinatra to the Temptations while grazing a Stevie Wonder tune. With the way down low notes being the bedrock of the rhythm section, a bassist with a stone-cold grip on that casserole of styles is as rare as hen’s teeth, but we got ’em. Indeed the little ole JRT is blessed to have not one but three, count ’em three tremendous bassists of stratospheric caliber: the triumvirate of Mike, Dave and Cadillac Jimmy.
With a ’64 Coupe Deville in the garage and decades of experience on Milwaukee’s rock scene under his belt, we had to bestow upon him the affectionate moniker of Cadillac Jimmy. Stuttgart? Tokyo? naaah. Only the hard-scrabble ground and true grit of Detroit could incubate things so iconically American as the Cadillac he drives and the Motown, blues and rock that he plays. Kicked around? Sure, a little bit. Both Cadillac and the Jimmy that shares the brand have seen their portion of hard knocks, tough times. But real cars like real people don’t quit. They know what really counts – being the best there is and in exchange enjoying the adulation of those that care deeply about them. Sure, Caddy’s have their enthusiasts, and any car club will geek like hell over a ’59 Eldo, but a Cadillac Jimmy bass line? not even full sticker price can buy you that – it can only be found when he weaves his magic with the JRT.
That was some crazy Kelvinating cold and snow. Had to shovel my roof. My roof for cryin out loud. But I stand by my record: fell 4 times and not a single fatality.
The Bay Restaurant in Whitefish Bay
We are obviously very excited to bring Christmas jazz back to Von Maur. I recall fondly my meeting Santa Claus during last year’s outing. Being a lifetime member of the ‘coal society’ I hadn’t had the pleasure of greeting him face-to-face during my formative years. Anyhoo, as we laid into our first set, ‘ole St Nick descended the escalator while shaking sleigh bells on 2 and 4 in perfect time. Sauntering past the line of kids and leaning over the piano he says to me, and I kid you not, “Hey man, can y’all play some Art Blakey?”. That’s right, Santa was a true blue jazz cat that knew. his. stuff. At that moment, in my mind, he was indeed the real Santa. Voice 2 octaves higher than intended and rife with child-like excitement I heard myself exclaim “Sure thing Santa!”. Well we busted out ‘Moanin’ from the Jazz Messengers and had ourselves a merry little time. So maybe pop on by this Saturday, Dec 15 at Von Maur and say hi to Santa’s groovin’est elves, Or catch us at any of the other superb venues listed above.
Candy Corn – What flavor is it supposed to be? If brainstorming new candy ideas, best to start with something good and make it better – make it candy-er. Corn is not a starting point. Any vegetable really, no-one wants candy asparagus or candy spinach either. Plus they seem perfectly shaped to choke on – was that intentional?
OK
Moving that gear. Keyboards – big ones. And drums – lots of ’em. And stairs. It’s excellent resistance training – with cardio. I save on gym membership; you’d think I’d be in better shape after all that hauling, and I’da thought toting a keyboard down the sidewalk would raise my coolness quotient. Not the case. I’m uncool for, um… other reasons. Many… many other reasons. It’s even changed the way I enjoy watching other live bands. I watch folks play and mentally tally up the gross tonnage of gear on stage – then smile knowing I don’t have to load it out once the set wraps. heeeee he.
Musicians. The musicians themselves. They (and me included) are an absolutely interesting bunch of cats. Yup. Interesting, that’s the adjective we’re going with. Sharing music is a great way to learn the real ins and outs of the people who play it. I’m blessed to share music with some fantastic people, and to have grown to know them so well is one of life’s best treasures.
Our very own Kristi and family returned recently from touring the venerable RCA Studio B in Nashville – part of the Country Music Hall of Fame. I can only imagine what tunes she’ll be adding to our set list.
A reminder to check all drum cases before the gig.
credit: The Onion
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Owners Paul (as in the Paul Spencer Band) and Caroline (as in the Caroline) are national treasures and the staff is the best you’ll find. It’s comfy, casual, classy and cocktail delicious. Stop in to hear the J Ryan Trio’ s musical jambalaya on Thursday and have a truly remarkable experience supporting a truly remarkable venue. For a peek behind the scenes, I don’t have video of the JRT at Carolines (yet) but I do have a clip of ole Ryan messin’ round with Paul’s crew – 
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum hosts the original trio – Mike, Andy and little-ole-me – laying down instrumental morning jazz in the best Tuscan courtyard garden this side of Florence. Make it a summer morning of art and sound. Interestingly Mike, Andy and I convened the first ever live JRT session at the fabulous Tusa Italian restaurant on April 28, 2012. Vocalists were shorter back then.