There's a new look for the Wine Galley at the Pier House. The piano bar is gone, replaced by a beautiful sounding new grand. The sofas are history. We now have tables and comfortable chairs with clean modern lines. Food and beverage manager Kathleen Peace tells us the seating for the wine galley's music will extend out onto the deck when the renovstion is finished. The face lift is making the venue even better.
Lonnie Jacobson and Gordy Michael play from eight till midnight Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you've been living in a cave and have not yet heard these two, do yourself a favor and correct that error. Lonnie is one of the best bass players on the planet, and Gordy is fantastic on the piano and sings superbly as well. You can't fail to be entertained by these outstanding talents.
They began with a Gershwin standard, "Embraceable You". Gordy has a feel for this kind of music. The piano sounded clear and bell- like. His vocal was heaven.
And Lonnie? As Carly Simon said, nobody does it better. Lonnie solos up the neck, creating a wonderful flowing line that takes your breath away. Gordy adds just the right accompaniment, enhancing, never covering. Both play unique inventive lines. There's enough musicality in this room to fuel a rocket.
I have been criticised for using superlatives in my reviews. If you think they are innappropriate, go listen and tell me how one could say anything less.
"S'wunderful" follows, with Lonnie and Gordy swinging it in the second chorus. Both have the experience and musical intelligence to know exactly what to play.
Gordy sang "When I Grow Too Old To Dream". I swooned. That was my grandfather's favorite song. They play it in fours instead of the usual threes, and it is a delight. Gordy's singing is tres romantic.
"Crazy Rhythm" is a bouncy tune. They do it up-tempo without ever getting spastic, like many do. They have the energy, yet keep it in that 30s smoothness. They are proof that you can swing high and wide without getting spastic.
There's a Gordy Michael original I have to hear every time I see them.It's titled "Sincerely Insincere", claiming, "I love the shape of your attitude". The lyric is hilarious. I hope they put it on their forthcoming CD. It's a great tune. "My One and Only You" is slow and dreamy. Gordy's excellent voice can do any style of music. He has an excellent range and slides into falsetto easily. Both use subtle dynamics , which enhance every song. "My Favorite Things" is artistic and enchanting without the usual "Sound Of Music" schicht, once again technically superior. Lonnie's lead lines are sublime.
Drop into the Wine Galley and enjoy these two handsome and talented musicians. They'll play all over your emotions without ever losing their cool. These two could give jazz a good name! Stay cool.