Guest Book

Review of the Yonrico Scott Band 8-9-02, Cafe 290, Atlanta Many folks reading this may have been to the Brothers show tonight and I wish I could have been there too. Unfortunately I haven't yet figured out a way to go to all the shows. On the other hand, I had a pretty great evening myself. The Yonrico Scott Band played tonight at Atlanta's premier jazz club, Café 290. For the handful who don't already know this, the YSB is the Derek Trucks Band without Derek. In other words, while he is on the road playing lead guitar with the Allman Brothers Band his band gigs without him as the YSB. Yonrico is the drummer of the three piece group - and like any band that you would expect to be playing with the Master of the Universe, Derek Trucks, all three of these guys are world-class musicians. Not to mention the fact that not only are they all masters of their craft, they are all genuinely nice folks. I've known Yonrico since 1986 when he played drums on Tinsley Ellis's first solo album, Georgia Blue. Yonrico is the consummate percussionist and plays an energetic style of drumming with distinct African influences. Todd Smallie has been playing with the DTB since the beginning and is one of the best in the business - his six string bass is a major part of the DTB sound. His beautiful wife Brooke was at the show tonight, but baby daughter Gwyneth stayed at home with the grandparents. Tonight was a revelation of sorts to me concerning Kofi, the newest member of the band (about four years). His keyboard and flute have become trademarks of the DTB, but I really didn't realize how important was his songwriting contribution to this band. The new DTB album has been reviewed several times on this Web site and is being received with critical acclaim. I feel like there is a tidal wave about to crest over these guys and I'm looking forward to the ride. Well, turns out that of the 10 songs on Joyful Noise, Kofi wrote 6 of 'em. This guy is a monster! In fact, during the second break tonight he told me something about Derek that I'd like to relate. Kofi said about the new album [as best as I can paraphrase], "Derek is amazing. I mean, I live with the guy, I see him every day, and his heart is incredible. He really thinks he can make a difference. And so do I." I do too, Kofi. So to set the stage, Café 290 is a small jazz club in Sandy Springs just outside I-285 off Hilderbrand, near Roswell Road. It is an intimate supper club with a mostly black audience in a mostly white suburb - folks who care about jazz. There is seating for maybe 70. The food is exceptional. And expensive. The Yonrico Scott Band draws a large and diverse crowd - they've built an audience over recent years. They play straight-ahead jazz with a couple of DTB songs thrown in, including one off the new album. As a jazz trio, the YSB is one of the best - the Café 290 regulars were shaking their heads with amazement. All the help in the kitchen came out to watch and service was disrupted for awhile. This is an attentive crowd, listening intently to the music and applauding at all the right places, definitely appreciating the musicianship on display. Man oh man, was this ever a great show! I like jazz as much as the next guy, but it is not my passion - not like the music of the Allman Brothers Band. I enjoy the jazz influences I hear in my favorite music and even urge the guys to move in that direction. But I don't usually listen to straight jazz on my CD player. I've listened to just about enough to be knowledgeable about it and appreciative of it without obsessing about it. Until now. I received an education tonight at the hands of these three musicians. Whooping and hollering is not what you expect from a Café 290 crowd, but tonight the joint was rocking! Playing four sets over the course of the evening, the YSB displayed sheer joy along with their virtuosity, smiles breaking out all over. Luckily the show was taped and will be available shortly. The best thing about this evening is that it is all going to happen again tomorrow (Saturday) night at the same place. If you live in the Atlanta area, come by around 8:30 and tell all your friends! Can't make it tomorrow because there's not enough notice? Well, you are in luck. The Yonrico Scott Band is playing again next week on Thursday night at Jake's Roadhouse on Lawrenceville Highway a couple miles inside I-285 on the right. This should give you plenty of time to work out the details and make it to the gig. Now listen folks, if you've read this far then I have a surprise for you - I've saved the best for last. My pick for best unknown guitarist - Donna Hopkins - will be sitting in with the boys on Thursday. I can't say enough about Donna - she is the reason I am Hophead. This gal has a little bit of Duane in her - and I do not say that lightly. So make your plans to head out to Jake's on August 15th for a double whammy - the best jazz trio around and the best guitarist that you haven't heard yet. It'll be an evening to remember ... Yonrico Scott Band Café 290 August 9, 2002 Set One 1. Stolen Moments - Oliver Nelson 2. Bedtime Story - Herbie Hanc*ck 3. B2 Boogaloo - Kofi Burbridge 4. Seven Steps to Heaven - Miles Davis 5. Tutu - Miles Davis 6. Chicken - Peewee Ellis Set Two 1. Elegant People - Weather Report 2. Red Clay - Freddie Hubbard 3. Chicken Shack - Jimmy Smith * 4. Red Baron - Jimmy Cobb * 5. Crazy - Kofi Burbridge 6. Ain't That Lovin' You - 7. Impressions - John Coltrane * with Lindsey Brock on Stratocaster Set Three 1. Watermelon Man - Herbie Hanc*ck 2. Bur-Bop - Kofi Burbridge 3. Everything Is Everything - Donnie Hathaway 4. Crawfish - Kofi Burbridge 5. Out of the Madness - Yonrico Scott 6. Yield Not - Bobby Bland Set Four 1. Every Good Boy - Kofi Burbridge 2. Foot Print - Wayne Shorter 3. Chameleon - Herbie Hanc*ck 4. Shake Everything You Got - Maceo Parker