Jim Liban and Joel Paterson

On Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of playing behind Jim Liban and Joel Paterson. The two are gigging around with a big bag full of blues standards (if you know either guy you’d expect that) but particularly with the tunes from the recent Paterson-produced recording of Liban originals: I Say What I Mean.

If you want to see a recent photo of Jim and an under-construction notice, go here. The placeholder site has been holding its place for some time now, and appropriately so. Jim, like many of us whose musical coming-of-age was in the 60s, does not eagerly embrace the brave new world of hyper-connectivity. He seems comfortable in the role of crotchety old dude. But there are no signs of age in his performance. The energy and assurance in his playing familiar to fans of Short Stuff (I was a big one), are as strong as ever. World class!

And, he’s a helluva songwriter, too. If you have any affinity for the Blues, I cannot recommend their album strongly enough. Joel’s liner notes tell the story and will help you catch up on Jim if you’ve lost track since the Short Stuff days.

Thanks as always to friend and drummer extraordinaire Mark Haines for making my job easy.
Thanks again to Garrett Wartenweiler of The Family Business for filling in for me on The Birddog Blues Band gig. I owe.

Up next:
Thursday, Sept 17, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at the Essen Haus, Madison, WI. Downbeat at 8:30.
Saturday Sept 19, Big Wes Turner’s Trio at Tofflers in New Glarus, WI. On the patio at 8, weather permitting, or inside at 9, if not.
Sunday, Sept 20, Wedding reception with The Cash Box Kings.