On the centennial of Miles Davis' birth, Brownman Ali and an exceptional ensemble delivered a powerful tribute to Miles' electric era.
Miles Dewey Davis III was born in Illinois 100 years ago yesterday and his jazzcareer took him across America with stops everywhere including St. Louis and
ending up as so many talented U.S. cousins did – in California. Even some of our
own Canadian performers did the same thing.
The event took place at the Helliwell Hall I was immediately struck by the
beautiful room. What a nice environment for live music, craft beer brewed on site
and some of the best pizza I've ever had. And we weren't there because of any of
that so that was a more than respectable start. Moving forward into the
performance space, I was awstruck.
Another great live venue in the downtown core but that also lacks nothing in the
way of great local food and connection. The crowd was all super friendly and
welcoming. A certain type of kinship exists between people who are coming to this
place because of their love for the same artist or the same genre. Even the same
love of craft beer and great food. So the atmosphere was perfect.
All this before talking about the world class Tribute the The Electric Years of Miles Davis,
from 1969 forward on what would have been Miles' 100th Birthday. Cue the downbeat.
Brownman Ali alongside Juno-nominated keyboardist Nick McLean, Guitarist for Russ
Macklem Sam Dickinson, on guitar, 20yo Jordan Pelunsky on electric bass, and Adam
Mansfield from Brownman Electryc Trio on drums.
Starting with a passionate intro from Brownman himself. It was magic right from the
opening song, 'In A Silent Way"
An excellent night with great sound clarity and fullness. The soundboard maven Jake, did
what he does best, listens and makes great choices behind the mixer.
Would go again. No question ! Next offering in this venue is ________
(*Editorial input: Next offering in this venue is... long past! Visit their website, linked above, for listings of who may be coming up. The house band JIN every Saturday night is fantastic : Known for their electrifying live shows, JIN delivers powerhouse performances spanning classic rock, blues, alternative and Americana favourites.)