Sonny Lowe's Blues Jam at Jasper's, Sebastopl. 5/12/05

Sonny Lowe’s Blues jam at Jasper’s, 5/12/05

"Jasper’s is back open" ran the word, "Sonny’s gonna have the Thursday Jam again!" I figured I go see what Jasper’s looked like now and if things have changed.

Jasper’s is one heck of a lot cleaner now, all the decayed beer company streamers and left over St. Paddy’s Day decorations are gone and the walls have lost their cobwebs. I got a Sierra pint from Vinnie the new owner (and former lead singer in a reggae band).

Looking at the bandstand, only the drums were set up at 9:00 and Jake Mackey was fooling with the drum set up. I didn’t see any of Jake’s guitars. In typical fashion Sonny Lowe, David Burke, and Tall Paul the bassman walked in and set up without comment; it was then I realized that Jake was the drummer! Sonny said to Jake, "You play everything else, please tell me you don’t play harmonica?" Jake gave him a big grin and said, "Yeah, I do, not as good though--yet." Sonny just shook his head.

David Burke, looking like he had a black cloud over him, cranked his guitar and they began with Wolf’s "I didn’t know." Right from the first Burke was hot and had that raw ‘Wolf’ sound. "I’m Ready" with Sonny sounding organ-like on chromatic harp and an aggressive guitar solo from David really cut through and people started gathering by the bandstand and dancing. Face after familiar face came in the back door until about half the blues and dance regulars were in the house.

Right here I have to rave about David Burke. What a great singer and guitar player! Whether "Someday Baby" or "Backdoor Man" the guy has the blues pipes and the tough sounding guitar to really take it places. What a talent, too bad he hates to travel. I guess he’ll remain a Sonoma County secret. Sonny and David and the guys worked their way through a whole set of classics done their way. Jake proved to be a solid basic drummer, and Tall Paul was his competent self on bass. We were dancing hard now and there was a good crowd for a Thursday.

After a long, long break, David started playing Wolf’s "Who’s Been Talking" and the others jumped back on the stand. Burke is one guy who can do Wolf; he has the vocal power for it. And the personal engagement for it.

My baby caught the train
Left me all alone
My baby caught the train
Left me all alone
She knows I love her
She doin' me wrong

My baby bought the ticket
Long as her right arm
My baby bought the ticket
Long as my right arm
She says she's gonna ride
Long as I been from home

Well, who been talking
Everything that I do
Well, who been talking
Everything that I do
Well, you is my baby
I hate to lose
(C. Burnett)

After several more powerful tunes, including a heartfelt "Oh Baby, You Don’t Need Me Like I Need You", other leading Sonoma County musicians began to join the band and the base group sat out. Sonny’s Jam is NOT an open jam, only recognized musicians known to the band sit in. It is an opportunity for the musicians to get to play together. Several musicians got to show their chops. Levi Lloyd sat in and did a fine job on Magic Sam’s "I Don’t Want It All (I just want a little bit)" with it’s funky riff.

The base band got back on stage and did several fine tunes; then Skye O’Bannion joined them. With a big chromatic tone Skye did a knock out jump rhythm "OH Baby, This Ain’t Too Good" and then did an outstanding slow drag Sonny Boy "Keep Your Hands Out My Pockets (I ain’t got nothing for you)". It was marinated in blues.

The last break started dragging on again and I decided to go home and get some sleep. Sonny, ya gotta do something about those breaks, you’ll lose the audience. A fine night and I’m real happy Jasper’s is back with new knowledgeable management, and I’m happy Sonny is back with his jam. It’s quietly one of the highlights of the Sonoma County scene. Thursday nights — be there!