James Marshall Berry

I’ve been playing in San Rafael for easily the last 30 years or so, in one way or another, either at rehearsal spaces like Hun Sound, The Music Spectrum or Marin Recorders or at clubs like

New Georges

Pete’s 881

Or the Fourth Street Tavern

So when the AC/DC tribute act High Voltage asked me to sit in on bass to play the Tavern on Jan 3, 2009, I jumped at the chance. Now, mind you, being a musician comes with quirks.. we just can’t help it.. we all have silly/stupid things we do or don’t do before a show. Back in the day with Southbound, I wouldn’t eat at all before a show. Southbound was a Southern rock tribute act that I was in for 10+ years and we were a 4-set, 9-1am deal. Typically I’d eat at 2 in the morning somewhere. The Graycoats, Flanelhed, and many 1-night stand acts were all 1 set acts, but typically the 1 set in those bands took up as much energy as the whole night in a cover or tribute act.

So my buddies would all go out to eat and I’d hang at the club and they’d come back with tales of Italian, Pizza, Chinese and Sushi. I may have had a bag of chips at the bar. It was just something I did.

Even now I have to have ’space’ before I go onto a stage to ‘get my head together.’ It drove my wife crazy. ” What the hell’s wrong with you??” was the usual. It only seems to happen when I’m going onto a real stage. Playing a casual gig or the corner of a bar doesn’t invoke the same emotions. If I have to sing for a 4 hour show then no eating before, but I digress.

Now that it doesn’t take as much for me to ‘get my head together’, this particular night I think I’ll step out and grab a bite of something lite.. Pizza? nah.. Chinese? Thai? Italian… nah.. Ah.. Sushi.

I belly up to the bar (sushi that is) and order up the chef’s combo. A California roll and 5 pieces of fish. No sake or beer.. I have a show and I’m sure I’ll be drinking later. As I look around, it dawns on me what a freak show San Rafael has become.. between the wanna be gang-bangers and flat out weirdos, you could easily think you’re somewhere in San Francisco. So I finish up and make it back down to the Tavern.

Mind you the Tavern is not Taj Mahal. It’s what I would describe as a mid-level dive bar, but a cozy fireplace and pool table and a long haired bouncer to keep the real A-Holes out, and it makes for an OK vibe, as long as you’re not a single woman by herself. I walk in and see the person I’ve known for 3 years but have never actually seen or talked to.. my NBF Mel. We met on the internet (Stop it..we’re both married with children) and have stalked each others web presences and it was almost like seeing an old friend again, for the first time.We carry on a little and meet all the companions and all is good.

Sound check is next and, mind you, I’ve never played with this band.. never even rehearsed with them, so sound check, to me, is almost like the audition for the rest of the night… “is he gonna suck or not?” they’re all thinking. We whip out Rock and Roll Singer (which just happens to be one of my favorites and one I actually knew well) and seem to have passed the audition.

We hit the stage about 10p.m. and I have 2 t shirts on, one long sleeve and a short one on top. Bad Move. By the 5th song I’m drenched in sweat and my hair is soaked. Shaking your head for 5 tunes is more work than I recalled. We have a nice first set and off the long sleeve shirt comes. The second set is fairly uneventful as well. The band sounds pretty tight and if you didn’t know I wasn’t their regular bass player, I don’t think anyone would have known.

The third set is where the action starts. I’m starting to sweat again.. and not the ‘whoa it’s hot’ sweat.. but the hot flash sweats. I think ‘Dude.. you’re getting old.. suck it up’ but they don’t stop.. and then the mouth starts salivating… and it gets worse. I then start to think ‘Dude, you’re gonne puke..’ I try the whole mind over matter deal but matter is winning out.. and fast. During the middle of the namesake song, High Voltage, I make it to a point where Angus is going to take a lead break. Thats it. I hang up my bass, dash out the door around the corner to the alley and the Sushi makes an encore appearance.

The band has no idea where I went or what happened. So after the song they find me in the alley. At that point I’m feeling pretty good. I have a little water and then they ask “Are you Ok to finish the show?” I think for a minute.. what would the real Cliff Williams do? He’s a f-in rockstar.. Of course you finish the show!! So I strap it on and we bang out another 4 tunes.

I’m not going to name the Sushi bar but let’s just say it was ‘killin’ me and i don’t think it was the fish as it tasted fresh, the crab salad in the California roll seems the likely culprit. I’m sure I’m not the first person to hurl in the alley outside the tavern and am pretty sure I won’t be the last, but, once again, a new tale gets added to not just my book of tall tales but the bands as well.

Long Live Rock and Roll…

Jamie Clark will be playing a benefit that is being called “Pasta and Pinot” that will be held this Friday, April 4, at Follini and Eichenbaum. The event is for a 12 year old young man with some medical issues and will feature music, wine, appetizers and a buffet meal prepared by Chef Jules Abate. The show kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Follini and Eichenbaum is located at 19100 Arnold Drive at Grove St. in El Verano. For reservations and more information contact Sierra at 707.799.2253

Murphy’s Irish Pub has some great music lined up this weekend with the Sonoma Mountain band on Friday, April 4 and Andrew Freeman on Saturday, April 5. The Sonoma Mountain band is a local country-bluegrass outfit and Andrew Freeman is an absolutely smokin’ guitar player. Shows both nights start at 8 p.m.

The Lodge at Sonoma is also having music both nights this weekend with Friday, April 4 bringing Sonoma’s sweetheart Dana Land and her trio to the lounge and Saturday, April 5 has Jeff Massanari Trio with Wally Schnalle on drums and Wil Blades on Organ. Shows both nights kick off at 8 p.m. and there is no cover.

Dustin Smart has released his long awaited CD called “Self Proclaimed Genius.” The album is described by Dustin as “An electric guitar instrumental experience” and features Alex Johnson on bass and Jason Bodlovich on drums. The pre-release tracks have done well on www.garageband.com. You can get the CD at www.cdbaby.com or at the Briarpatch. The Briarpatch is that cozy little coffee shop in the alley across from Murphy’s Irish Pub.

After a one week hiatus, Olive and Vine is back with live music this Friday. The Plan B band will take over the café at 7 p.m, Friday April 4. In addition to wine, the venue has some excellent small platters available. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

E. Z. Kewl will be jazzin’ it up at the Schellville Grill this Friday, April 4. They take their show on the road the following day, April 5, to the Sonoma Coffee Company located, oddly enough, in Santa Rosa at 521 4^th St. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Instrumental rockers Points North will also be on the road this Saturday, April 5, all the way down to Mountain View at the Quarternote. Also on the bill will be Luvplanet and the Danny Jones band. Showtime is 9 p.m.

Garen Patterson is doing an encore performance of his one man show called “ I had always thought…(what does it mean to be a man)” this weekend in San Francisco. The show is a solo folk opera written and performed by Garen and developed with David Ford of the Marsh Theater. The show will be at a house in the Haight-Ashbury district and both Saturday, April 5 and Sunday April 6 shows start at 7:30 p.m. For tickets you can call Garen at 707.337.2313.

Tonight on the big show we’ll be running an encore performance of the “undercover” show featuring Sonoma Valley Musicians doing their own versions of popular, and not so popular songs. Be sure to tune in.

What’s being billed as The Heroic Blues show is taking place at the Moose Lodge this Friday night, March 28, and features some of the finest blues talent the Valley has to offer. Local harmonica legend Dave Chavoya and his band the Hellhounds will share the stage with the Smokin’ Jaze fronted by Smokin’ Joe. Between these two acts, there won’t be much blues ground that isn’t covered. Tickets can be purchased at Sonoma Valley Music or at the door.

Local guitarist and music teacher Sean Carscadden and his latest gig, the Jethro Jerimiah band, had a great billing last night at the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. The group opened the show for Robben Ford and the Steve Miller band.

Oscar Mooneyhan‘s latest project Back Trax will be at Little Switzerland this Saturday, March 29, for an evening of dancing. Oscar says “We’ll be playing popular hits by The Beatles, Stones, Monkees, Dylan, Doors, Van Morrison, Creedence and more, straight out of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. The band might invite you to come on stage to play the tambourine, cow bell or help with sing-alongs, so be prepared for a really good time.” Show starts at 8 p.m.

The Jami Jamison band will be making an appearance with the full dance band this Saturday, March 29, at the Blue Moon Saloon. Jami has been focusing on smaller venues lately and using her jazz line-up but this time they’ll have all the power they need to light up the room. I’ve said it before but here goes; Jami is one of the finest undiscovered vocalists in the North Bay. If you’ve not had a chance to check her out, it might be the time. Show starts at 9 p.m.

Dennis Cordellos, guitar player for the Jami Jamison band, will also be at Murphy’s Irish Pub tonight, March 27, with song-writing partner Jeff Falconer appearing as Jaydub and Dino. Cordellos and Falconer were students at Sonoma Valley High and played together occasionally over the years and finally decided to put together a album of tunes and take the show on the road. You can pick up the CD at the show or at Sonoma Valley Music. Show is from 7– 10 p.m.

Jason Bodlovich is back in the studio recording 11 new original tunes as he describes as “funky-rock-bluesy-original compositions.” Expect the CD mid- summer.

Jazz at the Lodge continues this weekend with Friday bringing Amanda King to the lounge. Amanda specializes in ‘30s – ‘40s era hits. Saturday brings guitarist Terrence Brewer. Brewer has performed with Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Pete Escovido, to name a few. Shows both night start at 8 p.m. and there is no cover.

E.Z. Kewl takes their jazzy tunes on the road to the Black Rose pub in Santa Rosa this Friday, March 28. Showtime is 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. .

Tonight on the Big Show we’ll have Greg Volker and members of Gunpowder. Gunpowder is a country-punk outfit. I’m not sure what to expect, either. Be sure to tune in

The Sonoma Valley Jazz Society is back in action at the Lodge at Sonoma with jazz every weekend and this week brings two local favorites to the lounge. Friday night it’s the Brian Nova Duo. Brian is an absolute monster of a guitar player and has shared the stage with some of the greats of jazz, Herb Ellis and Joe Pass to name just a few. He will have with him Christopher Amberger on bass. Amberger will be a busy man this weekend as he is also appearing with Dana Land on Saturday with her quintet. Both shows start at 8 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Whiskey Thieves are back in action at the Moose Lodge, this time with a fundraiser to help them acquire a bus to get to Burning Man. Frontman Cody Binkley says, “We are building a stage on top and a grand stair case off the side, its going to be fun. We have to raise some money so we can have a custom-built stage platform to hold about 75 people. There are many more shows to come but this one will help us get started.” Also on the bill is the Midtones, Audi Petersen, DJ Lionize and live art by Nate Valensky. The show starts at 9 p.m.

Mark your calendars for March 28 as the Bear Flag Social Club will be bringing a night of blues to the Moose lodge with The Hellhounds and the Smokin’ Jaze. More on that in next week’s column.

E. Z. Kewl will be at Olive & Vine this Friday night. The venue is rapidly turning into the place to be in the north valley on Friday nights with packed houses enjoying the wine, beer and an evening food menu. Showtime is from 7 –10 p.m.

Showcase The Band is bringing back the vibe of the 50’s and 60’s at the 3^rd annual sock-hop at Little Switzerland this Saturday. Louie and Patti Perez have been playing together for 28 years and have many genres of music under their collective belts. They can lay down rock, jazz, country, Latin and even some European grooves. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Dr. Joel Rudinow is playing keyboard with the Michael Barclay Blues band this Saturday at the Tradewinds in Cotati. Rudinow has played with many big acts over the years including Bo Diddley, Elvin Bishop and Norton Buffalo. He’s also taking his own band out on the road booking venues all over the North bay. Show starts at 9 p.m. The Tradewinds is located at 8210 Old Redwood Hwy. in Cotati.

Speaking of the good Doctor, we’re hoping to have him on the Big Show tonight but have not confirmed as of press time. Be sure to tune in and see what he’s up to.

The Black Point String Band is taking their show on the road all the way over to Penngrove for a Sunday afternoon of music. They will be at the Black Cat bar from 5 – 7 p.m. The Black Cat is described as “a cozy neighborhood bar that has good food and drinks.” The club has been key in keeping live music alive in Penngrove with shows almost every night.

There are still a few tickets available for the Jefferson Starship performances this weekend at the Ledson Lounge. Marty Balin and guitarist Slick Aguilar will be playing many classic Jefferson Starship songs acoustically. Balin, along with Paul Kantner started the original Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and has been along for almost all of the configurations of the band since. Tickets can be picked up at the Ledson Lounge, 480 First St. E. in Sonoma; 707.996.9779.

The John Burdick band will be back at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen this Friday. Last month’s show brought a standing room crowd to the cozy venue that features a nice wine list and some small food plates. Show starts at 7 p.m. Olive & Vine is in the Jack London Village at 14301 Arnold Dr. in Glen Ellen.

Friday also has local blues favorites the Hellhounds at Murphy’s Irish Pub. Dave Chavoya, Phil Ajoka and company always put on a clinic with blues standards and originals. Showtime is 8 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon is back at it with live music again this Friday with Tudo Bem. Tudo Bem is a great dance band playing many classic rock standards. Dave Aguilar (no relation to Slick) is also a great slide guitar player. Since the show is so close to St. Patrick’s day, they’re calling it a St. Pattys party. Come dressed in your best green. Show starts at 9 p.m. The Blue Moon Saloon is located at 19380 Hwy. 12.

Joe Chaplain is back at the Barking Dog Roasters in Boyes Hot Springs this Saturday with a tribute to Fred Neil. Fred Neil is credited with essentially creating the folk scene in Greenwich Village in New York in the early 60’s and has had his tunes covered by Roy Orbison, Harry Nilsson and even the Jefferson Airplane. He is also credited with giving Bob Dylan his first break backing Neil’s band on harmonica. Joe will have with him Jim Small, Lina R., Sam Heywood and Lin Marie DeVincent. The show goes from 6-8 p.m.

The Lodge at Sonoma is back with jazz from the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society every weekend and this weekend brings Mike Greensill and John Wiitala on Friday and John Groves, John Hoy and Kendrick Freeman on Saturday. All shows go from 8 – 11 p.m. and there is no cover. The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway.

St Patrick’s Day is Monday and the Rich Little band is playing the Sonoma Rotary Club’s Luck of the Irish dinner dance at the Community Center that evening. Tickets are available at the KSVY ticket office at 158 W. Napa St.

Monday also has the Spiral Mystics at Murphy’s Irish Pub for a St. Patrick’s day party. That show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tonight on the Big Show we’ll have Joe Chaplain giving us a preview of the Fred Neil tribute show he’s doing Saturday. Be sure to tune in.

Tickets are going fast for the latest landing of the Jefferson Starship here in Sonoma. Marty Balin and guitarist Slick Aguilar will be at the Ledson Lounge on March 14 – 15 for two nights of acoustic versions of classic Jefferson Airplane and Starship tunes. Balin founded the original Jefferson Airplane with Paul Kantner in 1965 and has been a steady presence in the oft-changing lineup. Balin is most famous for his ballads with songs like Miracles, Hearts and With Your Love being just some of the titles that have been hits for the band. Showtime for both shows is 8 p.m. Tickets are 65 dollars and can be purchased at the Ledson Lounge located at 480 First St. E. in Sonoma; 707.996.9779.

Sushi and blues? Seems that way at Shiso Modern Asian and Sushi bar located at 522 Broadway. Every Saturday night from 9 – 11 p.m. Herman “Hamsi” Eberitzsch will be performing blues and jazz as a solo act. Eberitzsch has played with the likes of Jules Broussard, Greg Errico, Lee Oskar, Sy Klopps Blues Band, Malo and currently with Natasha James. In addition to the later hours there will also be a special late night menu. For more information you can call Shiso at 707.933.9331

Olive & Vine is keeping with the regular Friday night music this week bringing the Cajun House Band up to the cozy kitchen in Glen Ellen. Olive & Vine is located in the Jack London Village and showtime is 7 p.m.

E. Z. Kewl will be back at the Schellville Grill this Friday for a return performance. Show time is 6-9 p.m. and there are dinner specials as well. The Schellville Grill is located at 22900 Broadway near the Shell-Vista fire department. Saturday the jazzy guys are off to Santa Rosa at Aroma Roasters located at 95  5th St., Santa Rosa. That show starts at 8 p.m.

Tudo Bem will be at the Woodland Star Auction Fundraiser at Cline Cellars this Saturday night. You still may be able to get some last minute tickets for this fun and worthwhile event by visiting www.woodlandstarschool.org.

Gator Beat Productions is back at it again at Little Switzerland this Saturday night bring Cajun-zydeco stars Tip Top Trio to the stage. The band includes Lloyd Meadows who is the front man for the Zydeco Flames and Bruce Gordon who is the accordion man for Gator Beat. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. with dance lessons at 8 p.m. Little Switzerland is located at 19080 Riverside Dr. For more information call 707.938.9990.

The Big Show returns to the airwaves tonight for the first time since the new year as we made way for Sonoma Valley High School basketball. What is the Big Show? The Sonoma Valley Music Scene of course, the only show anywhere in the world playing strictly Sonoma Valley music. Tonight we’ll have the audio portion of a video interview with Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Starship we did for SVTV Channel 27 when he was in town a few weeks back. Be sure to tune in.

Kevin Russell is coming to Murphy’s Irish Pub this Friday with his latest acoustic project Under the Radar. Kevin has been a fixture in the Marin and Sonoma music scene since the late 70’s starting with the rock act 707. They had a minor hit with the song Mega-Force. Kevin also did a stint with Rick Derringer and Whitesnake. Most recently he has been acting as a producer for many local acts. Kevin is also an excellent blues player and the show should be a good one. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Local Favorites the Whiskey Thieves will be at Steiner’s Tavern this Friday for another extravaganza. The boys have been in the studio recently as well so they should be polished and maybe even have some new material. Show starts at 10 p.m. and there is no cover.

Wildflower Weed is also in the studio laying down some new tracks at Studio C in San Rafael. Wildflower Weed was formed from members of the Black Point String Band and they have more of an eclectic acoustic sound. Look for a CD in spring.

Natasha James and her latest release Bad Judgments have been making waves on Billboards Publicity Wire website. From Billboard’s Prweb. “Natasha James may have made one or two “bad judgements” throughout her life. However, recently releasing her debut album featuring the hit single, The Restless Kind, is certainly not one of them.” You can pick up the disc online at www.natashajames.com or at Sonoma Valley Music.

The hardest working band in The Valley, E. Z. Kewl will be at it this Friday at the Schellville Grill. The jazzy guys are playing the early set, 6 – 9 p.m. Murray, E. Z. Kewl’s drummer probably wants to make sure he gets to the Whiskey Thieves show to check out his son Zakk blow a little bass.

Jewel and the Rhythm Ride will be back at the Parkpoint Club for Sweat your Prayers this Sunday. Jewel teaches the 5 Rhythms. She describes it like this. “The 5 Rhythms is a simple movement practice designed to release the dancer that lives inside of everybody, no matter what its shape, size, age, limitations and experience. The 5 Rhythms are flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. They come together to create the Wave, a movement meditation practice.” The event starts at 4 p.m. For more info you can call 707.256.9706.

Points North takes their instrumental rock act on the road to San Francisco at the Beale Street Bar & Grill. The show features 2 opening acts as well, Pinpoint Mercy and one TBA. Showtime is 9 p.m.

Junior Boogie shared the stage last week with blues legend Johnny Winter at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz. Junior grew up here in Sonoma and got his feet wet on the harp with the Rock Bottom Blues Band before they turned into the Whiskey Thieves. Junior is also working on a new CD to be released in the spring.

We managed to catch the tail end of the Jefferson Starship show last Saturday at the Ledson Lounge. Paul Kantner and David Freiberg were in fine form and the place was packed with loyal fans that seemed to know all the words to the tunes. In case you missed your Starship fix you’re not out of luck, but you better act fast. Marty Balin and guitarist “Slick” Aguilar will be coming to the Ledson Lounge on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 14 and 15 for what’s being billed as “two special once-in-a-lifetime performances.” Balin co-founded the original Jefferson Airplane with Kantner in 1965 and was the writer of some of the more love-style ballads the various incarnations of the Starship performed. Tickets are available at the Ledson Lounge located at 480 First St. E. in Sonoma.

The Mixers are coming to Little Switzerland this Saturday for a special CD release party of their latest album titled “Uncovered.” This is a whole disc of their original songs and it’s paired with another recent release titled “Covered.” The band had so many excellent versions of cover tunes they decided to release a CD of those as well. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. and you can get more info at www.themixersrock.com.

The Journeyman, Corey Jennings has been all the way across the pond on a two-week trek of England playing in blues clubs and picking up a gig or two along the way. He has sat in with some of the big names in blues in London and has been asked to go into various recording studios to lay down tracks three different times. Even though England has it’s own version of The Sun, Corey claims to be the first to bring a copy of our own Sonoma Valley Sun to London. Nice job Journeyman. Have a safe trip home.

Olive & Vine is keeping up the live music scene in Glen Ellen with E. Z. Kewl this Friday. Murray and the boys play what they call “jazzy’ music as they admit they aren’t hardcore jazz players but they do indeed lay down a jazzy feel to some popular dance numbers. It’s nice to have a venue in the north valley as folks that might not come down to the plaza for music get a chance to see some of the local talent in their own backyard.

HoochiDoo Productions is back in business this weekend presenting a musical entitled “The Plaids,” the story of a 50’s era rock group that dies on it’s way to it’s first show then miraculously comes back to earth to fulfill it’s dreams. The show is at the Sonoma Charter School both Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Sonoma Charter School located at 17202 Sonoma Highway. For more info call 707.332.0361.

Tommy Thomsen is bringing an all-star band to Little Switzerland this Saturday. Playing with Tommy will be Ken Emerson, Stogy Buckhorn, Kirk Harwood, Trevor Kinsel and Wendy DeWitt. The show will be videotaped for a future project Tommy is working on. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. with dinner available and plenty of room for dancing.
It was said in the early 1800s that Niccolo Paganini had sold his soul to the devil, due to his amazing ability on the violin. Many artists today still cannot play the pieces charted and played by Paganini. A notable exception comes to town this Friday at Burlingame Hall. Russian-born (now an American citizen) Alexander Markov will be playing pieces from not only Paganini, but also Bach, Tchaikovsky and other classical composers. He will end the night with something called “Alexander’s special surprise.” Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at Sonoma Valley Music.
The David Thom band will be keeping the crowd going at this Saturday’s Olivepalooza event at the Sunflower Caffé. The bluegrass quartet will perform from 1-4 p.m. in the back courtyard.
The Ducks bring their own brand of psychedelic bubblegum rock back to the El Verano Inn this Saturday. The band has its own interpretation of classic pop tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s. In keeping with Valentine’s Day, the theme of the night’s performance will be “love.” That show starts at 9 p.m. and there is no cover.
Adam and Artie Traum are making a rare appearance together this Saturday at Landmark Vineyards in Kenwood. Artie started his musical career in the ‘60s and over time has acquired the status of a folk legend. Pete Seeger called Artie “the man with the golden fingers.” Adam has had his own career going with appearances all over the country over the last 20 years. The duo is billing the event “A Night of Acoustic Guitar,” and advance reservations are required. Contact Jane at 707.833.0224 for more information.
Jason Bodlovich and his group are kicking off their first show of 2008 next Tuesday at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. This will be an intimate show in the front room of the venue. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Spanish guitarist Eric Symons returns for his 18th annual concert at Gloria Ferrer Winery this Saturday in a program of dazzling Flamenco, original compositions, and early music from his new release, “Ancient Echoes.” The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available by calling 707.933.1999.
A version of Sonoma’s premiere punk rock act, the Bodies, will be appearing at The Stork Club in Oakland. Members of the Briefs will be on stage with the Bodies that night. The Stork Club is at 2330 Telegraph Ave in Oakland, and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Feb. 23 –– The Mixers will be coming to town for a CD release party. We’ll have more details about that in next week’s column.

Natasha James is back in action with a new record deal with City Hall records and a single released in front of the full CD, which hits the streets Apr. 22. The disc is called Bad Judgments and the single is The Restless Kind. She has also re-vamped her website, www.natashajames.com with new photos, songs and info about her upcoming shows.

Tango No. 9 is back in town tonight at Little Switzerland with tango dancing and tango lessons before the show. The quartet plays traditional Argentine tango and jazzy interpretations of more contemporary tango tunes. The show runs from 8–10:30 p.m. with dance lessons starting at 7 p.m.

Instrumental rockers Points North takes their show on the road to Time Out in Concord this Friday on a three–bill set that showcases them, Luvplanet and the Danny Jones band. Luvplanet features Mark McGee on guitar. The last time Mark was in Sonoma was at the B. R. Cohn festival playing with the Gregg Allman band. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. and we’re told to expect some guitar jams later in the night.

The John Burdick band is back at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen this Friday night. John and the boys play many of John’s original tunes and have even been known to throw in a dance or blues cover as well. The venue serves food late and has a great wine list to choose from. Show starts at 7 p.m.

The Jami Jamison band will be at Equus Restaurant this Saturday. She will have with her the new jazz line-up for this show that features stand-up bass and horns as well. The quintet plays many jazz standards and some obscure jazz compositions. Equus is located at the Fountain Grove Inn in Santa Rosa. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Smokin’ Joe, leader of the local blues act The Smokin’ Jaze, reports the passing of blues legend Francis Clay. Some may remember Clay when he passed through town a few years back not for his music, but for his poetry. As Clay got up in the years, the legendary drummer’s legs started to fail him and he turned to writing prose. “I recall watching, listening in awe and admiration as the well dressed, classy, elder statesman of the blues read his rich poems of deed sentimentality. I recall an ode to Martin Luther King, a vibrant description of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and a tender dedication to his mother” wrote Smokin’ Joe in a submitted tribute. Clay played with many of the household names of blues, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Charlie Parker, to name a few. “He was a man of integrity, kind and generous. He was an inspiration. He was my friend. God bless you Francis, and thank you.”

You can catch Smokin’ Joe on KSVY Monday’s during drive time, 5–7 p.m. playing an assortment of blues classics.