Gale/Rodrigues Group Performance Review

Can I get an "Amen"? At times it felt like a revival meeting at the Rex last night - sheerly from the energy level of the band. Playing to a small, but enthusiastic end of summer Labour Day audience, the Gale/Rodrigues Quartet was certainly a people pleaser. Ellington's "Play the Blues and Go" gave things a jumpstart. Holding her own, a petite and barefoot Vanessa Rodrigues rocked the B3 - I can tell she was (briefly) a student of the great Dr. Lonnie Smith. Her "One Eyed Monster" was rollicking in the tradition of Horace Silver. She has a sure and soulful hand on those keys and pedals alternating between intense facial expressions and flat out delighted smiles exchanged with her band mates. Everyone on stage was having a great time - it's been a long time since I've seen Edmonton's own Mike Rud - way back to the Little Birds in fact and he brought his stellar guitar skills to the party. I noted on her website Ms. Rodrigues is also Edmonton born and raised, a multi-instrumentalist and dynamo. The ever versatile Chris Gale was on hand with tenor and baritone saxes and a particularly meaty solo on his tune "Statement". Rounding out the band was Davide DiRenzo testifying on his drum kit - with sticks and vocally...:) All together a solid but not stolid unit. Be sure to catch this very fun group tonight at the Rex and stick around for the jazz jam afterwards.

http://jazzgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/09/b3-believer.html

Moreen Murray

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