Takin' it to the stage

January RenJam was yet another fun night of music, mirth and mayhem. Here are some of the highlights:

- Jessica Fodor: We've been seeing Jessica develop as a musician over the years. She's really learned to harness her impressive vocals, to hold back until the big moments and then let loose; something I wish more of the Michael Boltons, Celine Dions, etc. of this world would learn.

- The McDales: It's always a pleasure having "Uncle" Herb and Fran bring some genuine country into the mix. Fran passed on playing bass because apparently Sarah intimidates her (awww!). We sat in with them (along with Aaron Bentley on flute) for one of Herb's originals plus Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." They'll be featuring at our April RenJam; you owe it to yourself to check them out.

- Andy Griffith: This was a reunion moment for me, as I hadn't seen Andy since 1999, when I played lead guitar in his band. He heard about RenJam online, and learned I was hosting. We played The Verve's "Lucky Man" and one of his originals; I'd never played on either song before, but that didn't stop me. I'm weird that way.

- Yawn was a first-timer at RenJam and we hope he comes back. Good stuff.

- Jory Berger (feature): we were really flying without a net, since Sarah, Simon and I hadn't a chance to rehearse with Jory before the feature. Nevertheless, we found each other pretty well, and there were a few cool moments where we really connected.

- Aaron Bentley's been there since the very beginning, and also brings his flute for jamming purposes. It's always great to sit in on his songs: think Green Day with an East Coast flavour.

- Andrea Hatala played a couple of solo tunes on the keyboard. We've seen her perform over the years; her sense of timing is getting a lot stronger.

- Thomas: this guy – who doesn't need no steenking surname – played some jazz on a nylon string guitar. Good stuff: I hope he returns.

- Dylan & Jamie: two tall, skinny guys playing blues-inflected rawk (White Stripes, Black Keys ... you get the idea). I sat in on bass.

- Simon Loban's not only the house drummer, he also sings his own (really good) songs and plays some wicked guitar (he also plays jazz saxophone . . . rat bastard). I sat in with him on the flamenco-inflected "Desert Sands" and on "Lament for the City." Fun times.

- Andrew Butler had me sit in on a cover of "Sweet Jane" and one of his tunes. Always good to have fresh blood at the 'Jam.

- The Dominic Major Experience: our trusty sound dog doubles on bass, and he always likes to get a jam going. Dominic's definitely getting his own voice on bass; while Sarah is more Paul McCartney, Dominic's closer to James Jamerson or Family Man Barrett. We covered Social Distortion's "Bad Luck" and B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone." Yep, all kinds of music are spoken here at RenJam!

THE FINAL JAM: This, for me, is what often makes the night. Some highlights:

- Jory, Simon and myself taking one of Jessica's songs from folk-rock to reggae to funk. I think we blew her mind. ;)

- Funkin' up "You Can't Always Get What You Want" while the final few in the club were shakin' it like a Polaroid picture.

Next RenJam is February 14th, featuring Paul Gellman. Should be another great night of music. Hope to see you there.

Cheers,
DvR