Jammin' with the Jazz Boys @ Vino Rosso

So, last night we had a very nice and sincere invite to play with some of the finest Jazz talent in this town of Idaho Falls. To say we are even remotely jazz is a huge stretch of the imagination. We are are pure unadulterated rock and rollers from the word go. We even played some of our mellowest and smoothest pieces that we do like Moondance, Ain't no Sunshine, Crystal Blue Persuasion, along with our own favorites like Midnight Rider, End of the Line, and Cover of the Rolling Stone. We rocked them acoustically and they in turn jammed the jazz all night long. We heard them attempt to do Route 66 ala jazz and I'm sorry, that tune needs some overdriven (slightly) guitar and one heck of a back beaten blues timing to make it work. Brian and Ralph ran up there and helped them "Git'er done!" Then They broke into a version of Mustang Sally and then we showed them how it's supposed to be played with Kenny on the skins and the rest of the band just making great music with all the Jazzies in town.

We'll probably never get invited back but it was fun. We really did feel a bit out of place. Maybe like the Beatles at the Cavern back in the day. Brian says that they were in the middle of an Elvis song back in the day and some one told them to turn it down because it was a "Jazz" club. Well, we felt the same way at Vino Rosso as the Beatles did at the Cavern .

We wnt to thank Kevin Young for the invite and if he wants, we'll come again but we'll need to show the boys there how to rock it up a little. Wait! I think they call rockin' jazz Fusion? Right?Hmmmm. Are we on to something here? ha ah ha ...

More "Mint Condition" Gigs..

Well for the most recent time being, the 40 Somethin Band has been rather quiet. We've been working on two tribute recordings. One will be a tribute to the Beatles and another will be a tribute to America ( the band). Obviously, not quite the more complicated stuff that we do for the summer but that will be coming along soon too.

It's been a rather quiet time for the band. Not many are able to pay for a full 7 piece rock and roll band with the economic woes that we all seem to be feeling. So the 40 Somethin Band has been rather light on shows and dances. However, Larraines ever faithful Mint Condition Band keeps booking them. That band can load in a Van and a car for thier gigs as opposed to a van and two full pickup loads for the 40 Somethin Band.

Anyway We got some shots of a gig we did with Mint Condition Band around the Valentines Day time frame.....

Mint Condition Band New Years Party 2008!

Nobody can say that the Mormons can't Rock & Roll all night long! Because they did for this little band.

Of course, it wasn't the 40 Somethin Band but rather the "Mint Condition Band". Or was it "Odds and Ends" or was it "Barry Jive and the Uptown Five"? Ha ha ha ha What ever we were it was fun. Larraine is so good to invite us from the 40 Somethin to help with her and Steve's collaboration of musicians. These guys are some of the best Crooners in Town. Josh, Larraine's boy can sing like no tommorrow ( as only the Crooners can). Steve Reed, is the ultimate Idaho Crooner), Larraine with her Sweet and ever so masterful voice adds all the neccesary class that the band could ever need and her playing is like off the charts. Leighton Linning (alias Lightning Boy), Larraine's son, was with us that night. He was one of the originals in their group as was Josh, and does he have a knowledge of music. The kid is all Jazz and Hot Country Pickin! That's why we nicknamed him Lightnin'Boy! he put this old man to the paces (Ralph). Brian ( alias Thunder Foot) Pounded new holes in his drums all night. They sprung a couple of songs on him that we didn't practice together. It worked though. Just like Butter. He is an amazing drummer and percussionist. Our ever faithful Ken Dodge was running the sound tonight instead of up here doing the Allman Brothers double duty as we like( btw- there is nothing like playing on stage with 2 drummers. it is so immensely thick and easy to play with!). Also, Kim Dodge was with him to keep him in check with the sound. I think the sound guy works just as hard all night at a gig as the musicians. 16 channels and volumes going up and down all night long and band members complaining about the monitors! Darned musicians anyway.

None the less, it was fun and we can't wait to do it again! Thanks LDS Singles for the opportunity to play for you guys!

Greater Idaho Falls Realtor Show 12/19/08

Talk about a fun night playing for these folks. They are a fun bunch for which to perform . they danced almost the entire night and had we had a great time watching them Dance. Our thanks to the ever so elegant and beautiful Susan for having us play.

One thing we noticed was that tough times had hit these dear folks too. There seemed to be far fewer participants at the party than there were last year. It was a fun night for us even with the fewer people. Our only challenge was the crazy party that was going on next door. Their sound equipment was so loud that it was hard for Kim, Kevin and Eric to runt the sound.

One note to mention, Lightin' Boy Linning was with us all night long. He is Larraines son and is a slick country picker and a jazz enthusiast. He said to me after the show, " Man you guy are pure rock and rollers". Felt good to have such a fine compliment form such a talented player. We went home with swollen heads after that!!!

Also, Mike found a new "Beauty" to look at while we played. Thanks, whoever you are!

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Two new Recordings!!!! to the right---->

Working on the newest recording of the good ol stuff we do. Check them out...They should work!

Lots going on!!!!!!!

Well at this writing much has happened with our beloved band. We have played several gigs with Larraine's Mint Condition Band. We've all slid over a chair and either have run the sound, played guitar or sang songs that we don't know to well. We have enjoyed the play time with Mint Condition and we will be supporting them through a few more this year.

Also, we will be playing in shifts at the Festival of Trees here in Idaho Falls on various days. Tony and Julie Perez and all of their Kids will be singing and performing at 1 p.m. on Nov 18. Larraine and her 3 generations will be performing at 4 on the same day. Seth, Mike and Ralph (The Original "Looking Back Band" Line-up) will be on at 8 on the 18th of November. Larraine, Steve, & Lorane will be on the day of the 20th. Plus I'm sure we will be gathered as the 40 Somethin to fill in spots at night. Come if ya can.

Currently we are working on our newest recording ( number 8). We've got five songs in the box and will lay down another few songs and try to put one or two on the blog soon.

Our most devastating news came as a surprise. Our beloved Main Man lost his Eternal Companion last month. To our beloved friend Mike, and to his beautiful wife now gone Terry, We love you both. You're in our prayers and forever Terry, you will be in our minds. Thanks so much for being amoungst one of our best fans. Terry, we'll take care of Mike!!! Just like you took care of many of us. We will behave as now were too old to really mess up anymore (except Tony and he's a saint!) You really never had to worry. Were just old dogs on a porch just wagging our tails at them all. We no longer chase them like we did when we were young!!! wink wink!!

Our counsel to Mike and his beautiful family
Matt. 11: 28

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

With Love, Your Fellow Bandmates and Friends