Manny's Groove Tubes

Manuel Melcher - Sax, Michael Robinson - Keys, Conrad Johnson - Bass, Yours truly - Drums.

We performed on a beautiful outdoor setting at the Ramon Rios Winery in Tracy California, on a gorgeously warm and fantastically perfect weather evening. Manuel (Manny) is a friend and great saxophonist that I go back as far as the mid 70's with. Ironically, we have never played together before yesterday (Oct eighteenth). He put this deal together with the winery owner, we had one rehearsal and did two one hour sets.

We had a total blast. it was especally gratifying for me as I never get a chance to play "out" like this anymore. Michael (Spider) Robinson is an amazing keyboard player out of Oakland Ca. that I had met for the first time at rehearsal. His sensitivity to the music and the players is what was most impressive to me, not to mention his level of skill, feel and flavor. Of course Conrad Johnson is my bass player partner in crime. I never worry when he's on the gig. We locked horns and attempted to bring some thunder in the mix with the killer weather the good Lord blessed us with.

I had a ball! Here is a sound clip. It's a rendition of Grover Washington Jr.'s tune called "Let it flow." Judging by the Length of this piece at 17:28, you can tell we were feeling it. I hope you enjoy listening to the music of Manny's Groove Tubes have as much as we did playing it.

Oh, and one more thing, my wife, Audrey did the sound! Check her out!

Thanks for your ears.

http://files.filefront.com/Mannys+Groove+Tubesmp3/;12107856;/fileinfo.html

Don.

And here we are doing Respect. Conrad's wife, Terri Johnson is singing lead.

http://files.filefront.com/Respectmp3/;12108091;/fileinfo.html

Here's our rendition of Uropa.

http://files.filefront.com/Uropamp3/;12160787;/fileinfo.html

And in case any of you got the first bad link, it's been fixed.

How much more can be said for cryin' out loud!

Obee Kay Bee Neph!

Previously when first emailing you, I didn't have the time download and listen to the first mix since after you cleaned up whatever was wrong. I just wanted to hear how you Guys just "Let It Flow!"

I so would have loved to hear Michael (Spider) and Manuel (Manny) give you a space for a solo in this tune. And Conrad???!!! Off the freakin' hook as always.

You lay down the groove as I expect you do always... especially at the end where the double bass drum you bring in (along with that wonderful sync with Manny's sax lightens up what otherwise could be just a regular vamp. At least I thought I heard a shadow of the opportunity to double bass.

Very nice job - and given the setting in Tracy, CA, you guys MUST have had a great time!

Oh, lest I forget: AUDREY ON THE SOUNDBOARD? Oh, oh... now I'm really impressed! LOL!

In the meantime, I've had chance to listen to "Respect!" with Conrad's wife's vocals.

Don... if you don't watch out, Imma 'bout to catch that stray dog's Bus to CA!

LOL!



Love,

Unc.