If you ever heard the sax on James Brown’s classic tunes “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Feel Good,” you’ve heard the searing sax of Maceo Parker. But, unless you see him and his band in concert, you’ll never FEEL the sax, and that was all the difference in the world this smoking night at Catalina’s
Leading a Fabulously Flaming band with a back breaking rhythm section, earthy vocalists and Greg Boyer’s trombone, Parker got the evening off to a rollicking start with gloriously soulful material like the infectious “Make it Funky, before he made sure the audience knew that he never forgot his jazz chops by laying out an impressive “Satin Doll” as well as a gorgeously reflective “Wee Small Hours.” Demonstrating great voiced as well, he gave a salute to Ray Charles on a gorgeous duet with keyboardist Will Boulware on “You Don’t Know Me” and sounding like the image of The Godfather of Funk during exhilarating and irresistible tunes like “Pass The Peas”” and “Gimme Some More.”
What was most noticeable of all was the vibe of “good times” as between tunes Parker would let us know how much he loved the audience and how appreciative he is to have a career so successful. He shared the joy of music, by giving the spotlight to each artist. Vocalist Martha High, also a Brown alumnus, brought the house down with a blistering take of “Think” with the horns riffing behind in slithering support. Darliene Parker came up to growl out a gospel infected read of “Stand By Me” with the rhythm team of Marcus Parker/dr, Bruno Speight/g and Rodney “Skeet” Curtis/b laid down riffs that felt like a 6.8 earthquake.
By the time the band closed with a soul power take of “Pass the Peas” anyone who wasn’t tied down was dancing in the aisles and celebrating a style of music and showmanship that reflects the celebration of life on earth and in America. It’s hard to argue with a guy that one minute is posing in respect like the Statue of Liberty just before laying down a luscious take of “Let’s Get it On.” America at its apotheosis!
Upcoming shows include Dee Dee Bridgewater Oct 16-18 and Terry Bozzio Oct 25-26
