I stopped by the tail end of Greedy Geezer’s annual Geezer’s Garage Nite Cook out last Saturday night. This is the Geezer’s summer time outdoors version of the Greedy Geezer’s Garage Night jam session he holds every other Saturday night at the Granite Rail Tavern in Quincy, Massachusetts. Either version of Garage night is basically an assembly of bands, duos, trios, or soloists from different roots genres put together by music fan and host Winston Smith, a.k.a. Greedy Geezer.
I arrived in time to find Tsunami Of Sound wrapping up an exciting set of speedy music, playing a plethora of notes at top speed, and they were hitting everything just right. Their music made me feel like surfing and doing the twist at the same time.
Next up were Tokyo Tramps with a percussionist and a rhythm guitarist supporting their, as usual, tight trio sound. Bassist-vocalist Yukiko Fujii was taking charge of more of the vocal duties, belting more than usual, sounding rangy, clear, and strong. She and her husband-guitarist Satoru Nakagawa jumped right into a crisp, feisty rendition of “Heat Wave,” with Nakagawa unleashing what might have been the edgiest melodic phrase ever played in any version of this song.
Fujii continued her role as lead vocalist on “I’m Going Down” with a new, stronger character and richness in her voice. Nakagawa’s lead guitar attack incorporated a fiery take on the melodic phrase. The rhythm section kept it pretty tight and forceful. Some of the more down tempo slow burners found Nakagawa paying out a soulful blues line on his six string. Singing on these more plaintive, weepy blues numbers, he also played more steadily into the heart of the song.
Greedy Geezer
Tokyo Tramps went into a steady roots treatment of “When The Saints Go Marching In,” with Nakagawa making sparks, playing in sharp contrast with the rhythm section’s smooth, rolling groove. The Tramps took a turn for the rock and roll with ZZ Top’s “Tush.” Fujii belted it while Nakagawa played the zippy guitar lines with a strong musical personality.
Things got interesting when Tokyo Tramps were joined by an accordionist, a keyboard player, and four washboard players to perform “On The Bayou.” A thick Cajun sound they all conjured made it feel as if we were all at a New Orleans block party. Several people got up on their feet to dance to that funky beat.
The Greedy Geezer himself got up to play some songs with his acoustic guitar, and the next thing you knew, it was a blues, roots, rock and roll free for all, with every player getting a chance to strut his or her strut. A cover of “Honky Tonk Blues” was stuffed with accordion, washboards, and keyboards for a more rustic flavor. Greedy Geezer got into a cover of “I Thank You,” another tune in which Nakagawa was able to pull emotion out of his lead guitar.
Keyboardist Joey Fingers had gotten in on the act before he relinquished his keyboard duties to Lilly Smith. Those keyboard rolls made for some good honky tonk and old time flavorings.
Lily on keys
Folks who had gotten out earlier than me to this outdoor event in Greedy Geezer’s backyard were treated to the following acts: Pat on Piano, aYucca Flatt’s Band Blue grass acoustic, Joey Fingers & the Cottage Ave Band, GEEZER DELUXE, Brian Cagle, The Cyclones Jay from the Ten foot poles cats in a band from his past, Tokyo Tramps, Tsunami Of Sound, Bayou boy and Bayou Orchestra.
Greedy Geezer’s Garage Night has been gaining traction lately. Two music journalists showed up for last Saturday night’s event and recognizable names attended too.
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