post by steve reddell

November 9, 2007

The Shotgun Wedding Quintet recently shared an evening at the Great American Music Hall with another local band, SF’s own ALBINO! Karl Denson of Tiny Universe and Greyboy Allstars was also there to share the stage. Together the bands sold out the venue. Put together by Sunset Promotions, this was an evening no one would think of missing.

Robbie Wowall of Sunset Promotions introduced the Quintet as the audience filled the hall and balcony. Starting with Aspect, the guys took the stage one by one. As the music progressed and instruments were layered, Dublin grabbed his weapon of choice took the audience on a ride.

Now if you have been to shows at Bruno’s, you know there isn’t much room to dance, maybe a b-boy going off here and there, but not to much ass-shaking. People want to, (you know who you are) but there just isn’t the space. The GAMH has room to move, and the entire front half of the floor was vibrating because of all the dancers. Folks of all ages and backgrounds got down, letting the stress of the work week leave through their arms, legs, hands and feet.

Kim from ALBINO! jumped onstage for quick and welcome session on the beaded jug thingie. Eric Garland was filling in for P-Dub on the drums. His rhythm was tight and his timing was on point. Joe did a few solos on both the alto and tenor sax, all of them inspired and crisp. As per normal, the SWQ changed up there songs a bit, adding solos and even putting a couple together as one continuous song. This is a reason the live shows speak for themselves; they don’t just play the CD tracks note for note, there is a lot of creativity and latitude with the original material.

Finally, the SWQ had to close it out. They had the whole crowd moving, from the balconies down to the front row. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them on that stage in the future. ALBINO! came on next and delivered a fantastic performance as only they could.

Pictures from the evening are on the Jazz Mafia Flickr Page.