Iowa City Yacht Club
home


 



Rick comments on house band "Out of the Blues"
Check out Iowa's "gig guide" for show dates across the state.
Check out clips from some of summer's best Blues Jam shows. (dummy link)
a

Blues Jam smooth, soulful

The Yacht Club of Iowa City offers a variety of music showcases, including the opportunity for local artists to participate in an open mic night, aptly named Blues Jam.
Rick Todd shares his experience listening and watching local musicians strut their stuff:


Known for its showcasing of local talent from hip-hop to reggae, Iowa City’s Yacht Club provides a mellow atmosphere accentuated by Christmas lights which are strewn across the club's small basement stage. You can go there and find comfort and relaxation, while in the company of laid back musicians who are not only friendly, but can hold an intellectual conversation.

Each Sunday, the club holds Blues Jam, a night when local musicians are free to sign up and show what they know about the smooth and soulful genre of blues. It’s very easy to relate to blue lyrics when vocalists preach that “my baby left me no where to go with my bottle of whiskey.”

The night started out with the house band aptly named “Out of the Blues.” (dummy link) This band featured a drummer, a bassist, and a lead guitarist/vocalist. Their best material came from covering songs made famous by Jimi Hendrix, such as “Angel,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” I never thought Hendrix tunes were considered “blues” until after I heard them play. The bassist, Casey Boyle, exhibited the best talent. He had a smooth flow to his walking bass-line and seemed to carry the band on his shoulder. The lead guitarist was good stylistically when it came to basic rhythms and solos, but his voice seemed a little raspy and dried out. At times he would go off key. The drummer was clearly the least talented of the trio. He had a stiff style with no feeling and was inaccurate when it came to fills. Although the band played a solid set, they exhibited no energy, and a lack of communication was evident.

One exceptional band was the combination of Joe singing vocals and on lead guitar, Seth playing drums, Nikki on the bass, and Brian playing rhythm guitar.

They integrated funk into their style of blues, which will open the eyes of any fan of music to the possibilities of a blues, funk fusion.
-- Rick Todd

Joe exhibited a strong voice and coupled it with exhilarating solos. Brian displayed solid rhythms which kept the pace with the vocals. Nikki had powerful drive on the bass and showed everyone in the audience the most dominant energy of the night. Seth was much more talented on the drums then his counter part in “Out of the Blues,” and had very accurate fills. Not only did they communicate well on stage, but they had a very distinct style to their performance. They integrated funk into their style of blues, which will open the eyes of any fan of music to the possibilities of a blues, funk fusion. 

Blues Jam is an enjoyable experience for anyone who appreciates music. The musicians were great, but it’s important to note one can't be too critical of an open mic environment. The average person can get up and share their talent.

If you are looking for something to do on a Sunday night to relax and mingle in a comfortable setting, then a visit to the Yacht Club will ensure a great time. Plus, the two dollar Budweisers aren’t a bad deal either.






Adaptations by Laura Michaels