As we move into the first full month of Fall, a familiar face takes the reins of the Wednesday night residency program at Dick’s Den – Bassist Steve Perakis. Perakis has long been a linchpin of the Columbus music scene – while perhaps most active in the realm of jazz, he has also been an in-demand player in genres including blues, rock, soul, Latin, avant garde, and much more. One of his primary projects is local jazz colossus Honk, Wail & Moan, which has been playing its humorous and inventive interpretations of classic artists and original compositions since 1991 and will kick off the residency in fine style. Each week’s performance will start around 9PM, and cover is $4. Keep reading for Perakis’ detailed insights into each week’s band.
Steve Perakis: Thanks to Tim at Dick’s Den for inviting me to do a month of Wednesdays! Dick’s is a great spot to hear music, especially jazz and has been a sort of second home to many of us for a long time. I’m really excited to be joined by all these amazing musicians to do four different groups. We will start about 9PM each Wednesday, so come early, stay late!
Wednesday, October 7: Honk, Wail & Moan
We are planning a Birthday Celebration of the music of Brian Casey, one of our co-founders, who sadly passed away in 2008. His spirit & brilliant compositions & songs have guided the band since our inception in 1991. Brian, myself and HWM are influenced heavily by the music of Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, Duke Ellington, blues and other roots musics. We’ll play tunes from our first 2 CDs & from our upcoming release, a Solar System Suite composed entirely by Brian. We’ll also play his arrangements of one of my tunes, of Mingus, Sun Ra. We’ll also feature original tunes of some of our other members. Band lineup for the evening: Matt Adams, Fred Gablick, Bryan Olsheski – saxes. Tim Perdue – trumpet. Jason Branscum – trombone. Linda Dachtyl – keyboards. Larry Marotta – guitar. Geoff Sullivan – drums. Tammy Wallace – vocals.
October 14: Ben Bachert Band
This group performs original and cover music in the style of 1920’s/30’s/40’s early jazz, blues and hillbilly. Highlighting his great guitar playing, Ben’s originals are also excellent. Legendary drummer Jimmy Castoe is also a fantastic singer and graces us with his talents!
October 21: Steve Perakis & Friends
Guitar player Brett Allen, drummer Geoff Sullivan and I will play our original tunes & choice covers by some of our favorite composers. Expect some surprises – we all love to play free jazz, avant garde noise, bossa-nova, Afro/Cuban and straight ahead jazz…
October 28: Steve Perakis & Friends II
Inspired by our love of so much great Afro/Cuban, samba, mid-1970’s jazz, funk, we will be playing a mix of our favorite instrumental funky jazz. Tunes by Brian Casey, Herbie Hancock, Mingus, Sun Ra, up through recent fusions like Tim Hagans’ instrumental drum n bass. Maybe even some Sly & The Family Stone & Donny Hathaway. Brett Allen on guitar, Fred Gablick on saxophones, Joe Nelson AND Shane Willis on drums and percussion, Adam Smith on Fender Rhodes (and whatever else he feels like playing) and lots of electric bass.