Hey Friends,

         Stopped by the Hi Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude) Monday April 3, and checked out a show that was part of Instant Opus, a weekly series of improvisation and sonic communication. The Hi Ho already has the Blue Grass Pickin Party so this continues the Monday night. A cool evening because many times the musicians, for Opus,  are playing together for the first time, on the Hi Ho stage.  A slightly difference experience for the listener because we are along as the songs or grooves are being created.  The quartet for the evening featured Mario Abney(M. Abney and the Abney Effect,) Derrick Freeman(Soul Brass Band,) Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band,) and Charlie Wooton (Zydefunk.)  Super rad group of musicians and the music just flowed.

         The guys took the stage about 30 minutes after the doors were opened (again,) and started feeling each other out and offering up musical ideas. Watching the musicians was a treat because they were building a song right there on the stage, and after a few minutes, BOOM, and we were off on the groove.  Now the framework had been established, each player added their flavors and the groove became fuller and stronger.  The performance was two sets and all of the songs were composed on the stage with the exception of Duke Ellington's "Caravan." 

          The only compostion previously written, but a welcome contrast and another glimpse into the workings of four musicians, this time playing with a confidence from a familiar tune, but together for the first time.  Listening and watching skill and joy woven together in the sounds from the stage. In addtion, the Hi Ho also has a restaurant in the back Fry and Pie (www.fryandpie.com)  serving various styles of loaded fries and different types of dessert pies.  Finish that off with a full bar and Monday's sound pretty rad!

       Check out Instant Opus Monday nights at the Hi Ho.  A night of spontaneous improvisation with musicians taking the stage, perhaps, as strangers, but always leaving as friends.

Murf