After a long week of chaotic events and whiskey, I decided to go for a low-key option last night.  At least that’s what I thought I was doing.  One of the things that comes along with relaxing is the potential to end up somewhere unexpected.  It’s where the whole “go with the flow” concept comes from I think.  Anyway, there were definitely some currents flowing last night and I got ride along in the slipstream.

I started my night off with a plate of oysters.  Probably not the best choice for low-key, but the damn things just taste so good.  And so everyone is aware – there is no such thing as a “season” for oysters anymore.  Just like any other creature humans consume, these bivalves are the chickens of farmed mollusks.  By the way, oyster farming would be really grotesque if they had faces; I guess since the Ancient Romans started it we don’t have to question the ethics.  They were like, philosophers and stuff.  However, I do find it amusing that squid farming is something that only exists in a world made of giant block-like atoms.  The only real technological development we’ve added to the oyster-farming process is figuring out how to grow them as eunuchs.

Dinner was light and yummy at The Cove.  The place was comfortably full and the weekly jazz musicians, Jeremy Shrader & Ed Finney, kept the crowd mellow.  I was happy to watch Mission Impossible and enjoy the dim roar of strangers set to music.  Lo and behold, the couple next to me decides to amp up their evening a little.  Ordering a round of absinthe, I got a front row seat to the steam-punk inspired delivery system for sugared liquor.  Evan Potts  took his time showing us the steps because the preparation of absinthe is where the green fairy shows up.  You have to pay homage to the ritual if you expect to get great results.

We watched the yellowish liquor turn a bright green in the glow of the television screen behind the bar.  If you haven’t been to New Orleans for absinthe, I believe this bar is the only place that will even come close to mimicking the experience in Memphis.  I was allowed a sip of the concoction and part of me flew down to Jackson Square with the anise.  Watching people having such a good time was heartwarming and I’m glad they chose to sit next to me.

Just then, I heard Jeremy announce that his lovely wife Michelle was going to perform a few with him.  Keeping the beat with enigmatic Ed, the songbird couple crooned a few tunes with a palpable enthusiasm.  I crept up to the front of the show to get a snippet of video, almost like a geeky fan-girl.  The apparent joy that exists between these two is infectious.  It brightened my spirit just watching them share a microphone.

A little while later, I set out from Broad Ave with a contented glow and some free time.  I contemplated checking out a place downtown, but ultimately decided it was too far from home for that hour.  Instead I found myself over at The Buccaneer just in time to catch a surprise show by Detective Bureau.  The name was new to me, but the stage looked very promising.  Anytime I see shiny gold instruments I know the music is something I want to hear.  The green bongos in the back corner also promised that this group would show me something different too.

I made sure to get another spot up front.  Front and center seemed to be working for me that night.  Once the music started, I definitely noticed.  In the darkness, the clickety clack of rhythms confused my nervous system.  What are these strange tempos you’re establishing?  As each band member joined in with their instrumental voice, it all started to make sense somehow.  The funky style of jazz delivered by these 6 gentlemen was unexpected and refreshing.  Operating in genres I’m less familiar with, I devoured the music like a Brazilian in an Irish pub.

I had no idea this group existed.  I’m lucky someone turned me on to the sound.  I was gonna be a lazy punk and go to bed at a reasonable hour last night.  Instead I enjoyed the elevated jam of this hidden gem of local funk & soul.  In the short time I got to hear them play, I am convinced that this show should be better attended.  The sparse crowd obviously knew what they were there for because they started moving and dancing soon after the music matured into a pervasive groove.  I’m marking my calendar for August 14th (next Thursday) and August 21st (seven days after 14th) so I can catch one of their planned shows.  This group is something you should take the time to hear.

At the very least, come listen.  Apparently, not everyone is equipped to hear the greatness in some music.  For, in the immortal words of Ron Shelton, “Look man, you can listen to Jimi but you can’t hear him. There’s a difference man. Just because you’re listening to him doesn’t mean you’re hearing him. ”