While I was initially unimpressed with the teaming of Jerome Godboo and Suzie McNeil, having previously heard them at Blues on Bellair, they've received so much press lately (much to my chagrin), I decided to check them out on the long weekend's Saturday night and was not disappointed. Talk about getting some pretty low spirits lifted!
This Sonny and Cher for the new millenium, or as Jerome puts it, "I'm the disco Jim Morrison and Suzie's the Janis Joplin Barbie", are a dynamic duo to be reckoned with! Fantastically backed by John Daly on lead guitar, Phil Michael on drums and Peter Murray on a beautiful, custom-made, emerald-green bass, which he made great use of, they brought a new meaning to the word "sexually-charged"! Suzie, despite her blonde, girl-next-door wholesome image, showed she's got a wild streak in her, performing the best version of "One Good Man" (a classic song if ever there was one) I've heard in a long time. She played harmonica on that one, as well as on several other tunes.
Jerome and Suzie played several classic themes such as "Mustang Sally", "Crosstown Traffic" and Z.Z. Top's "Thank You" (a propos of Thanksgiving, I suppose), but I particularly enjoyed original compositions such as "Communication", the sassy "Love Yo-Yo", the psychedelic-sounding "Mr. Natural", the reggae-inflected "Pure Look of Love" and the harmony-heavy, "Where's My Money?" I'm not sure why, but I love Jerome's harmonica version of "Tidings of Comfort and Joy".
Suzie and Jerome are releasing a collaborative CD on November 2 and 3. Check listings for the location.
A special salute and thank-you to Nicola (at the door), former server, Janis, who was celebrating her birthday there that night, and female sound engineer-extraordinaire, Rocky! |
