MARTIN GERSCHWITZ AND FRIENDS AT THE DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL --
Live review by Pat Benny

After the first annual Doheny Blues Festival came to a close, it was met the following Monday with harsh words from the critics. They complained about the parking; they complained about the lineup of music. They dismissed the event, saying that there was no fan base in South Orange County, California, to support an outdoor Blues event of this magnitude.

But the promoters persevered, fine tuning the event until now, nine years later, The Doheny Blues Festival has become the finest, if not the largest, outdoor Blues concert in the Southland.

This is due, for the most part, to the stellar lineup of acts, which included the incomparable "Etta James" on Saturday, to the blues icon, "B.B. King" on Sunday. But just as impressive were the acts who entertained this diverse and well behaved crowd who gathered at the shores of the marvelous Doheny State Beach for a day of fun and music.

The last of the morning haze had just burned away as "Martin Gerschwitz and Friends" opened the event with a slow but deliberate blues tune. Rife with purpose and a heavy backbeat, those who had yet to settle in front of the Renaissance stage dropped their blankets and beach chairs and took notice.

Once Gerschwitz had the attention of this attentive audience, he performed "Never Too Old," a poignant and introspective number from his new CD, "Martin Gerschwitz and Friends." This tune speaks of looking back at one's life, then realizing the purpose of the future. His audience not only applauded Gerschwitz' beautiful keyboard and heartfelt vocals, they appreciated the message of the song, as well.

The band followed this with a rousing version of "Feelin' Alright." Martin, who once played in "Joe Cocker's" band, sang the vocals with all the energy it deserves, sounding very much like Cocker, himself. The audience met this number with enthusiasm, dancing in front of the stage as a tambourine in the crowd accompanied the band, quite admirably.

I hate it when a band shouts at the crowd to clap their hands and make some noise. All that was needed here were two claps over guitarist "Keston Barker's" head and the crowd was on its feet, clapping and dancing.

Barker, formerly a member of "The Busboys," traded solos with Gerschwitz on Martin's composition of "Sometime Isn't Always." His superlative guitar licks blended with Gerschwitz' Hammond organ to produce a slick, jazz influenced blues tune, which transitioned into an inspired cover of "Red House."

In addition to his blistering guitar licks, Barker entertained the crowd with a stage presence that thrilled the audience. His performance enhanced, rather than eclipsed Martin Gerschwitz. Both displayed their skills as experienced professionals while drummer Glenn "Beanzie" Symmonds (Eddie Money) was a blur of cymbals and flailing sticks.

Bassist "Don Velazquez" stood quietly in the back and laid down a driving beat with authority. I've never understood why so many great bassists are content to leave the stage antics for the rest of the band, but that's just what they do.

In a tribute to the victims of hurricane Katrina, Gerschwitz invited more of his friends, including "Bob Uhl," to sing the vocals for a stirring rendition of "Jambalaya." "Scot Schoeffel's" violin and "Bob Gray" on saxophone were wonderful accoutrements to the band's performance, as well.

The band completed their show with a rousing cover of "The Letter." The emotion conveyed on the face of Martin Gerschwitz said it all. This was one great band and a marvelous opening to the Doheny Blues Festival.

This is the part where I'm supposed to say that the music continued to improve as the festival progressed. That would be misleading to you, the reader. Martin Gerschwitz and his band delivered a performance that rivaled any and all of the many talented artists who appeared at the ninth annual Doheny Blues Festival.

I hope you are among the crowd at next year's event. Meanwhile, check out Martin Gerschwitz' web site at: http://www.allesklarmusic.com