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Although I arrived rather late, I still had enough time to hear some great music from guitarist Greg Porée. I have been hearing Greg’s name circulating in jazz circles for quite some time now so, I was already very excited to experience his performance.

Greg Porée video

It was a warm and sunny day and the courtyard at Zeidler’s Café, located inside the Skirball Cultural Center, which provides a lovely environment for food, music and cool blowing breezes. Not to mention the beautifully serenading sound of Greg Porée’s guitar. Just as calm, cool, mellow and laid back as he can be, Greg romances your spirit with wonderful chords and uplifting melodies that resemble colors of happiness.

Robert Kyle video 

The band features some great cats as well. Hopefully, you are all familiar with Mr. Robert Kyle. I caught him here today playing flute but, he is an extraordinary multitalented woodwind player. Bass player Keith Jones is from the island of Jamaica and very enriched with the sounds of the Caribbean. He brings that flavor along with a style that transcends from a groove to funk and back to all of the intricacies of jazz music. Pete Koppella on percussion is a new face to me but certainly a creative inspiration playing tambourine, congas and bongos.

 
Keith Jones Video 

They say that there is only six degrees of separation between all humans, many times I believe, less than that. As it turns out, Greg Porée and my father were the best of childhood friends. He knows my whole family and was friends with them near a house that I have never heard of. Obviously, I had not even inhabited the planet yet! So, as far as I am concerned, we are related. Well actually, in the larger scheme of things, as long as there is life, love, humanity and jazz music, “All Men Are Brothers” Girls too!

 

LeRoy Downs