The Jazzcat

Additional Photos

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