Sue’s Sunset House in Peekskill was an interesting joint to play. After the first set, we went outside to view fireworks for the Celebrate Peekskill Festival. Music and a display of explosives? Excellent!

The owner was good enough to provide us with food and beverage. A barbeque was set up in the back, in their outdoor patio area. Hot dog, burgers, potato salad, pulled pork, sausage and all the trimmings were available. The pulled pork was a big hit with John Packes. Mr. Ricky Blues himself really enjoyed the sausage and peppers.

It was very good, but very different to have Rick Donato back on the drums. Every musician has his own particular vibe, peccadilloes, and/or musical quirks. It can stem from the way he comes out a solo, how he plays under another person’s solo, where the fills fall, the type of improvisation taken, where it is taken, etc… Not having played an entire gig with Rick, it was like picking up a favorite book. I know where the story goes and approximately where the important elements fall, but the space in between seems old and new at the same time.

Here are some pictures from the show:

Created with flickr slideshow.