Spyro Gyra at Humphreys Backstage

Chris told me that Spyro Gyra were playing at Humphreys Backstage.  I haven’t seen Spyro Gyra since college days and have never been to Humphreys Backstage so I got an online ticket.

I walked into Humphreys Backstage and saw the band at a table, signing autographs.  My ticket was for the late show and the band was pressing the flesh between shows.  I told Jay Bekenstein (founder, sax player) I haven’t seen Spyro Gyra in 43 years and Jay responded ‘We have some catching up to do!’.

The late show line was forming so I joined the queue.  Upon entry, I got a seat at the bar.  It was a seated show.  The club had tiered seating so line of sight viewing should not be an issue except for the support poles.  Good view from the bar.

Spyro Gyra took the stage.  Overall the music seemed more “smooooth jazzzzz” than 40+ years ago. 
I was disappointed when Jay said the band would play a melody of hits from the ‘Morning Dance’ album.  This was their biggest album and you condense it to a melody?

Carl Palmer

Carl Palmer, of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, played the Coach House.  I was somewhat late in getting a ticket but that was OK since is an extra 25 feet away from the stage.

Carl, being a drummer, had the drum set right at the stage edge.  Normally I want to be there but being right next to a rabid drummer - not good.

The 2 guitarists/bassist also on stage were excellent.  They played all of the ELP songs. 

But I wish I had earplugs.

Jim Messina

Jim Messina played at the Coach House.  I was lucky/smart enough to get a ticket early enough to be center stage about 5 deep for a seated show.

I had previously seen Jim at the Del Mar Fair, about 5-6 years earlier.  You forget how good some musicians are or how deep their catalog is.

Jim started with the big hits, Loggins and Messina stuff.  Wow.  I first saw him at Clarkson College, maybe 1977?