Pianist, bandleader, composer, and occasional vocalist Ray Skjelbred is gently but obstinately authentic, a prophet and beacon of deep Chicago jazz — whether it’s tender, gritty, or romping. He and the Cubs proved this again (they always do) at their November 2013 appearances at the San Diego Jazz Fest. For this weekend, The Cubs were Kim Cusack, clarinet, vocal; Clint Baker, string bass, tuba, vocal; Katie Cavera, guitar, vocal; Mike Daugherty, drums, vocal.
SIX POINT BLUES:
EVERY EVENING:
A highlight for all of us — heartfelt and quietly fervent — ANY TIME, ANY DAY, ANYWHERE:
Alienation of affections or kidnapping was never so festive as this rendition of SOMEBODY STOLE MY GAL:
HO HUM!:
PIANO MAN:
DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL:
That music is good news for us all. But more good news — larger and more tangible than the computer monitor — is coming: the Cubs are making a California tour in early July 2014, beginning in two weeks. Jeff Hamilton will be on drums, along with the regulars you see above.
Thursday, July 10: Rossmoor Dixieland Jazz Club in Walnut Creek CA. For more information visit here.
Friday, July 11: Cafe Borrone in Menlo Park, California. 7:30 – 10:00 PM. (1010 El Camino Real, dress casual, good food and drink and a sweet atmosphere).
Saturday, July 12: Cline Wine and Jazz Festival in Sonoma, California. The Cubs will play three sets: for details, visit here.
Sunday, July 13: Napa Valley Dixieland Jazz Society. For more information visit: here.
Monday, July 14: Le Colonial in San Francisco, California (20 Cosmo Place). For more information visit here.
The admiring shades of Alex Hill, Sidney Catlett, Lee Wiley, Eddie Condon, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Sippie Wallace, Louis Armstrong, Jimmie Noone, Cassino Simpson, Tut Soper, Frank Melrose, Pee Wee Russell, Joe Sullivan, Jess Stacy, Wellman Braud, Frank Teschemacher, Gene Krupa, and scores of unheralded blues musicians stand behind this band — as the Cubs make their own lovely ways to our ears and hearts. Panaceas without side-effects.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 
Loooooove this band! Donna and I were there for this set… Goosepimples raised on my arm during that drum/bass duet thing at 1:50 in “Darktown Strutter’s Ball”!
We will be making all or nearly all of the great NorCal Tour!
The minute Ray hit that first key in “Six Point Blues,” I knew I was in for a special treat, Oh my!! Ray and his Cubs play my kind of music,,A great big thanks to you, my dear NM.
Great Stuff. Skjelbred is a joy to hear.
Sorry I missed the July tour, I was in Italy. Hopefully, they will be back again. I am a great admirer of Mr. Skjelbred’s. He is an excellent Piano Man in stride and jazz tunes.
J. DuBois
There are videos of the tour which I plan to parcel out here!
Pingback: Thursday, July 12th – 7:30-9:30 pmRay Skjelbred Quartet$15 cover charge
Pingback: Thursday, July 12th – 7:30-9:30 pmRay Skjelbred Quartet$15 requested cover charge ($5-20 sliding scale)