New Jam Night at 88 Keys in Seattle

Powercell: Lynn Sorensen on bass, Doug McGrew on drums,

and Michael Johnson on lead guitar

Manuel Morais on lead guitar

Pete Butterfield on bass

Lynn Sorensen on electric violin

Eddie Mendoza on drums

Wednesday Nights at 88 Keys

It’s hard to overstate how gleeful I feel when I’m sitting in the audience at 88 Keys listening to the amazing Powercell, house band for the new jam at 88 Keys on Wednesday nights. I think to myself: Wow! I can’t believe I’m seeing/hearing this superb musicianship and rock music that I love, live and in person, 20 minutes from home!! Not to mention no cover, and free parking!

My favorite jams right now are at The Barrel in Burien on Tuesday nights, and the newcomer, 88 Keys in Pioneer Square, both 8-12p.m. Both jams are organized by the fabulous Doug McGrew, who is not only one of the finest drummers out there, but an unflagging promoter of live music. The new jam at 88 Keys on Wednesday nights is not to be missed. In an old wood and brick warehouse with high ceilings supported by huge ancient forest beams, the sound is clear and rich. And it’s great that the owners wired the place with the right equipment and enough juice to really crank.

Last night was no exception. Lynn Sorensen (of Magic Bus, and Bad Company) absolutely smoked on a gorgeous fretless bass (“Aww, I’m just goofing around,” he said later, modestly), then switched to his cherry-red favorite, and then electrified the room with his violin while Pete Butterfield grooved on the bass. They played some of Pete’s originals, which are screaming towards iTunes availability. (Tunecore.com can help with distribution.) Back on bass, Lynn took us to another world with Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs, then a rocked out a Guns n’ Roses song not usually my favorite, but when these guys play it, it just about takes the house down. Then Doug invited some notable locals up to play. Some surprises from Supertramp, Steely Dan, Stones, and Beatles from an ever-changing showcase of fine musicians. Among them was the Joe Satriani-meets-Stevie Ray Vaughn-meets Eddie van Halen—like awe-inspiring lead guitarist Manuel Morais, and the great Eddie Mendoza, both from the Aury Moore Band.

I can’t wait for next Wednesday at 88 Keys. From what I hear it’s going to be packed, with some very Special Guests playing, so get there by 8:00 for good seats.