Seattle Bands

We hadn’t seen the Sun since October, until this blue-sky day. So it was about time to celebrate. At the 88 Keys in Seattle Thursday night, it was the first real party of the summer season, with many of our local musicians in attendance, ready to rock. And, it was fabulous to see some legendary luminaries in the audience (you know who you are).

And celebrate we did! All three bands, so distinctly different, had one thing in common: they absolutely played their hearts out! Jar of Rain, a young up-and-coming band featuring the Thornberg brothers, showed us what passion is all about. Russ absolutely owned his driving guitar solos; he played with total commitment and took everyone in the audience with him. Technically, he’s better than a lot of players twice his age, and yet, he is soulful beyond his years. His older brother John, on Drums, exceeded all expectations with his powerfully crisp beat and his ability to reach into our emotions and move us. I’ve seen them play several times and this was definitely the best yet. Any chance you get, I highly recommend seeing Jar of Rain. I still find it touching that John says “Thanks for letting us play.” You’re welcome!!!

Jar of Rain

Next set, Lynn Sorensen wooed us on the violin (in Sex and Violins) and some rocking vocals, while we enjoyed Evan Sheeley on bass. Smaller physically, this guy packs Big Power. Superb jazz rock fusion bass playing. Both Lynn and Evan were a nice complement to Mark Russell on lead guitar, who transfixes with his swaggering leather-grometted virtuosity and hard rock edginess. He is another one to watch. His pretty wife in the audience knowingly smiled and giggled with delight as he played, and rightly so. Drummer Jeff Kathan rocked and held down THE most steady beat in town. No rotary perception creeping there. I was sad their set ended so soon.

Sex and Violins

But, I got over it as beautiful Aury Moore took the stage and began a pulsing, deep-throated version of the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” I just about swooned! Dominique D. Stone, as always, was masterful on his 6-string bass. Manuel Morais with the movie-star latin looks, played a scorching lead guitar. Steady Eddie Mendoza on drums. All at the top of their game. Some really interesting hard rock originals in contrast to lovely heart-clenching ballads, Aury can sing them all. It’s hard to put words to her artistry: Soulful. Towering. Velvety. …Royalty.

Aury Moore Band

The word is that 88 Keys is going to be the place for original Seattle bands to rock on Thursday nights. Big, big show coming up on June 23. Stay tuned for details.