Jazz Ministry to play The Baked Potato with Michael Landau & Robben Ford

You lucky dogs in Southern California have a chance to see 2 guitar legends on the same stage, at the same time. The Jazz Ministry (Greg Mathieson - keys, Abe Laboriel, Jr. - drums, Abe Laboriel, Sr. - bass, Michael Landau - guitar) will be playing at the Baked Potato on 11/24 and 11/25, with special guest Robben Ford! If anyone reading this post gets to see this show, please leave a comment and tell us how it went.

Greg Mathieson upcoming shows
The Baked Potato

Comments

[Sergio Govea]

Amazing sound !!!

[PotatoHead]

I was at the Saturday night, 11/25, Jazz Ministry show at The Baked Potato. I flew down from the bay area for this one. I grew up a few blocks from the BP and have been to literally hundreds of shows there, starting in the 70's. I can say, without a doubt, this was one of the 2 or 3 best shows I've ever seen there, or anywhere for that matter. The tone, the VOLUME, the atmosphere and the sheer musicianship was unbelievable. They did a mixture of Greg Mathieson songs, a couple of Robben's, and one Willie Dixon. Robben sang one song. Robben and Mike were trading incredible solos all night. I've never seen Robben play like this. He was possessed and obviously intent on pulling out all the stops as he tried to keep pace with the God-like Landau. In the end, though, ML left him in the dust without breathing hard and even Robben was enthusiastically applauding some of ML's mind-bending solos. Needless to say, you MUST go see this these guys play together if you get the chance. To top things off, I was fortunate enough to talk to Mr. Landau on my way out and he invited me and my girlfriend to stay at his table for the second set! Besides it being another smokin' set, we got to chat with his delightful wife, Karen, who leads the very tasty bands Stolen Fish and Hazey Jane (both featuring ML). NOTE: I have four very large Mpegs (100+ Mb each) from the first set. The picture quality is pretty bad but the sound is ok and the content, of course, is fantastic. If somebody gives me a location to upload, I'd be happy to share.

[Rich]

PotatoHead,
Thanks for the review! Sound like it was an awesome show. I would love to see those Mpegs you have. You can probably upload them to Google Video (Your files are too big for YouTube I think). Google will let you upload files that are over 100Mb by using their uploader application (as opposed to the web interface). I've used the Google desktop uploader app several times. There's other Landau and Ford video's on Google Video so I don't think it would be a problem. Another option would be an online storage site like box.net. They give you 1GB of free storage.

Rich

[PotatoHead]

Thanks Rich. I've posted the four Mpegs on Google Video. You can find them by searching for "Jazz Ministry". Like I said, the video is pretty bad (The Baked Potato is dark!). Landau is, ironically, standing in the shadows, much like he does in his career. I think you'll enjoy the sweet guitar solos and Robben's vocals on one song.

Regards,
Greg

[Rich]

Awesome! Thanks Greg!

[speekez]

Mike Landau literally manhandled his instrument, it was rediculous. So much musical talent and complexity, I LOVE IT! I love it when musicians love what they are doing so much, it's a terrific atmosphere, I can't even describe it. Awesome show I had a terrific time.
speekez

[oxtone]

Dudes,

I just saw The Jazz Ministry at the Potato for the first time this last Thursday night (I was in LA for the NAMM Show). All I can say is: this was a life-changing concert! Man, Landau just KILLED!!! His tone with a Surh head was GREAT!
And what can you say about the Laboriel's that hasn't already been said? Simply inspiring! Greg Mathieson was unreal! This was the best band I've seen in many years, hands down. I got a hug from Sr. afterwards, and got to talk with Landau for a few minutes. He was really nice and very easy going. Jr. had a joyful glow about him, and he was really gracious and kind when we greeted him afterwards. I'll never forget this night!

[Rich]

I was there also, at the first set. I completely agree; an amazing group of players. Maybe the best live performance I've ever seen. I just wrote a lengthy review of the show today, I'll put up a post when it's been published.