_ It started with the opening song and continued all night long—through both sets. The first three numbers were all instrumentals and they just soared. Mark Griffith was sitting in for Reinhardt Melz and brought his jazz patterns into the soul mix. His swinging rhythms created a great foundation upon which Jay “Bird” Koder and Jarrod Lawson built sonic skyscrapers.

 The second song was a foray “down to New Orleans” as Jay “Bird” promised. From there we were taken on “Butterfly” wings to Tom Coster’s “Moonflower.” The Bird was just on fire and his guitar was the torch. The instrumentals were graceful and moving. It was what Aristotle called “katharsis”; a purification of emotion and everyone, so it seemed, enjoyed the emotional rapture. For when Jay “Bird” announced that the SoulMates were “just getting warmed up,” one young woman in the audience responded with “My God, you’re not even warmed up yet???”

 The band responded with those sweet vocals. “I’ll Stay” was followed by “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” I must confess that I am not nor have I ever been a Paul Simon fan. Sure, he’s talented and all that but taste is taste and he has just never really appealed to me. With that disclaimer, the SoulMates have taken that song and have made it into something utterly soulful and satisfying. I have even gone back to listen to the original version… to no avail, though. I still don’t like the original. Sorry.

 All this is only prelude to the great movement found in Jay “Bird”s own composition entitled “I Could Be the Man for You.” If the SoulMates were ever to release singles, this would have to be the first one. Bird’s guitar just takes off and Jarrod’s vocals are so rich. Once again, the only fitting word to describe is “satisfying.” Jacob, the Candlelight’s oldest patron, answers the song in a call and response form with “JayBIRD! JayBIRD! I hear ya!” (This is why only one in attendance can fully understand)

 At this point, it was noticed that trumpeter Paul Mazzio, alto saxman Chris Brown and vocalist Paul Creighton were in the audience. An exciting evening was in store.

 “Cruisin’” was the next offering and “Bird”s guitar solo was like a journey into the 11th dimension. [The 11th dimension is where string theory coalesces into a possible theory of everything. Guitar solo…string theory…get it? Nevermind.]

 Sure enough, Paul Creighton joined the SoulMates for two great songs. The first was “What’s Going On” which is one of the greatest prophetic songs of all time and Jarrod and Paul delivered on this song. After all, who cannot be moved by lyrics such as:

“Father, Father/We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer/For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way/To bring some lovin' here today.”

 From the prophetic to the poetic, Jarrod and Paul combined again for “All I Do (Thinking About You).” The results were electric and ecstatic! It was a fitting ending to the evening’s first set.

 The second set seems to get better with every passing week! This week was no exception as Paul Mazzio added his trumpet and Chris Brown brought along his alto sax. From Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September” to Gershwin’s “Summertime” to finish up with Stevie Wonder’s “All Day Sucker,” this ensemble satisfied the most jaded of listeners.

 Yes, Jarrod and Paul had sung “Only love can conquer hate” but tonight also witnessed musicianship conquering mediocrity, joy conquering grief, and as always friendship conquering separation.

 As we sat in the audience and we drank from the cup of musical unity, strangers simply enjoyed being in each other’s company. Owners and managers from other clubs join together to hear the SoulMates after their own spots have closed. Musicians from other bands come together to listen and take part. As happens every Monday night at the Candlelight, everyone is drawn together as soul mates.

 Only respect and love can make that happen—only Jay “Bird” Koder and the SoulMates can make that happen and it happens whenever and wherever they gather together.

 As Jay “Bird” always says, “we’re going to join you for some cocktails and come back after the break.”

 And so will I…

Finally and at long last, the party of the year for SoulMates fans took place at Jimmy Mak’s in downtown Portland! It was the DVD release party for the SoulMates “Live and in Living Color.” It was the long-awaited return of Reinhardt Melz on drums and Jans Ingber on percussion and sometime vocals. It was everything a SoulMate fan could have wanted.

Jay “Bird” Koder and his SoulMates took the stage a little after 8:00 pm and opened the show with George Clinton’s “I’ll Stay.” The renowned Bobby Torres was in attendance to catch the performance and enjoy the party and so was the lovely Shirley Brown.

The SoulMates then continued and offered to “turn a Steve Miller tune on its ear” with their rendition of “Fly Like an Eagle.” As the band was bending the song to their will, an older gentleman behind me delightedly exclaimed “Aw, get outta here!” His enthusiasm, and everyone else’s, was kicked to an even higher level when Jay “Bird” turned in one incredible guitar solo. The SoulMates were in complete control of their audience.

Jay “Bird” introduced Jans (“As Bad as He Wants to Be”) Ingber to sing an unreleased Stevie Wonder song called “On the Right Track.” The composition is moving and exciting and at one point, Jay “Bird” was bouncing up and down in complete enjoyment. Then Paul Simon’s “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover” became a soul tune under the SoulMates handling and even turned into a samba by then end of the song.

But the greatest responses always come for the original SoulMates compositions. Tonight was no exception as Jarrod Lawson’s “Everything I Need” gave evidence.  The song is written around the theme of facing disaster and anguish. Despite the loss of property or means, the joy comes from knowing that—as long as we have close those who mean so much to us—we have everything we need. Possessions are just souvenirs and are nothing compared to what shall be revealed. It is the triumph of gratitude over greed. As Jay “Bird” embarks on one of his traveling solos through the audience, the spirit of the song and the SoulMates leave nothing but smiles in his wake.

One lucky audience member received a complimentary copy of the DVD for having traveled the farthest distance to be in attendance. One person was from Los Angeles, another from North Carolina, but the hands-down winner was from Lim Xiao, China. The winner happily came to the stage to receive the DVD and a hug from Jay “Bird.”

Then followed Jay “Bird”s own composition to his personal SoulMate, the love of his life. The song is “I Could Be the Man for You.” His solo guitar speaks of longing and loving and completion. During one of the interview vignettes on the DVD, Jay “Bird” explains the writing and significance of the song.

This is one of the fine aspects of the newly-released DVD. Michael Magaurn, the director and executive producer of the video project, inserts these brief interview moments with the SoulMates between several of the songs. They are quick but meaningful glances into the writing, arranging and meaning of the music; glances into the heart of the band.  Mr. Magaurn has rendered an artistic and soulful view of the SoulMates.

Not only were Michael Magaurn’s efforts for the DVD recognized and praised but his birthday was celebrated as well. A birthday cake with candles was taken through the audience and the crowd responded with genuine gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Magaurn’s finished work and his sterling character; a fine man who deserves all the affection and thanks bestowed upon him.

Reinhardt Melz and Jans Ingber were turned loose on percussion with the Eric Ricco song, Love So Real.” The percussion duet just smoked. One can always see Reinhardt is in the groove when he turns his shoulder into the beat and he was in there with Jans this night. From there to the magnificent Stevie Wonder tune “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” which Jarrod discusses on the DVD by saying that the SoulMates usually bend songs to their style but this song remains untouched. The reason, Jarrod explains, is because “the song is already perfect.”

The journey continued to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love” and Prince’s “Strange Relationship” only to return and finish with Stevie Wonder and “I Wish.” One of the song’s memorable lines is “Momma gives you money for Sunday School / You trade yours for candy after church is through.” My suspicion is that anyone who attends any SoulMates’ performance would gladly trade their Sunday School money for the SoulMates’ DVD just released.

And God would have no complaints about it.

 When The SoulMates open their performance at the Candlelight with their own composition called “The Bacchus” it creates a festival atmosphere. After all, Bacchus (the Greeks called him Dionysos) was the Roman god of wine, music and ecstatic dancing. All three of those were on display at the Candlelight this night.

 Rich Lawrence, clean-shaven as if he were in an Olympic swimming event, was sitting in for Reinhardt Melz who will be returning from his Occupy Amboy/European Tour sojourn. Rich was in great form and the trio played with energy and excitement. Was that Bacchus standing in the corner?

 Peter and Tracy, everyone’s favorite dance couple, had returned after a long absence and their return was like a return of the blossoms in spring. Everyone was ready to dance. The mood was reflected and then enhanced by The SoulMates’ moving version of “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.

 Once again, the musical firmament was starry at the Candlelight with wonderful singers and instrumentalists coming to join the trio to explore the depths of soul in all of its aspects. From trumpet great Paul Mazzio to Sieda to Darlene Solomon-Rogers aka Blacque Butterfly with her musical partner Arietta Ward-Scroggins whom Jarrod collectively introduced as “The Mary Jane Girls.”

 Paul Mazzio sat in on several numbers through the night. Mazzio studied at that Mecca of jazz education, the University of North Texas, and has played with such diverse acts as the Woody Hermann Orchestra, Gino Vanelli, Larry Carlton and the Moody Blues! His horn additions to the trio were electric! His solos advanced the music so well and his support playing added great body.

 Dancers were on the floor all night through each and every number performed by The SoulMates. Late in the night, Jay “Bird” turned to Jarrod and said, “I guess we are a dance band.” Jarrod’s response was, “As much as we try not to be…” It seems Bacchus was having his way.

 The lovely soul of Sieda joined Jarrod’s vocals for a creation of something beautiful. She is so personally charming and her smile is worth a million dollars. She is a joy to watch and hear. It was especially gratifying to hear her duo with Jarrod on Gershwin’s Summertime, which has to be considered one of the greatest vocal songs of all time, and she remained to sing Nothing Ever Matters.

 If one were only able to stay for the first set, the musical experience would have been complete. Grief would have given way to joy and Bacchus would take all the credit. But the second set brought revelation…

 After the intermission, “the Mary Jane Girls” joined the SoulMates and Paul Mazzio for a thrilling, jazzy treatment of Steve Miller’s Fly Like an Eagle. Then Orietta (Etta) Ward-Scroggins turned poetry into socio-political prophecy. There is a power in words and Etta demonstrated that fact with soul-stirring effect. The vocal delivery was moving and it was punctuated by the guitar of Maestro Jay “Bird” Koder. The finale What We Do for Love kept the dancers going until the end. It was emotional. It was powerful. One old gentleman in the audience could only keep shouting “Jay-BIRD, Jay-BIRD…!” Everyone understood—nothing else needed to be said. Although at one point the old gentleman looked at Darlene and said “I would do anything for love!” To which she responded, “I bet you would, Daddy!”

 Wine, music and dance gave way to Joy, Understanding and Friendship by the end of the SoulMates’ second set and Bacchus was on the run. Both sets needed to be experienced. Joy without Understanding fades. Joy and Understanding together produce Friendship. There is a profound reason why they are called The SoulMates.

 As Jay “Bird” always says, we’re going to join you for some cocktails and we’ll be back…

 And so will I.

 

 

Reinhardt Melz is still away in Europe or, if you listen to Jay “Bird”, he is still at Occupy Amboy and the naked bike-ride has concluded successfully. For those not from around the Southwest Washington area, Amboy is a small town with about 500 families in its population. So, as Jay “Bird” says, it only takes one person to Occupy Amboy.

With Reinhardt away on Monday night (wherever he is), his throne was once again occupied (Get it? That’s called a “call back”) by Mark Griffith, drummer with the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, and he enjoyed himself immensely.

The evening began with a hearty welcome to Lance who once again made the pilgrimage from Seattle. He caught grief from the band and audience alike for his long absence but his return was celebrated by two songs dedicated to him from The SoulMates.

It was a festive air as the time approaches for the release of the DVD that was recorded live at Jimmy Mak’s back on August 30th of this year. The DVD was recorded by Magaurn Video Media and the results are astonishing.

Michael Magaurn is a long-time friend and supporter of Jay “Bird” Koder and now The SoulMates. He was a concert promoter from 1967 to 1974 and was responsible for many of the memorable shows of that era in the Pacific Northwest. In 1972, he established one of the first full-service video production companies in the Northwest. He then developed one of the very first (if not the very first) mobile video production units in this region.

For the live show at Jimmy Mak’s, Mr. Magaurn brought in one of the best sound engineers in the business. The live sound was spectacular and the DVD reflects that same dynamic quality. Mr. Magaurn brought to bear the tremendous talents of Timothy Greenidge. Mr. Greenidge has engineered hundreds of concerts and is an extremely sought-after sound designer. The video employed stationary and roving cameras to render a complete visual experience by capturing the stage action plus Jay “Bird”s strolling into the audience. Nothing is missed.

Catch the anticipation by watching the promo video below. It was kindly provided by Michael Magaurn for your viewing pleasure.

On Saturday, November 19 at 8 PM, The SoulMates will return to Jimmy Mak’s for the video release party of “Sweet Sexy Soul—Live at Jimmy Mak’s.” Gretchen Mitchell will be the opening performer in her Portland return.

The whimsical and talented Jans Ingber will be joining the trio for the celebratory performance. It is always a joy to see what Jans brings to the group. Having been brought up amidst his father Howard’s massive record collection, Jans had a wide exposure to music from his earliest days. He is a great percussionist and is the right fit for Reinhardt’s drumming and he is a splendid compliment to Jarrod’s vocals while holding down his own vocal leads on several songs.

By time of the DVD release party, Reinhardt will have finished occupying Amboy and Jay “Bird” will have all the other birds in the same nest for the first time since August.

The DVDs will be available for purchase at the show for $15.00 each.

Now if only Rhonda and Bobby from the Candlelight could get a temporary gig at Jimmy Mak’s, the whole family would be there!

As Jay “Bird” always says, “We’re gonna join you for some cocktails then be back after a break.”

And so will I…

© copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

It was October 31st and the freaks came out that Halloween night! It was a whole different crowd for a whole different purpose. This crowd on this night was there to party and not for the music. At least, that is how it started.

During the break between the sets, Jarrod would join us at our friends’ table and remark “I don’t know anybody in here except the people at this table! Oh, and there’s Tim way over there.” Tim is always there.

Rhonda and Bobby were nailed to the floor behind the bar almost all night long. On the occasion where Rhonda did manage to escape and get out to the tables, she was accosted by a caveman (Halloween, remember?) for a quick dance, which she obliged—empty glasses still in hand. After a quick turn or two, she was back behind the bar for the rest of the night. How she keeps going and keeps track of everything is astonishing. And she keeps smiling! Now that is amazing.

Then the caveman was dirty-dancing with a female cop. Snow White was spending the night looking for at least one dwarf. Bo Peep has still not found her sheep. Plus, a band of Zombies showed why they were not part of the dance cast in Thriller. We were dressed like music fans and I think we were convincing.

Reinhardt Melz was absent, having taken his “drummist” skills to Amsterdam and beyond in support of Gino Vanelli’s European tour. Sitting in for him was Mark Griffith, beat-man for the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. Obviously a straight jazz drummer, Griffith performed admirably well on many songs he had never played before (and maybe never again).

Terry Case sat in on drums for one number and didn’t realize that he was being offered a solo. Instead, he looked up, surprised, and held his sticks. Once he realized what was going on, he jumped right in and rescued himself and the song… and the band.

Meanwhile, the Zombies and others who had been on the dance-floor, remained on the dance-floor. It was like an invasion of soul-takers.

There were some memorable renditions in both sets to be sure. However, in the middle of the first set, Jaybird Koder sent out a number to a couple of friends in attendance and offered up a stirring and heart-felt instrumental version of “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King from her album Tapestry.  One stanza in particular reads:

People can be so cold/They’ll hurt you and desert you/
Well, they’ll take your soul if you let them/ Oh, but don’t you let them.

Even the Zombies and others—who had come to party—were now remaining for the music. Dressed as dead and undead, they were given life.

This is the assurance offered by The SoulMates: outside it is cold and there are soul-takers… but not in the Candlelight when Jaybird Koder is in command, not even on Halloween.

As Jaybird always says, “We’re going to join you for some cocktails and then be back after the break.”

And Jaybird always has the last word.


© copyright 2011. All rights reserved.