CC Booker III – The Five Spot
Pieces of the Big Apple were seen and heard in the Dirty South.
One word – JAZZ
Two words – PHENOMINAL JAZZ
I had been looking forward to catching a performance of Will Scruggs and Big Bucket for two weeks. Will Scruggs joined with Big Bucket for a short summer tour of the south and the final stop was The Five Spot in Little Five Points. This was a venue I had not been to before and in my opinion the perfect size. If it had not been a Sunday night I am sure the place would have been packed. I pulled into the parking lot and as soon as I opened my door I heard the soulful sound of the saxaphone and the Hammond B3 organ. For some reason I thought the performance started at 9:00 and I was right on time. The sign on the door said 8:00 – 10:00. I was bummed I had missed half the show. The cover charge was $8. As soon as I walked in I heard the band playing loud and proud. I got my $8 worth after one and a half songs. To my great satisfaction they played till 11:30.
Big Bucket is from New York and Will Scruggs is an Atlanta musician and plays with the Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship. Will was in New York and met the members of Bucket Band. I did not get the story on how they decided to collaborate. In short they formed a new band CC Booker III. It is a jazz band that performs songs from three great musicians: Booker T & the MG’s, King Curtis, and Ray Charles.
This was the best performed live music I have ever seen or heard yet in the Atlanta music scene. The songs were long, most 10+ minutes each. Although they played other’s music, their own updated style was added. This is a great band to bring a date to because of the energy and emotion.
Nate Shaw played the B3 in flip flops and sporting a driving cap. Until now I had only heard the B3 played in context with live blues music. I have heard an entirely new sound with Jazz music. There was no need for an electric or stand up bass. The B3 in the hands of Nate produced a wonderful rich bass line. It is amazing how it sounds the same as a regular bass guitar. Remember when you were young and your teacher told you to tap the top of your head and rub your belly at the same time? Could you do it with your eyes closed? Imagine that but more difficult; playing two keyboards at once. That requires coordination, concentration and dexterity. It seemed easy and fun for Nate. He is an outstanding current B3 musician.