The Rhythm Brothers

Friday night, February 25, 2005
8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.)

The Rhythm Brothers: Raul Reynoso, Kenny Blackwell, Doug Mattocks & Westy Westenhofer

Post-show note from Roger: This show was wonderful. I was entraced both by the incredibly fast lines played together in harmony by Raul and Kenny, but also by Doug's unbeliveably fast and beautiful chord solos. And all this fantastic musicianship came out of four guys so easy-going, relaxed and funny that they simply appeared to be having a good time. They're welcome back anytime. Here are a couple of pics from the evening taken by guest Gints Klimanis: Overview, Close-up.

For those who attended one of the two John Jorgenson shows last year, you'll remember the other guitarist Raul Reynoso, who humbly let John take the spotlight for most of the evening while occassionally amazing us with his extraordinary solo and chordal work. The Rhythm Brothers is Raul's main band, featuring three other musicians of exceptional musical skill: Doug Mattocks, Kenny Blackwell & Westy Westenhofer.

Like the John Jorgenson show, the Rhythm Brothers' music includes beautiful acoustic jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt's famous Hot Club of France, played with exceptional instrumental proficiency and sensitivity. But it also includes touches of Bluegrass, 3-part vocal harmony and other musical surprises. The music is emotional, exotic, lively, sometimes unbelievably fast & difficult, sensitive, fun, beautiful and rare. As a bonus, they're very funny on stage and really know how to put on a great show.

Here's an MP3 recording from Raul Reynoso's CD that is representative of the Rhythm Brother's music: Matelot.

You can learn more about the band and their many collective and individual credits at www.rhythmbrothers.com.

As seems to be a theme at Rog Mahal shows, this music is not just for musicians but rather a great show that musicians and non-musicians alike will be moved & entertained by. I'm very pleased to catch them during their current tour.

Please RSVP to rlinn@rogerlinndesign.com, but only if you definitely plan to attend and promise to let me know if you need to cancel. Seating is limited to 70 people so this will probably sell out, and it's a shame to have to turn people away then find out later that a few seats are available because a few people didn't show.

Requested donation (all of which goes to the performers): $20 at the door.

Date: Friday night, February 25, 2005

Time:
7:00 pm: Doors open, hang out in the turret overlooking a view of the San Francisco skyline and, over appetizers and a glass of wine, meet others who value music and ideas.
8:00 - 8:30 pm: Show starts, 1st set
8:30 - 8:50 pm: Intermission, more eat, drink & chat
8:50 - 9:30 pm: 2nd set
9:30 - ?: People often stay a while

Where: At Roger Linn's home in the Berkeley hills. Click here for directions.