Of Friends and Frets

Over the past several months, while working on a novel set in our area during Thunder Beach, I have been all over the place doing research. During my mostly nighttime odyssey, I’ve met some interesting and amazing people, had some unforgettable experiences, and discovered some truly remarkable local places.

In future columns I will share more of these (and, of course, they’ll be in my book), but this week I want to tell you about a couple of my friends and the great music they’re making.

The first is my dear friend Dave Lloyd, who, with Scott Neese, form The Manatees, and perform every weekend at Hammerhead Fred’s on Thomas Drive. Their music, made up of a guitar and steel drums, sounds like vacation to me—and is a perfect companion for good food and quiet conversation with close friends. They take requests, so ask for your favorite song, but regardless of what they play, it’s soothing music that feeds the soul. I dearly love Dave, and think he’s just one of the best guys around. He does good everywhere he goes—as a pastor, counselor, social worker—and this comes through his voice and out of his instrument.

My favorite number is when Dave pulls out his Ukulele and does a beachy groove version of Jim Croce’s “Operator.” Every time I hear him perform it, I get a sad, longing feeling that feels like nostalgia for what I’m not sure I can say (or would want to). His version of the song stays with me for days afterwards—and unlike some songs that get stuck in my head, I’m grateful it’s there.

Go see Dave on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and tell him his friend Michael sent you.

Another friend (and great drummer), Crook Stewart, who has been helping me pick up the drums again after too many years of not playing, introduced me to a new friend, and amazing musician, Steve Wiggins.

Because I’ve got a story in an anthology called “Delta Blues” and will be playing the drums in an authors’ band for the release party, both Crook and Steve told me I needed to hear the best blues drummer around, Lenwood Cherry Jr. This past week I finally got to—when I was one of only six people at one of the most amazing live blues sets I’ve ever heard. In fact, I got to hear Mr. Cherry play and sing a blues version of one of my favorite all-time songs, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” I love this song so much I have entire CDs and playlists of nothing but covers of it, and his version was the best I’ve ever heard.

With Steve’s fingers dancing up and down the keyboard and Kerry McNeil, a true blues bassist and vocalist thumping the bass and belting out the blues, I felt like I was in the Delta—at the Crossroads in Clarksdale or on Beale Street in Memphis, yet I was sitting at a piano bar right here on PCB. That’s where you can find Steve playing his piano every Tuesday and Thursday nights, or being joined by Crook and others for an open jam session on Wednesday nights or with his full band on Friday and Saturday nights.

Stop by and see Steve and his talented friends and tell him his new friend Michael sent you—and if you go on Wednesdays, take your instrument with you.

And look for Steve on August 14th at the Marina Civic Center for a concert as part of my friend Jennifer Jones’ inspired Backstage Pass series, where he will not only perform on a 9-foot grand piano, but record a new live album.

Good friends, good food, and good music are a big part of what makes life sweet, magical, and meaningful. And all three are best when shared. I’m grateful for this opportunity to share some of mine with you. Contact me through my website or Facebook if you want to share them in person. I’d love to have you for a friend, too.