By: Rudy Lu
Caffe Lena has been the musical home of Chuck Lamb for the last 9 years. He hosts a monthly series bringing in a wide variety of artists to play. This party is very special other than it is a CD release. It is primarily Chuck’s reflection on many the many memories of friends and family that have transitioned and coming to peace . These people are now continuing to live through Chuck’s music and giving others some joy.
Rather than concentrate on new compositions, Chuck decided to reinterpret older work. He assembled a lot of old friends to record the cd, most of them were not part of this performance.
Mike DeMicco-guitar
Mike Tucker-tenor saxophone
Jorge Gomez-keyboards
Matt Vicante-Bass
Evan DuChene- Drums
Mike DeMicco has been working closely with Chuck in the Brubeck Brothers.
Mike Tucker brings his broad experience and a style heavily influenced by latin music having played with Arturo Sandoval for many years.
Jorge Gomez brings his Cuban background and the rhythms of Tiempo Libre.
Matt Vicante-Picked up his bass late in life at age 52. Owning a string instrument repair shop, he knows his way around the instrument.
Evan Duchene-Has played with Chuck since the 70s
1st set
Opening with “Road More Traveled”, the mood of the performance was established with Chuck displaying incredible virtuosity and sensitivity in playing the melody and going for a sensitive solo. Mike DeMicco doing his thing with guitar. The entire band spreading around the thing called love.
“Lucky Chan” followed, this was Chuck’s. nickname since his school days.
A poignant dedication to the late Joel Moss, “Everytime We Say Goodbye”.
They ended the 1st set with “After Hours on Phila Street”, the title cut,composed after a gig at the Caffe.
2nd set
Opening with Chuck’s musical remembrance of his late sister “Heavens to Betsy”. Fond memories were expressed in this upbeat tune.
“North by Northeast” is Chuck’s composition commemorating his move back East after many years in Colorado. Truly optimistic sound.
“Dorothy’s Song” is a remembrance of Chuck’s sister in law.
Jorge Gomez was reintroduced and accompanied Chuck on their collaboration “Estudio”.
The concert ended with “For Pete’s Sake”, a composition dedicated to Chuck’s late brother, with musicial remembrances of the little quirks and habits of his brother that were so taken for granted but are no longer being heard.
Opening for Chuck was Ria Curley with her 2 compositions. Both optimistic “Help is on the Way”(Covid era composition) and “Spread it around this thing called Love” (present day). She was accompanied by Joanna Feurer and Sam Zuchinni.
Thank you Chuck, for sharing all your remembrances with us as we are in many ways part of your family. That is your chosen family.
