Good Company at the Steel Pig, a real jewel
I caught a great band last night at the Steel Pig Barbeque Uptown at 8904 Aurora N in Seattle. Good Company is led by Butch Harrison. He plays keys and trumpet. These guys are a joy to watch. The Good Company sound is big and warm. They COOK and play it deep with all the nuances and fine touches the music can handle.
Some of the tunes they did included "What's Goin' On", "You're Gonna Miss My Lovin'", "I'll be There", "Say What", "Go Round in Circles", "Bad Boy" and "Use Me Up." These are R&B tunes played by jazz instrumentalists. Three of the four sang, blending and backing each other beautifully.
When these guys started, and frequently throughout the evening, I kept finding myself grinning. I felt like I'd found the perfect place to be. This music is very dancable, head bopping stuff. These players really do a good job of it. It's obvious that they really enjoy p[laying. The sound is hip, in the pocket and smooth the way it's supposed to be. Full of life and never sounding artificial, always fresh and genuine.
Wade Ervin is a big, steady fellow with a big blonde 5 string bass. I'm told he's a retired Meany Junior High music teacher, though he doesn't appear to be retirement age. Brian Kirk plays drums. These guys are regulars with Good Company. Charles played his chocolate Gibson 335 last night and it really sang. The next time he play's that room, he'll likely play his Strat.
The club owner found a band that meets his discerning standards and doesn't play too loud. That's important to him. You can still play pool or shuffleboard and talk in the lower area of the club while listening to the band. The music fills the place and you'll want to listen.
I had dinner at the Steel Pig Barbeque Uptown a few times. It's a great room, actually a few well connected open spaces on different levels. The dance floor is right in front of the band stand. There's a large projection screen behind the band. The barbeque, sides and desserts keep me coming back for dinner! The Steel Pig also has lot's of good stuff on tap. The music was so good last night that I'm going back tonight.
Catch Good Company if you can. Go for the food at Steel Pig the first chance you get. It's a non-smoking establishment, full bar, no cover and real nice folks. Dinner is served until last calll. This place deserves some attention, it's a real jewel.
