In late December in Orvieto, Derrick D’Mar, drummer for the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, brought the lunch crowd at the Ristorante San Francesco jazz lunch to their feet with an astounding gran finale.
At the end of the band’s final piece, he leapt over his drum set to the front of the stage, headed to the mikes to he beat out a tune with his drumsticks and then into the audience to roam table-to -table, playing on glasses, full bottles empty ones, half-full bottles, plates, and chairs.
Quite a final curtain to the group’s lunchtime concert with soul singer from Mississippi, Wee Willie Walker, enjoyed by all.
When we talked to Wee Willie and his wife after the concert (Pino wanted to buy their CD). I told him that his voice was anything but “wee.” He chuckled with that husky voice he belts out when singing.
Grazie mille, Wee Willie – and drummin’ Derrick and group.
We’ll be back. We never miss Umbria Jazz Winter in late December when Orvieto rocks. And that glorious Orvieto splendor: what a backdrop to the music
Read about past a swinging spaghetti concert at a past Umbria Jazz Winter festival
Click here for more on Umbria Jazz Winter
Read about an Umbria Jazz favorite, Funk Off
Click here to read about New Orleans blues in Orvieto
Annie, it looks like it was a lot of fun. The music must have been outstanding. The only thing missing from your photos are your usual mouthwatering pictures of food.
Thanks,
Frank
Frank / another thing missing: YOU with us!
Annie,
What a fun time ! I love things like this and in Italy…wow! Thanks for all of your blogs…they are great.
Linda
What a fantastic article! I’m sorry I missed this Umbria Jazz Fest but the reporting and wonderful photos made me feel like I was almost right there. Grazie mille, Anne Robichaud!
Next year, Joe?!