Rain, rain, rain. I can’t remember ever having so much rain for so many days. Let’s hope it plays out before those beautiful bikes roar into town soon.
    In the spirit of Bike Week, Seacrets is bringing The Artimus Pyle Band to play on Thur. Now I’ll admit that I had to look him up to see what he’s all about. Born Thomas Delmar “Artimus” Pyle, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, he served in the Marine Corps as an aviator and in 1974 joined Lynyrd Skynyrd as the drummer, as many of you probably already know. In 1982 he began touring as the Artemis Pyle Band with mates Darryl Otis Smith, John Boerstler and Steve Lockhart and cut two albums: Nightcaller (1981 and Live From Planet Earth (2000. Pyle took part in the Skynyrd Tribute Tour and joined them for their 1991 recording, but left the band that year citing problems with drugs and alcohol that, as he said at the time in a radio interview, “I felt as though we should have put all that stuff behind us years and years ago.” Pyle currently resides in Asheville, N.C., and plays with various musicians, including Skynyrd tribute bands and his own A.P.B. which released Artimus Venomous in 2007. It’s guaranteed to be a high voltage party, Thur. at Seacrets.
    All this rain hasn’t stopped me from getting out; I’ve managed to dodge most of the storms and watch the light shows from the safety of places like BJ’s or Fager’s Island (last night for the amazing Shaun Hopper). Last Sat. at BJ’s I was impressed all over again by the outstanding musicianship of the players in No Byscuyts. Howard Wimbrow is quite possibly the finest jazz guitarist around and no one can thump out that bass beat any cooler than Elwood Bishop. The man he introduces as ‘baby brother’ Keith Brooks on the drums plays with conviction and precision with a style that is a pleasure to watch. And then there’s Joe Smooth on sax. This man melds the band’s sound into an oh-so-smooth jazzy groove or rips it up on rock songs that had the crowd dancin’ all night. Love me some No Byscuyts.
    And while I’m thinking of drummers ... we had the pleasure of hearing the drummer for lower case blues, yes, the drummer, play some very cool jazz guitar with Shaun Hopper last night at Fager’s Island. Paul Weik really surprised us but I can see how his jazzy style of playing drums reflects his love of that genre of music. Look out - this multi-faceted musician may reveal more of his musical secrets.
    More fun was had last week with Johnny Bling on Sat. at M.R. Ducks. The band and the crowd always have so much fun together that they just don’t ever want to stop. Never fear - they will be back beforeDucks boards up for the winter. Monday was a blast, too, with the incomparable Bird Dog & The Road Kings. Kenny sat in on guitar while Billy West, that most respected guitarist among his peers, recuperates from a heart attack. Please rest up and get well, Billy. We want you back.
    Last weekend also saw the arrival of two most celebrated harmonica players - Rockin’ Jake and Dr. Harmonica ... yeah, and on the same night. I was riding back and forth between 45th St. Taphouse and Sunset Grille like a nut. Happy birthday to Senator Jim Mathias who was thrilled to sing with Rockin’ Jake for his fun day. We wish you many more such days.
    And Dr. Harmonica was lookin’ and soundin’ terrific. Sax man Alan was along for the ride - love his sound. Doc will be back at the Taphouse, I think Sat., Sept 15. Stay tuned.
    Also loved the Idol Kings last week at The Purple Moose channeling John Mellencamp and Journey. Great sounds. Can’t wait to hear Almost Queen this coming Wed. Heard them last time they were here and they were astounding. Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury has all the energy and vocal range to pull off this recreation with Randy Gregg (as John Deacon), John Cappadona (as Roger Taylor) and Steve Leonard (as Brian May) “succeeding in blending the vocal layering and studio precision that is a signature of the band.” We are so lucky to have them here - a band that plays to sold-out theaters from New York to San Diego and festivals around the world. Almost Queen - that says it all. Party on!