When my best friend asked me to join her for a musical outing this past Friday night, I knew little about what I was going to encounter on stage. I knew Thursday was her birthday and I wanted to be there to help her celebrate. Plus, through half a lifetime worth of adventures and friendship, I don’t think we had ever disagreed on music.
The location of Friday night’s adventure added sweetness to the deal—Stella’s Music Club is a newer music venue in downtown Cleveland that is quickly becoming a favorite. The intimate location has truly dedicated itself to the delivery of quality musical experiences for performers and audiences, alike. The sound system and backline is top notch and their sound engineer keeps the performance on point throughout. Add in a friendly and attentive staff who take great care of their patrons, good food, and great drinks and it would be hard to not have a great night.
When my friend told me it was a cover band by the name of Stormy Monday, my mind slipped back into memories of my almost shameful introduction to The Allman Brothers Band (from whom I know the T-Bone Walker classic song they pull their name from best)…
At the tail end of the summer of 1995, I had just turned seventeen and was obsessed with the band Rusted Root. I had spent Labor Day weekend at an epic music festival (Hookahville) and realized somewhere along the way I could extend my indulgent ingestion of great music—Rusted Root was the opening band at Polaris Amphitheater that Sunday night. I could reroute the trip home and catch them live!
Due to a variety of unseen factors and frustrating dealings with acquaintances, by the time my friend and I rolled into the lot, Rusted Root was almost done with their set. Around two hours from home, we decided to go ahead and catch the show anyways. I remember thinking, “If Rusted Root is opening for them, then they must be good.” As the headliner got into their groove, my inclination was confirmed—they were really good! And thus, I was introduced to the Allman Brothers Band.
Upon arrival at Stella’s on Friday, I realized Stormy Monday consisted of some of Cleveland’s mainstay jam band, rock and blues players with Tim Askin on guitar, Bill McComb on bass and Botchie on drums. It felt like the perfect fit—my friend and I have been seeing these guys play in various incarnations for the past two decades. When we asked about how this formulation came to pass, Askin related an amusing story of trying to get a low profile gig at Edison’s that eventually resulted in a hastily assigned name and a scramble for players. However it came into existence, I was excited to see what Stormy Monday would deliver.
As their set commenced, it became quickly apparent that the night was going to be filled with classic favorites delivered in full force by powerful musicians. Starting the set with Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On, they rocked straight into Neil Young’s Cinnamon Girl, followed directly by Tom Petty’s Mary Jane’s Last Night. The tone for the night was set and unwaveringly delivered throughout the performance.
When I committed to my attendance for this evening of music, I didn’t know who Stormy Monday was or what they would deliver. My mind had thought I was in for a night of Allman Brothers Band covers. I was pleasantly surprised to find classic Cleveland players I have known for decades powerfully delivering the genre and spirit of one of my favorite eras of music. In this more structured formulation of musical delivery, I heard some of the intricate weavings of Tim Askin’s phenomenal guitar work and raspy, blues voice in a different light.
It was a wonderful celebration of my dear friend’s next trip around the sun with exceptional music in a great venue. The adventure their name had evoked from my past was just the first of many trips down memory lane Stormy Monday delivered.
I will also be keeping a keen radar on what’s gracing the stage at Stella’s Music Club in the coming future. Their dedication to great music and sound in an intimate environment is exciting for any music devotee. The fact that many of the shows they present are also free of charge just adds to the enticement.
Such a fun show! I loved reading your take on it, and your story of discovering the Allman Bros back in the day.