Stick Night 2005

Emmett performs at Stick Night Photo: Art Durkee Click to start the slide show

I feel sorry for the people, particularly the folks who do the sound, when we do these Stick Nights. It's no big deal for us, we're used to showing up en mass, Sticks in hand, most with a small personal mountain of gear, all looking for some place to plug it in. But the poor sound people must think they're finally being asked to make amends for some of the bad karma they've incurred over a past life or two.

On Friday, January 21, 2005 the Stick players took over the AlterKnit Lounge at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, CA. The room was small, packed all night long and it got a little toasty with all those bodies but it sounded great, had a nice vibe to it, a big enough stage to accommodate each player's needs and was intimate without being claustrophobic. And just being in the heart of the Sunset Strip gigging on a Friday night was pretty cool in itself.

This year's line up was truly outstanding. I was honoured to be one of the performers. With Larry Tuttle & Novi Novog's String Planet, Don Schiff, Greg Howard, Tom Griesgraber & Darren Debree, Emmett Chapman, Steve Adelson, Bob Culbertson, Nema Rezai & Merge, and me on the bill I could go on for days and still have trouble finding a weak link.

The highlights were many. Here are a few:

Larry & Novi - Joined by a percussionist named Christo, brought their latest project "String Planet" to funky, danceable, grooving life.

Don Schiff - "Oh, he's good..." Looping NS Stick lines, great arrangements, great voice, the complete package, sounding larger than life.

Greg Howard - As bold and passionate as always, debuted the Alto Stick with a duet of "Charmed Life" that he and Tom Griesgraber had worked up the day before.

Tom Griesgraber - The host, successfully kept a Stick Night on time (not an easy task), joined by drummer Darren Debree, sounding more polished, professional and musical than ever. (I'll go on record as stating that Tom could be the next really big Stick player.)

Emmett Chapman - One of my greatest joys is listening to Emmett play. His music transcends time, space and his instrument of choice. Emmett's chops are in top form and it's truly something special when he plays.

Steve Adelson - Speaking of chops! Steve is so fluent these days, it's as if his fingers aren't hitting the strings but floating above them, weaving the most intricate bass, rhythm and lead lines.

Bob Culbertson - Still pushing himself, still losing himself in his performance, still weaving and bobbing that full head of curly greying hair.

Nima Rezai & Merge - Their first Stick Night and they tore the roof off. This is a great band. Tight, polished, committed to the common sound, engaging. I knew they were going to be great but they went far past great to outstanding.

Jim Reilly - (Your humble documenter) Hard to follow such a high energy set so I opted for a quieter, more laid back set than I originally planned - the 'thin mint wafer' after the huge dinner. Drummer Darren Debree joined me, I tried not to throw him too many curves, it sounded great from were I was standing.

Art Durkee very graciously documented the evening. Check out his pictures and video links below. Thanks to Tom, The Knitting Factory, all who came and supported this event, my fellow performers, Emmett, Yuta and Stick Enterprises and Dan Chapman, Dean Chapman and Bruce Hanifan for recording. See you next year.

Jim Reilly
Kamloops, BC, Canada
Feb. 2, 05

Click to begin the Stick Night slide show with photos by Art Durkee
Greg Howard and Tom Griesgraber
Tom Griesgraber and Don Schiff
Nima Rezai and Merge

All images and video ©Art Durkee 2005.