I didn't set out to shoot Ian Tordella twice this weekend, it just kinda happened.



We had dinner at El Zarape on Saturday night, where Ian was playing a couple sets with Nathan Hubbard and Tyler Eaton. There was a huge group standing and talking right in front of the band in an otherwise empty bar, so I was wedged right in with the drums. Some people are so inconsiderate with their oblivious attitude to music happening right in front of them.



This was the first time I have heard a jazz arrangement of Black Hole Sun. Nice. If I had to guess, I'd say the luminescent Nathan Hubbard was responsible for that one.



Our next stop was the Wit's End for a side band of a friend. Luckily it was running late and we had some nice conversations with friends before the music started. By that point we were ready to follow Nathan to the Tin Can Ale House for his set with Rafter, but mexican food does not make a good precursor to booty bumping.

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On my way home from work on Monday, Ian sent out a notice that he was playing at the Woodfin Hotel in Mira Mesa, where he has a residency. Besides being a steady paycheck, it gives Ian a chance to offer a sideman slot to someone different every time. This week he brought someone I hadn't met before, guitarist Joey Carano.



This hotel is right on my way home from work, so it was pretty easy to convince myself to stop by for a beer and a few tunes. Plus I actually had the camera in the car since I was shooting at work, so it was fate.



It was interesting to hear standards in such a stripped down context. Both Ian and Joey had to hold down basslines when the other one soloed. Hearing a saxophonist's interpretation of a bassline is entertaining, like it's trying to support a melody by pulling it up from above instead of supporting it from below. It's a different take on a harmony line than usual, so it was well worth the free admission to see it.



Sure, these might not be the most glamorous gigs, but it sure beats doing an office job.