What a surprise to attend the Write Off Room for last night’s cd release party of trumpeter Paul Literal’s “LEGACY” cd (produced by Angela O’Neill and Outrageous 8 Records and Bill Bodine) which, unlike others really was a party and a spectacular show, including numbers from the cd and others as well, all of which got the crowd moving and head bobbing.
For those not familiar with Paul, he was a founding member of Uptown Horns who played with a plethora of music icons such as The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Ray Charles and many others.
Opening with the first tune on the cd which featured the entire Paul Literal band which filled the stage almost to capacity (Paul on trumpet, Craig Kupka on trombone, Colin Kupka, on alto sax, Sam Morgan on tenor sax, Ken Rosser on guitar, Bill Bodine on Bass, Tony Pia and Rocky Davis on piano), it proceeded with vocalist Lenny Goldsmith singing knockout versions of Accentuate the Positive with and Black Cow (Anna Orbison, Lauri Reimer and Rocky Davis singing backup), which really got the crowd jumping and jiving.
The show proceeded with a fabulous array of instrumentals and more wonderful vocals by Angela O’Neill, Anna Orbison and hubby, James Orbison. Especially notable (in my humble opinion) a killer rendition of Don Henley’s NEW YORK MINUTE by Angela with the Band (Paul up front), Shiver Me Timbers by Anna (Paul up front), and the Brecker Brothers’ NEW YORK DREAMS by Anna and James.
This was all capped off by Paul’s encore gorgeous trumpet solo of GREEN CHEESE.
What a great evening.
Here’s a youtube link of the show for your enjoyment.
Written by Judy Barrat