After a frustrating non-constructive day trying to fix the Peugeot, Espe and I wandered down to the Cafe Central for a bit of Jazz and Blues. While in there a month or so ago I spotted that Ben Sidran was going to be performing in November. Having seen Sidran twice before over the last four years, I really wanted to return as he’s impressed me the most of all the groups I’ve seen there.

We actually went down on Friday but, an hour before the concert, Cafe Central was full. We decided to return the Saturday and this this time get there early. So arriving two hours before the concert, we got the best seats in the house… We were so close, in fact, that during the concert I could have reached out and played the Piano (but of course I wouldn’t want to show Ben how it should be done).

I’m no good at categorising music, so I won’t try. All I do know is I really like the stuff the Ben Sidran Quartet play. It’s certainly “has the groove”, as he puts it. On top of that, I find his lyrics very profound, yet fun at the same time. There where quite few references in there to current affairs in the US, and his opinions were quite clear… “This week the good guys won. Its now time for America to join the rest of the world”. “Someone asked me if I’m running for president, I responded, ‘no, I’m running from the president'”. Last time I saw Sidran in Madrid, he did a great song, titled “turn it off”. Referring to how television is numbing the minds of Americans. The same theme came up again this time… “200 channels but nothing to watch, the illusion of choice”.

Anyway, enough waffling. If you ever get the opportunity, check him out (he plays in Madrid at Cafe Central every year). For those that have made it this far, here’s a cheeky, bad quality, recording of my favourite track of the night. You will need the correct real player plug ins or Nokia’s own software to listen to this.