Parris In Spring

3/22/2012  - BB King Bar and Grill - New York, NY 

Gil Parris Strikes Back

Parris in spring heats up New York City at the BB King Bar and Grill with another knock out performance by the Gil Parris Band and special guests.  Parris comes fresh off of two all star performances from the Kitano Hotel’s “Jazz at Bar Lounge” where he and New York Yankee great, Bernie Williams painted the town with two sensational and unbelievable music sets early this month.  Both the BB King Marquee and Times Square shared one thing in common, Parris in spring has sprung up in New York City paved way by one super sizzling performance last night and I was there.  Let’s get down to the details shall we?

Matt King On Keys

“It’s been five years since I last headlined at BB’s and I recently played here a different times this year with the great Diane Schuur, Bobby Caldwell, and a special tribute show for the late Cornell Dupree.  I shared this stage here with Joe Cocker, Dr. John, and Paul Shaffer and other friends and talents over the years.  So much has happened for me musically since I last headlined here.”  Parris said just before taking the stage.  “I feel at home and I’m gearing up to book more shows here at BB’s more often.  The sound here is amazing and the performances are up close.” Gil added in as he walked up to the stage entrance. People still talk about Gil’s impact rendition of “Little Wing” at the Jimi Hendrix’s 69th Birthday Tribute celebration, where he, along with Larry Coryell, Leon Hendrix, Godfrey Townsend and other music legends, payed honor to a fallen musical icon.

Josh Dion & Joe Piteo

Kip Sophos brings a gritty and abrasive sound on bass, accompanied by Matt King on keyboard, Joe Piteo on drums and percussion, and New York City’s hidden treasure, Josh Dion featured on vocals, drums and percussion.  Parris naturally molds himself into any genre of music without effort and with remarkable success.  He surrounds himself with a kaleidoscope of music virtuosos in order to deliver, delight and fascinate his fans at each show he plays.  The scope of this show expanded beyond any other rock and blues fruition presented by the Gil Parris Band playlist that covered an astonishing arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’s “Crosstown Traffic”, Jeff Beck’s “Freeway Jam”, and The Meter’s “Crissy Strut”.

Williams Solo Stuns Parris

Surprise music guests included Gil’s Lazy Lounge Music Jam partner, Curtis Winchester on vocals, Andre Lassalle on guitar and long time friend, Bernie Williams.  38 year old Jennifer, from Somers, NY said, “We’ve been seeing Gil and Bernie a lot recently playing together outside of the weekly jams in White Plains.  You have to wonder if something bigger is evolving because each show they play the music is just getting tighter and tighter.  They have such incredible chemistry together and they support each other not just on guitar from what I see.”  Frank, of Mamaroneck, NY said, “This was some show.  From the start to the end.  It just shows you never know who you may see playing in New York City at any given time.  I walked in not knowing what to expect to hear with such a diverse and talented band and I’m walking away wishing to hear more.”  There will be more from Gil Parris and Bernie Williams, who are booking more dates around the New York City area.  Parris and Williams return to the Iridium, home of the late and great Les Paulin Time’s Square on May 5-6, 2012 at the and they are back for another two nights at the Kitano Hotel this coming September.  

Parris & Williams Exchange Guitar Riffs

I will also be watching very closely as Gil Parris and Bernie Williams continue to hit show after show out of the park, but tonight’s show was a long over due home coming celebration for Westchester’s very own Gil Parris.  “There are very few people I know who can jump from tour to tour, put out multiple albums in multiple genres, yet maintain one of the longest running music jams and play shows all in a year.  When does this guy ever sleep?” asked Ricki and Lisa of Tarrytown, NY.  My answer to your question is when Gil’s rose painted guitar is hung up, and he walks away to find a new adventure then maybe he will take a break to rest, but I don't think that is going to be anytime soon from what I just heard played live from BB King Bar and Grill tonight.