Concert Review: Marcia Ball with Special Guest Cindy Cashdollar at Jazz Alley

Concert Review:

Marcia Ball with Special Guest Cindy Cashdollar
Venue: Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, August 14, 2014

Marcia Ball brought her New Orleans style boogie-woogie and piano stompin’ blues to the stage of Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on Thursday, August 14th.

I was really looking forward to this show, as it had been many years since I last heard Marcia Ball play. Performing with her was band members Don Bennett (bass), Damien Llanes (drums), Mike Schermer (guitar) and Thad Scott (sax). And Marcia’s special guest tonight was the one and only Cindy Cashdollar on Steel and Pedal Steel Guitars.

Now I’ve seen Cindy Cashdollar perform several times with Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women, so I knew she was going be outstanding, but what was truly fantastic was seeing and hearing Marcia and Cindy play together. Throughout the evening Marcia and Cindy traded solos and complemented each other, that you’d think that this was their regular gig.

Marcia Ball is truly one of the great piano players playing this style of blues, heartfelt singing, and a sheer exuberance in performing. Marcia talks with her fans, sings to them, which makes for an inclusive and intimate show. Marcia also has some outstanding musicians backing her. Mike Schermer on Electric Guitar is an amazing player, shredding several times on his solos. Saxophone player, Thad Scott also was amazing, blowing that sax into a frenzy.

Marcia Ball with Special Guest Cindy Cashdollar will be performing at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley throughout the weekend, August 15th – 17th, I’d take my dancin’ shoes! Tickets still available HERE