Image – Brian Tierney / BackStage360
I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up on assignment to cover Mindi’s show at the Del Mar Fair. My first reaction was, I must say, surprised. First off, as truth in advertising may require, I’m not much of a smooth jazz fan. However, when Mindi came out with her band, “The Boneshakers” I was immediately captivated by the energy of both her and the band. There is no question about Mindi’s capability as a musician or a performer. (If you’re in doubt please see some of her accolades listed below.) I was amazed by the bands groove and musicianship. The band brought the crowd to their feet, clapping and singing along the way throughout the entire hour and a half show. I must admit that I was a bit caught off guard by Mindi’s performance. One thing that I would suggest is that if you get the chance to see her and The Boneshakers in concert, DO it. You won’t be disappointed and will appreciate the sound that this band generates. She is on my list of “must see” performers the next time she and the Boneshakers come to this area. Mindi and the Boneshakers sound is far more R&B, than Jazz with a nice kicks of Rock. Her over the top chops on Sax was amazing to say the least.
Image – Brian Tierney / BackStage360
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Background (Wikipedia)
Mindi Abair (born May 23, 1969 in St. Petersburg, Florida) is a two time Grammy nominated, [1] American saxophonist, vocalist, author, and President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the organization that puts on The Grammys. Her solo career has produced ten #1 radio singles, two #1 Billboard Jazz CDs, and four more solo CDs that have landed #5 and above on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. She was the featured saxophonist for the 2011 and 2012 seasons of American Idol, joined Aerosmith, [2] for their 2012 Summer Tour, joined Bruce Springsteen and Max Weinberg for a night at the Beacon Theater and has played with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra 3 times on the David Letterman Show
- https://www.grammy.com/nominees?genre=61
- Gottlieb, Jed (July 13, 2012). “Steven Tyler taps sax player Mindi Abair for Aerosmith role”. Boston Herald. Retrieved 2012-08-19
Image – Brian Tierney / BackStage360