The evening began as the piano and rhythm guitar started off slow as the stand up bass joined in. The lights were dimmed as the club introduced "the man who changed music for all of us." Les made his way to his stool as the trio built a solid rhythm that would compliment Paul's colorful chords. Les's customized guitar has lots of knobs and pick-ups although the majority of his playing is pure with his hands gently working up and down the fret. Les Paul is considered by many to be the father of rock and roll but his trio generally plays timeless jazz tunes. Lou Pallo (rhythm guitar & vocals) sang lead on 'Lady Is A Tramp' with Les adding animated accents. The third piece of the night featured rich, textured leads layered over a slow, sweet rhythm. Yet the song still had a playful element as Paul picked out cheery chords. Les and Lou have been performing together for many years, with a glance they can craft enchanting guitar exchanges.

During the set Les pointed out how his band has recently grown to a four piece with the addition of piano player John Colianni. He also pointed out band member Nicki Parrot, the lovely and accomplished bass player who has performed with Les since 1994. Les observed that with a fourth player they would have to change the name of the group. Paul joked about the various incarnations of his band and the slight name changes that his trio has been through over the years. With Parrot in the entourage he said this unit might have to be called, "The Less Balls Trio". Nicki would play foil to more of her boss's humor later in the night.

Les Paul watches John Colianni as he hits the keys!

For their fourth number Lou picked up the pace with fast fretwork as Les delicately added his parts, as did the rest of the band. After Paul introduced the trio he let John Colianni the piano player lead the next few songs while Les watched John's hands move over the piano keys. The rhythm section joined in too. Les commented that he liked Colianni's work and mentioned that he once played with a blind piano player who was also a mortician. Les then revealed that his former sight-impaired employee made the music that accompanied silent movies - a statement that had a few in the audience scratching their heads. Les continued to reminisce about the past by remembering a sax player who was a ditch digger. Les often mixes humor with truths in his stories, some with sexual overtones.

Around mid-show Les glanced over at Nicki Parrot, the attractive stand-up bass player, and revealed how he would sometimes like to be with a younger woman. He advised that if she was to be with him that she would have to deal with "shrinkage". Nicki, quick and apt at handling Les's innuendos, delivered her musical reply.

Nicki dedicated her solo to Les and went on to say that this song was an answer to the question she often gets asked - 'why do you play the perceived-as-awkward stand us bass'? The answer, of course, was she liked "Big Instruments" - a tune she performed with sultry singing and complex playing. The others joined in adding to the plucky sounds of her bass-led number.

Les is still a hit with the ladies!

After Nicki's song the trio played a romantic tune where the leads and rhythms danced as the piano provided an opulent backdrop. More banter preceded Lou Pallo's featured number, "Around the World", which saw Les singing back up. Les looked over at Lou and him if he remembered the music and "how old are you anyway"? Pallo replied "sixty-eight" and Les joked "wow and you're still playing".

Lou is also accustomed to Paul's banter but his replies are short. Les took the opportunity provided by the back-up vocals to tell a tale about a past love affair with Pallo. This hilarious exchange, with Les recalling a fictional history between the two men, went on for a while and included a moving mash-up arrangement when Les started signing to the tune of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey". Les was imploring Pallo to recall with him saying, "Remember, remember the Ramapo Mountains... we had a cabin... I cooked you dinner... you said it turned you on!"

If you're in New York City anytime soon, go see Les Paul at the Iridium Jazz Club, he'll turn you on!

Lou Pallo, Nicki Parrot & Les Paul during the first set on 08/16/06.

Related Links: For more information on Les Paul and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- LesPaulOnline.com | RedHotRed.com | IridiumJazzClub.com | JazzPromoServices.com | Buy Les Paul & Friends | Buy Best Of CD | Buy Les Paul DVD

Originally Published: 08/29/2006 on Kweevak.com