Art Sherrod, Jr.
K2 Restaurant and Lounge
Woodbridge, Virginia
Friday, November 11, 2011
As the nation celebrated the annual tradition of honoring our former and current military on their special day known as Veterans Day, I was blessed to have been in the company of some outstanding men and women who served our country for a fantastic jazz show provided by saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr., with a special appearance by fellow saxman Marcus H. Mitchell. This was all arranged by entertainment coordinator Dequan Gillespie and his fine staff at the newly renovated K2 Restaurant and Lounge.
Let me start by saying that the K2 Restaurant and Lounge is constantly undergoing some great changes, and many kudos to Dequan and company. They obviously have serious plans to become much more than a rising star – they are seeking the moon there. The latest in enhancements involved installing a greater sound system that we’d experienced in our previous visit. Also, the food was delectable and well-prepared; so, all in all, the “stage” had been set for a great evening even before the first notes had been played.
Joining Mitchell and Sherrod onstage for stellar performances (each appeared separately, by the way) were Eddie Botts on keyboards, Jason Jones on drums, Ron Finney on bass guitar, and Lorenzo Miller on vocals.
All the energy and talent the audience could have hoped for was started by Mitchell sending a positive message to our veterans with a highly energetic version of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On?”In a one-word answer to that question, one can only imagine that “PARTY” came to mind.
We also were treated to a rousing instrumental version of the Friends Of Distinction’s classic “Going In Circles.” Both of these songs were performed with the delicate precision you’d expect from artists who truly respect the work of those coming before them. The saxman then offered a moving, jazzy version of “Amazing Grace,” as well as a great instrumental version of what is considered by many Johnny Gill’s signature song,“My, My, My.”
Mitchell then asked if we were ready for a special treat, and vocalist Lorenzo Miller joined the stage. He seemed to hit every vocal range from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows while singing the always-becoming “My Funny Valentine.” He truly affected the audience with his expressive version.
After a brief intermission, saxman Art Sherrod Jr. then took the stage, full of robust showmanship. He laid into the Earth, Wind and Fire staple “That’s The Way Of The World,” playing it in a manner that Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer Maurice White would most certainly have approved. We were also treated to his version of the Stevie Wonder hit “Isn’t She Lovely?”
Taking a brief moment, the saxophonist asked the ladies “What do ladies really want?” He then jumped into his hot version of Joe’s “I Wanna Know.”
To close out the evening, with the dance floor now being fully utilized by the patrons, Sherrod launched into another Stevie Wonder song, the classic “Superstitious.”
The couple of hours spent with the veterans and musicians made it a holiday to be shared with you, and I hope my account places you there on that wonderful night! — Derrick Hooks
Photos by Dwynn Barr
