The Shanghai Woolies / June 6th, 2008 / Tony Starlight's SupperClub-Lounge / Portland, OR

It was my first time in Portland, Oregon and I was on my way to see a jazz band named The Shanghai Woolies, in a place called Tony Starlight’s Supperclub-Lounge. All I knew about the band was they had a very unusual website and their trumpet/cornet player Gavin Bondy is also a member of Pink Martini. That was not a lot to go on.

From the moment that I walked through the door of Tony Starlight’s and hostess Kristen Behlings greeted me, I knew this was going to me a pretty incredible evening. The club’s vintage décor provided the perfect setting for a jazz band, whose forte is playing music from the twenties and thirties. The Shanghai Woolies opened their set with Duke Ellington’s 1929 tune, “Haunted Nights,” which featured the nattily attired John Morrell playing a muted trumpet. Morrell appeared during the first set, in place of Gavin Bondy, who joined the band for their second set of songs. Morrell demonstrated none of the nervousness to which he had confessed, prior to the band taking to the stage. This was his first gig with The Shanghai Woolies and throughout the concert, he was splendid.

The band serenaded the vampish Mel Kubik as they played, “Kashmir,” and “You’re Mine,” but the spotlight shone brightly on Kubik dressed in a red corset, as she seductively cooed the lyrics. The thing that makes Kubik’s performance works so well is she strikes the perfect balance between sweetheart from the early twentieth century and being a woman who just likes to have a lot of fun when she is on stage.

The third song, “How Deep Is The Ocean?” belonged to the brass section, and in particular trombonist Tom Hill, who looked every bit like he had walked out of another era, with his porkpie hat, red shirt, black slacks and suspenders.

Kubik’s personal connection to a song that she wrote, “Till My Baby Comes Back Home,” was obvious.  Doing her best impersonation of America’s Sweetheart of Song, Ruth Etting, an iconic and tragic jazz singer from the 1920’s and ‘30’s, Kubik was serenaded in fine fashion by Morrell’s muted trumpet. The Shanghai Woolies recorded “Till My Baby Comes Back Home,” for their album Jungle Nights, a CD whose name probably serves as a nod to Duke Ellington.

If you were not convinced by now that you had somehow miraculously been transported back in time to the 1920’s and 1930’s, then Kubik’s cooing on “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You),” should have done the trick. Mel Kubik called out to saxophonist Clark Bondy, in her best sweetheart voice, and he in turn he responded with a lengthy solo. Tom Hill then took his turn soloing on his trombone, while using a bucket mute, and he was followed by yet another outstanding solo by Morrell.  After each of the solos the patrons of Tony Starlight’s responded with resounding cheers

Kubik was at her flirtatious best while singing, Mississippian “Big Bill” Broonzy’s, “Give Your Mamma One Smile,” a song that gave an opportunity for guitarists Tom Sandahl and Tyson Schmidling to shine.  Kubik showed her sassy side on the Williams/Jenkins tune, “I’ve Got What It Takes.” Her phrasing was charming as she cooed, “I’ve Got What It Takes / And it breaks my heart to give it away.” A spectacular instrumental by the band, introduced Kubik’s vocals.

As I was leaving Tony Starlight’s Supperclub-Lounge I took a look around at the deep, crushed velvet curtains, the walls adorned with vintage photos and posters, and I was still floating on the wonderful grooves created by The Shanghai Woolies. Silently I said, “I’ll be back,” both to listen to the Shanghai Woolies and to enjoy the wonderful ambience and the terrific staff. I don’t remember all of your names, but to the lady who tended bar, to my server, to the owner of the club, Tony and to Kristen Behlings, thank you for contributing to an incredible evening.

Reviewed by Joe Montague

Reviewed June 6th, 2008

Riveting Riffs wishes to thank the management of Tony Starlight's for making it possible for Riveting Riffs to review this concert

All written, photographic and graphic content contained on www.rivetingriffs.com remains the property of Riveting Riffs Ltd., a registered Canadian company, and the contributing writers, artists and photographers. The content on this site is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. The content may not be reproduced in print, appear on other websites or be transmitted electronically without the written permission of Riveting Riffs Ltd.  ©