Speakeasy Quartet at Kerrytown Concert House
Hugh Leal’s Speakeasy Quartet visited Kerrytown Concert House for two concerts on August 27. The leader had suffered an injury to his hand and could not play the guitar, but did play a few songs on banjo. Replacing Leal on guitar was Ann Arbor veteran Rod McDonald, and he showed why he is considered one of the best in the business of rhythm guitar as the group ran through a series of swing numbers, like “Stealin’ Apples,” ”Undecided,” and “Blue Skies.”
Dave Bennett’s clarinet was really hot on these numbers and sweet on the seldom heard “Smoke Rings” — Glen Gray’s (and the Casa Loma Orchestra) theme song. Another well-executed sweet number was “That Old Feeling.” The unique voice of Mike Karoub’s cello has always given the quartet a special sound and that was evident on this night as well. Mike Karloff’s piano stylings were brilliant, exciting, and well placed throughout.