A busy Autumn and that’s just the way I like it! Sept. 23 Doug James and The Pocket (DJP)  will be sharing some great reworked music from my all time favorite band, LITTLE FEAT! We’ll be doin’ our FALL TILT BOOGIE at Mac’s On Slade, 117 Slade St., in Palatine, IL. from 9p-to whenever we decide to stop or Mac run’s out of Gumbo! Whichever comes first!  http://www.macsonslade

For me, no band before or since had the sense of rhythm and groove, insightfully clever lyrics, strong musicianship,  Live performance and vocal sharpness & ingenuity that Little Feat has displayed from their very beginning. They’re still together today albeit without Lowell George and Richie Hayward, my two favorite members whose passings have not kept this band down!

Growing up diggin’ Fats Domino, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and artists that emanated from the Southland, plus an affection for Dixieland music instilled in me by my Mother who played piano in such bands as well as Big Bands, fueled the funky flame and an overall big sound. She made sure I learned to play piano, had me first singing when I was four, put me in the Community play of  Show Boat, then bought me a coronet at 10. I was always exploring and willin’ to jump into the “party” atmosphere. That became even more evident early on when I heard Sam Cooke & Jackie Wilson. I was dancin’ and singin’ almost all the time. Then when I first heard James Brown and artists on the the Stax/Volt label, it all satisfied something deep within and believe it or not, I’ve pretty much walked around with a smile on my face ever since!

October 7, The Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen show I formed 7 years ago now will play in Northbrook, IL in Marcello’s Banquet Room. You must hear Derrick Procell channel Joe Cocker. He is amazing.

The next night October 8th I’ll be singing with Hamburger Dave and the Condiments for a one night stand at Norton’s, 1911 Sheridan Rd. in Highland Park, IL.