Charlie Haden's Birthday at Yoshi's

Just got back from Yoshi's San Francisco. The Charlie Haden Quartet West really hit the spot.

I've been itching to go to Yoshi's SF and was pleased when Charlie Haden's band came up at the venue. A very nice late evening gig for me. I had dinner at nopa on Divisidero, met Kelly and Noah; the Pork Chop was out of this world (Noah and others having the Pork Chop at the community table agreed). Good conversation, slipped out and just made my Hayes bus in time, transfered at Fillmore. Easy access to Yoshi's from Muni, got my ticket and met the most lovely people in line. Tracy was holding the place for her boyfriend and two other friends, and she was easy-peasy comfortable talking, very attractive and quite charming. They are musicians, including their Guatamalan friend, and they were warm and welcoming to me. I sat with some devoted fans in the back, but the back is nearly up front. Reminds me of the size of the Roxy in Hollywood, only cleaner, friendlier, urbain and civilized.

And the music was delightful, just right. Call me satisfied. I'm so glad I spotted this show. I've loved Charlie Haden from back in the '70s when I first heard his Liberation Music Orchestra with Carla Bley. Tonight's Quartet West players were each fantastic (check out the embedded YouTube performance), and together brought tears to my eyes for one slow, sad tune. Charlie was charming, sharing a personal story of meeting and coming to work with Ornette Coleman and his Quartet. The audience was warm and attentive. I couldn't stop tapping my feet.

Thanks everybody, and Happy Birthday, Charlie!