Lucky Peterson Fires Up Jazz Standards Lucky Peterson Jazz Standard July 18, 2002 NYC, NY      Every show has it’s high point. It could have been the fact that Lucky was playing the Hammond as his primary instrument that night. That’s pretty special in itself. It could have been that he played about half of each set sitting at a table in the audience or standing by the bar. It also could have just been the fact that Lucky was back in NY. For me, the high point came when the band was introduced as “the Lucky Peterson band under the direction of  Rico McFarland.”. Call it ignorance, but my reaction was “who?” Well ignorance indeed! Mr. McFarland proved to be the shining star. As Rico open the show with a more than adequate rhythm section, he sliced through the first song (easily a 10 minute guitar solo) like butter on a hot day. He is a strong and competent front man with a nice even voice that chooses to play more than sing. The nice part of this show is that when you go to see a guitar player, who has a backup player, the backup is usually muted. Not so tonight; two reasons why; Lucky is playing the Hammond to start and number two, Lucky is so damn good he doesn’t feel threatened by another axe man and that's great because Rico is blazing. The room (Jazz Standard) is a real nice room. Very upscale feeling but actually a down to earth club with real pleasant people. The wait staff is very nice, very attentive, and never overbearing. This is an excellent place to see a show. The band does the standard three warm ups and then it’s ‘introduction to a star’. Out comes Lucky ready (as usual) to perform. It still amazes me that they don’t have to beat

people away from the door at one of his shows. I’ve heard tell of bad Lucky shows but I ain’t never seen one! Lucky is always one of the most energetic shows I’ve ever experienced. Tonight’s no different. Lucky is hot as can be and well should be. It’s his 3rd and final night and is willing to let us all know that. “Tonight’s my last night here and I’m gonna’ do what I want to do. I’m gonna’ play the blues!” And play the blues he did. For the first 45 minutes Lucky rode that Hammond like a master. He is without a doubt my personal favorite. He never really goes on a tangent (nothing worse than maniacal roller rink music) and he always plays that steady whirling sound that makes you float. It’s a beautiful thing. Sometimes he’ll even treat you to a duet of guitar and organ all done by him. Love that. When all is said and done on the Hammond that fat hollow body of his gets strapped on and Lucky just takes it into orbit. For as good as Mr. McFarland is, when Lucky steps out you remember why you came. I’ve seen a lot of players but Lucky is my current favorite (spots held previously by Allison and Collins) and continues to be. Four or five ripping songs and then the walk into the crowd. “Can I sit here and play a song for you?” he asks. Like anyone would say no. Next half hour is spent with Lucky at your table, playing to us all like we’re in his living room. No matter how many people turn out you’d think he was playing to the Garden SRO. That’s just who he is. Can’t wait till he’s back. by Randy Veraldo