Every Tuesday evening our own Ms Nikki Armstrong hosts the best blues jam in our area at The Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, NJ. Nikki is the Musician's Liaison for The New York Blues and Jazz Society and such a sweet girl that all of the musicians in the area flock to her jam if they're not playing elsewhere.

Because of the enormous amount of talent present, Nikki usually starts the ball rolling with a special guest artist. Nikki joins them for a few songs and then she just lets the jam evolve. She has a great rhythm section with Bernard Davis on drums (Anita Baker), and A.J. Hager on bass (Debbie Davies). Nikki also fronts her own band Whole Lotta Blues and members often show to join in on the fun. It is not unusual to see Rob Chaseman on saxophone or Michael "MT Pockets" Torres on guitar.

One night last December in addition to all of the above, Nikki had as guests; Baron Raymonde saxophone, Pat Hunter vocals, Danny Kean keyboards, Chuck Lambert guitar, Jennifer Wright vocals (Terraplane Blues), and The Steve Johnson Band. The bartender Mexicali Joe even got up and sang a few tunes and he was good too. Someone said the other guitar player was in Real Estate, well no wonder because this jam has really gone up in value. Credit must go to Nikki for her continuous efforts to keep the talent at the high level it's been. Other recent guests have included Melvin Sparks, Michael Hill, Dave Keyes, David Maxwell, Bettye Lavette, Sweet Georgia Brown, Gil Parris and Papa Chubby; you never know who is going to show up!

Why don't you join her sometime and bring your axe, or like myself just come down to listen. Tuesday nights don't get much better than this. Don't forget to visit the websites of the musicians mentioned herein and support them by purchasing their music or seeing them live when they appear locally. We have some fine family of musicians.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer