Satalla, located midtown at 37 West 26th St in New York City, is a new music venue calling itself The Temple of World Music. Satalla is booking some very interesting blues acts. This past Wednesday November 2nd appeared Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers, a three time Handy Award winning "Blues Band of the Year" that hasn't been in our city for far too long. Rod Piazza is a California based harmonica virtuoso who has been with his own band since 1980 and on the scene since 1965. Current members include Rod, harmonica; Honey Piazza, Piano; Bill Stuve, Stand-up Bass; Henry Carvajal, Guitar; and Paul Fasulo, Drums.

Rod Piazza is an exciting figure to watch as he leans into his solos. His body twisted and turned as he reprised songs from his albums including "You Can Make It If You Try", "Description of A Fool", "Power of the Blues", "Tough And Tender", "Twist City" and "Shim Sham Shimmy". One of the highlights of the evening was when Rod Piazza did a re-arranged version of the Jimmy Rodgers classic "You Don't Know" which first appeared on Jimmy Rogers, "Feelin' Good" on Blind Pig Records. On this project originally recorded in 1984 the band provided back up to the legendary singer. Other more recent releases include "Keepin It Real" on Blind Pig (2004), "For The Chosen Who" Delta Groove (2005) and a new DVD "Big Blues Party" on Blind Pig (2005).

Satalla See satalla.com is a nice space with good sound quality in the room. The surroundings were comfortable and the staff friendly, I hope they continue to book more blues bands. Upcoming blues dates include The Carey Bell Band and Ann Rabson on November 10th; Roomful of Blues, November 17th, and Michael Burks, December 8th. Let's support this new venue.

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