Please join us for New Year's Eve with M’sippi Slide and Sam Rudin.

A note from Sam:

Hey everyone, we've got our New Year's Eve show booked and we are going to have an exciting time! Yes, it is true that we are still in the middle of an impossibly horrible political moment, and the most brazenly corrupt presidency in history - but it does look like we may have turned the corner... better times are coming!

And even though those better times are not quite here yet, New Year's Eve is a time for hope! So, if yesterday the glass was half-empty, on this evening it will be half-full, and we are going to celebrate! And we have some great music to celebrate with!

M'sippi Slide is the most exciting new band (that is, new to us) we have seen in a long time. We are talking here about classic R&B from the 50's, 60's and 70's, so they are not exactly breaking new ground - but if you know what it's like to sway and groove with every vibrant, soulful note, then you are cordially invited to feel all those feelings again, courtesy of some excellent musicians who understand these sounds from the inside out.

Let's talk first about Frank De Rose on bass and Scotty Griffin on drums. It's a cliché, but the rhythm section really is the heartbeat of a band like this, and these two guys know exactly what they are doing. The nature of this music is that they must stay firmly within bounds in all cases, and in less expert hands, that could become just a little bit too routine: a snappy rhythm without the snap.

But these guys never let that happen. They pounce on each new phrase with joy and exuberance, as if they were discovering these classic riffs for the first time. So it's a really good foundation for the other players.

Those other players include not one, but two lead guitars. Of course, they both know how to hold down the rhythm for each other, and that is important, but my point is they each play beautiful lead lines, in two very different styles.

Johnny "Cat" Soubrand tends to play punchy, biting lines. He is bluesy and aggressive, but with lots of space in between phrases so it is never too much, and always hits the spot. Ryan Ward is a more lyrical guitarist who often chooses longer, more melodic lines that float on top of the band, adding unexpected color. Two guitars, two different sounds, working beautifully together.

And that brings is to Lijah, the remarkable frontwoman who is the centerpiece of the group. She is very much the bandleader, and her high-spirited personality is a natural focal point for both audience and players. And she is also a FAN of this band, and responds to every phrase with unfeigned enthusiasm, making her onstage presence that much more entertaining.

But mainly, she is a powerful singer, in the spirit of Etta James, or Aretha. And she is an uplifting performer, with an excellent band of blues veterans who know how to back her up and push her forward. If you enjoy classic R&B, you should definitely come on out! You can thank me later.

But wait, that's not all! New Year's Eve is also the right time for a solo piano set from Back Room owner/founder Sam Rudin. And yes, this is indeed Sam, writing these words, so I had better slip into first person here...

In case you didn't know, when I started to establish myself in Northern California 40 years ago, I was best known as a rip-roaring solo pianist (and vocalist too), playing special events and blues/jazz festivals throughout the state. I was known as "Hurricane Sam" (it's a long story) and eventually formed Hurricane Sam & the Hotshots. But there will always be a place in my heart for solo piano.

So, on this New Year's Eve, there will be two full hour sets from M'sippi Slide and one set in between from myself, and I intend to aim my piano at blues, jazz, and assorted other 20th century genres. And I will likely join the band for a few numbers.

It will be a great night.

Tickets are $35 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Contact the host of New Year's Eve with M'sippi Slide & Sam Rudin

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