Dan Hicks Pays Tribute To Fats Waller At SFJAZZ
Wednesday, May 21, marked what would have been Fats Waller's 110th birthday, an African American pianist, singer, and songwriter known as The Clown Prince of Jazz. Everyone from The Beatles (yes, The Beatles) to Louis Armstrong has covered Waller, and the Bay Area’s own legendary Dan Hicks served as the host for the Waller birthday celebration at the SF Jazz Center.
Hicks, the longtime leader of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, faced serious health problems and was diagnosed with throat cancer in January. The 72-year-old Mill Valley resident canceled several out-of-town gigs before starting treatment, but the Waller tribute kept him motivated, and he insisted on performing it.
According to SF Gate, to motivate his band before rehearsals, Hicks borrowed old movie shorts (“soundies”) of Waller from John Goddard, former owner of Marin’s Village Music. The effort paid off well.
A longtime Waller fan, Hicks gave a brief, prepared introduction for each tune played throughout the evening, often adding his quick, dry wit or commentary. The singer-guitarist noted that he personally chose all the music for the night’s program, complementing it with a “Hot Licks” slant.
During the performance, Hicks introduced the virtuoso stride pianist Mike Lipskin to the audience, who performed stellar renditions of “Viper’s Drag” and “Handful of Keys.” Mike was also a producer at RCA Records for 13 years, and his credits include work with Gil Evans, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Jefferson Airplane, and Duke Ellington, among others.
The only non-Waller song performed was Hicks’ own “Don't Stop The Meter, Mack,” which he gave a Waller feel to. Just for fun, Hick’s also gave shout-outs to several celebrities in attendance — his old Charlatans bandmate George Hunter, singer Maria Muldaur, and Acoustic Warrior guitarist Turtle Vandemarr.
After a standing ovation, Hicks and his 7-piece band (The Hot Licks and The Lick Men) returned to the stage for “Ain't Misbehavin.” Singers Daria and Roberta joined Hicks for some hipster dance steps during the piano solo.
Dan Hicks' latest musical release is 'Live at Davies,' recorded during his 70th birthday celebration at San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall in 2012. For more information on Dan Hicks, visit www.danhicks.net.
Program Notes
Venue: Miner Auditorium
Date: May 21, 2014
Location: San Francisco, California
Set List
First set: Honey Suckle Rose | Your Feets Too Big | It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie | Sweet And Slow | Hold Tight | Jitterbug Waltz | Viper’s Drag.
Second set: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter | There's Going To Be The Devil To Pay | Don't Stop The Meter, Mack | Keepin' Out of Mischief Now | Handful of Keys | Then I’ll Be Tired of You | The Joint Is Jumpin’.
Encore: Ain't Misbehavin.
Band Credits
Benito Cortez (violin, mandolin), Brian Simpson (drums), Michael Price (bass), Paul “Guitar” Robinson (guitar), Daria (vocals, percussion, melodica), Roberta Donnay (vocals, percussion), and Mike Lipskin (piano).
* The Beatles, Last Night in Hamburg (Rockartoon) features “Your Feets Too Big,” and was recorded on December 31, 1962, at the Star Club in Hamburg. The Beatles, Decca Tapes (Circuit Records) features “The Sheik of Araby.”
Photo: Steve Roby
