Duane Pandorf

Jeff Sipe Trio | Leica M-E

Headed over to the 185 King Street Music Venue this past Wednesday evening to listen to Jeff Sipe’s Trio along with their special guest from the Grammy award winning Steep Canyon Rangers, Nicky Sanders.

The music was scheduled to start at 8pm and I arrived a little early.  Had a chance to speak with Roger, one of the bartenders, and the conversation quickly turned to photography as I was wearing my Leica.  He still shoots film with his older Nikons, including the Nikon F.  While sitting at the bar a couple other guests got in on our conversation and allowed me to grab a couple photos.

Of course good conversation needs a little accompaniment so a cold beer was a definite requirement. I asked Roger for his darkest and he offered up the “Green Man Brewery’s Porter”. It was perfect!

Green Man Brewery Porter | Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 III

The 185 King Street Music Venue is quite a unique establishment.  From their website: “Located minutes from downtown Brevard in the shadows of the former Brevard railroad station, this new venue for local music is about people of all walks of life finding a place where they can enjoy good times and great music together and turn what had recently been an overlooked location in a vibrant arts community into something that belongs to them.”

Every Wednesday night Jeff Sipe hosts a national or regional artist that he has performed with over the years and this past Wednesday was no different as he invited Nicky Sanders to join he and his trio.

Nicky Sanders with Jeff Sipe Trio, Leica M-E, Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 III

Jeff Sipe is an incredible drummer and his style immediately reminded me of Billy Cobham.  Cobham was one of my favorite drummers from the 70′s as I still today enjoy fusion which included such artists as Chic Corea, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and others.

Jeff Sipe, Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 pre-ASPH

185 King Street’s facility is not large and provides the opportunity for the audience to be up close and personal with the entertainment.

185 King Street Audience | Leica M-E

I had a chance to speak with Jeff between sets and in our conversation I brought up Billy Cobham and he did acknowledge that his style of drumming had some influence on his style. But I can honestly say that Jeff’s drumming is the best I’ve seen live. Its one thing to listen through your music player its a totally different experience when you able to listen up close and live.

Nicky Sanders, Steep Canyon Rangers | Leica M-E, Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 pre-ASPH

I can see I’ll be spending some more time enjoying the music action at the 185 King Street Music Venue.