Mimi Fox – Live At Silo’s!

Mimi Fox Live - photo: Mike Oria

When I saw the image below, taken by Jazz Guitarist and Photographer Mike Oria, I immediately asked him if he would give me permission to post it on the Jazz Guitar Life blog, he thankfully agreed and, well, here it is! The photo reminded me of the time, a few years back, when I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Mimi Fox during the Montreal Jazz Festival. She was in town to do a mini concert on one of the free Jazz Fest stages and obviously, she did an amazing job. She had hooked up with a local Montreal bass player who handled himself wonderfully, and the two played great for the medium sized crowd that had gathered around the small stage. It was a great show and was wonderfully capped off by a small child who was standing right beside me. He was pointing up at Mimi, and without addressing anyone in particular stated “There’s music!” I couldn’t help but agree. Smart kid

The next day, Mimi was giving an informal Q and A session, as part of the Montreal Guitar Show and I yet again got the chance to talk to her for a bit before she did the session. Now…if that wasn’t cool enough, in walks Russel Malone. He saunters up to us, says his hello’s and then asks about Mimi’s guitar, which I believe is the same one pictured below. She hands it over to Russell, who begins to play some real down home acoustic style blues. Mimi instantly recognizes the tune as being a song from Doc Watson, while I’m there beside them trying to pick my jaw up off the floor. Suffice it to say, I was loving it and as she was called to the stage, she introduced me to Russell which of course, was very cool as well. It’s those little moments that makes me glad to be part of something much, much bigger than myself!

Now, about the photo below and above, I’ll let Mike get a word in here to fill out the context, but before I go, do yourself a favor and check out Mike’s website at www.mikeoria.zenfolio.com. Not only is he a very fine Jazz guitar player, he’s also an awesome photographer which his online portfolio will no doubt attest to. Take it away Mike…

“Napa Valley Jazz Society sponsored the event at Silo’s, Napa, CA. Mimi was performing a tribute to Wes Montgomery which included a mix of tunes Wes recorded as well as some of her originals that fit the Wes trio vibe. Will Blades on Hammond B-3 and Akira Tana, drums with Akira performing on her newly released DVD, “Live at the Palladium“, recorded in Florida.“

Mimi Fox Live - photo: Mike Oria

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