The Ronstadt Revue with Gesenia (and Jim Cohen!)

[Roger Rettig]

I have been wanting to catch this show ever since the project was launched back in 2017. Last weekend, this talented ensemble played two dates in southern Florida, and Jim Cohen kindly invited me to their second show in Avon Park.

This band is the cream of the crop in Philly's music scene and I watched seven professionals go through their sound-check with discipline and precision. The crew at the Wildstein Performing Arts Center are top-notch, too (I recall doing 'Best Little Whorehouse' there twenty+ years ago!), and this was a mini-rehearsal as they fine-tuned an intro here or a turn-around there.

Dinner in the Green Room was an enjoyable event; it was good to get to meet these fellow pros.

Showtime:
It was instantly clear to me that the motivation for this assembly of fine players comes from the incredible voice of Gesenia. She is an exceptionally talented and skilled singer. I marveled at her control and her interpretation of Linda Ronstadt's signature material, as well as some more obscure songs. I can't understand a word of Spanish, but Gesenia pours such emotion into her performance that the lyric's meaning is crystal clear.

They play two 'halves', each set being thoroughly entertaining and well-paced. A solid rhythm section (Tim Reeder, drums, Nick Frese, bass, and Joe McClure's pulsing rhythm guitar) underpins it all. Dave Hartl on keyboards plays some magical stuff, convincing me, yet again, that I should have chosen the piano! Miles Hartl - an excellent 'sub' - was fluid and fluent on his Sea Foam Green Strat (Fender's best colour?), and then there's Jimbo.

He plays some Telecaster on some impressive twin-guitar passages, but really shines when he's behind his steel. We're treated to some gorgeous C6th, and his E9 stuff gives the show yet more authenticity. He uses a variety of sonic trickery, from creamy overdrive to an effective 'Leslie' sound, as well as the more traditional E9th. His steel part on 'Tracks of my Tears' was superb.

This is a great show that seems to end all too soon. I urge you to keep an eye open for a performance near you; you won't be sorry you went!
============================================
The night before Avon Park, they played Belle Glade, FL. During the show, the clutch on one of Jim's MSA's rear legs gave way. Before he knew it, the other one quit as well, and Our Hero found himself playing the World's heaviest lap-steel!! There was also the involuntary lowering of his Bs to Bb as his LKV descended onto his thigh! I received a frantic email late that night requesting that I bring my Emmons' back-legs with me. It was most fortunate that Emmons and MSA use an identical thread; they fit perfectly.
============================================

The ensemble had a spare hotel room available and, very kindly, Jim and Gesenia offered it to me so that I might avoid a couple of hours' night-driving back to Naples. Not only that, but we had an after-show get-together at the hotel, and Jim and I had a chance to catch up for an hour next morning before I set off for home.

With all the appalling weather in the north-east, their Sunday flights were cancelled! The last I heard, they'd planned a Monday return to Philly, yet even that may have come unstuck. Here we are on Tuesday, and they may not be home yet, as conditions have barely improved. Safe travels to them all.

My grateful thanks go to Gesenia and to Jim for making the trip even more enjoyable than it otherwise would have been. That hotel room was a real bonus. My thanks to all the band for making me so welcome.

[Roger Rettig]

I have been wanting to catch this show ever since the project was launched back in 2017. Last weekend, this talented ensemble played two dates in southern Florida, and Jim Cohen kindly invited me to their second show in Avon Park.

This band is the cream of the crop in Philly's music scene and I watched seven professionals go through their sound-check with discipline and precision. The crew at the Wildstein Performing Arts Center are top-notch, too (I recall doing 'Best Little Whorehouse' there twenty+ years ago!), and this was a mini-rehearsal as they fine-tuned an intro here or a turn-around there.

Dinner in the Green Room was an enjoyable event; it was good to get to meet these fellow pros.

Showtime:
It was instantly clear to me that the motivation for this assembly of fine players comes from the incredible voice of Gesenia. She is an exceptionally talented and skilled singer. I marveled at her control and her interpretation of Linda Ronstadt's signature material, as well as some more obscure songs. I can't understand a word of Spanish, but Gesenia pours such emotion into her performance that the lyric's meaning is crystal clear.

They play two 'halves', each set being thoroughly entertaining and well-paced. A solid rhythm section (Tim Reeder, drums, Nick Frese, bass, and Joe McClure's pulsing rhythm guitar) underpins it all. Dave Hartl on keyboards plays some magical stuff, convincing me, yet again, that I should have chosen the piano! Miles Hartl - an excellent 'sub' - was fluid and fluent on his Sea Foam Green Strat (Fender's best colour?), and then there's Jimbo.

He plays some Telecaster on some impressive twin-guitar passages, but really shines when he's behind his steel. We're treated to some gorgeous C6th, and his E9 stuff gives the show yet more authenticity. He uses a variety of sonic trickery, from creamy overdrive to an effective 'Leslie' sound, as well as the more traditional E9th. His steel part on 'Tracks of my Tears' was superb.

This is a great show that seems to end all too soon. I urge you to keep an eye open for a performance near you; you won't be sorry you went!
============================================
The night before Avon Park, they played Belle Glade, FL. During the show, the clutch on one of Jim's MSA's rear legs gave way. Before he knew it, the other one quit as well, and Our Hero found himself playing the World's heaviest lap-steel!! There was also the involuntary lowering of his Bs to Bb as his LKV descended onto his thigh! I received a frantic email late that night requesting that I bring my Emmons' back-legs with me. It was most fortunate that Emmons and MSA use an identical thread; they fit perfectly.
============================================

The ensemble had a spare hotel room available and, very kindly, Jim and Gesenia offered it to me so that I might avoid a couple of hours' night-driving back to Naples. Not only that, but we had an after-show get-together at the hotel, and Jim and I had a chance to catch up for an hour next morning before I set off for home.

With all the appalling weather in the north-east, their Sunday flights were cancelled! The last I heard, they'd planned a Monday return to Philly, yet even that may have come unstuck. Here we are on Tuesday, and they may not be home yet, as conditions have barely improved. Safe travels to them all.

My grateful thanks go to Gesenia and to Jim for making the trip even more enjoyable than it otherwise would have been. That hotel room was a real bonus. My thanks to all the band for making me so welcome.

[Jim Cohen]

Thanks for coming, Roger and for your kind remarks. The whole band enjoyed meeting and hanging with you. And thanks especially for bringing your Emmons back legs. Actually only one of mine went out but it was good to have a matched set. Great to see you again and to spend some time together. Glad you enjoyed the show! I love working with Gesenia and the guys.
I’ll look for you this time next year when we’re back in So. Florida. (Can’t promise you a hotel room again, though!)
Cheers, mate,
JC

[Dale Rottacker]

What a great memory for two fine men. This makes me smile.

[Craig Stock]

Yes Dale, I agree, Jim is the real deal as a player and a person, glad to have know him for over 25 years.

Roger, What a great story and review, you write so eloquently, most times that evades my scripts, so glad to see your name on the Forum again, please do stay involved and I'm hoping you are doing well!