Bernie and the Jets: A locals collaboration
The hottest music ticket on Thursday night at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, no matter what time of year, is Doc Taylor’s Seaside Market & Lounge. This venue is part of a trio of buildings that also includes Doc Taylor’s, which serves up one of the most popular breakfasts and killer brunches in the resort strip, and Tautog’s, a fine dining establishment with a cozy, intimate feel and out of this world food. Bill Gambrell is the local restaurateur whom we can thank not only for his delicious fare and refreshing libations but also for being a strong supporter of the oceanfront music scene and making these great nights of music happen.
Jason Bruner of Quiva Productions, a former employee of Bill’s, does a spectacular job of booking the talent for these Thursday nights that have become a staple for local musicians and music lovers alike. The groups he brings in are a great blend of popular Hampton Roads bands to more widely-known regional and national acts. The beauty of Doc’s is that there is always a built-in crowd. The bands enjoy playing there because they can always feel the love of the large group of regulars, and many times they find new fans in the tourists who may be drawn in by the sound of the jams floating down the street.
This past Thursday, August 6, 2015 was a legendary night with one of the largest crowds I have seen at Doc’s. We all came out to see another performance of Bernie and the Jets. This “supergroup” is a collaboration of seven of Tidewater’s most talented musicians. They don’t play together often, but when they do, everyone knows it is going to be epic. On this night, they didn’t disappoint.
The band is comprised of Bernie Lee (The Jesse Chong Band) on keyboards, Kyle Folsom (Woodwork) and Jesse Chong (The Jesse Chong Band) on guitar, Rob Lord (New Corduroy Commanders) on bass, Jason Bruner (Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot) and James Woods (Woodwork) on drums, and Sherri Linn (Last Fair Deal) on vocals.
The songs were all covers, but all had a Bernie and the Jets spin to them. Most of the cuts were from the Grateful Dead, reflecting the number of Dead Heads in the band, and it was no coincidence that this particular set occurred in between Jerry Garcia’s birthday and the 20th anniversary of his death.
The excitement was palpable as the band took their places and the photographers jockeyed for their spot in the crowd. The guys in the band were all wearing white shirts and ties, with Jesse sporting the only bow tie in the group. They quickly got us dancing and grooving as they opened with “Shakedown Street” followed by “Deal,” both by the Grateful Dead. “Deal” had Kyle on lead vocals and had a wonderful full sound to it with most, if not all, of the other musicians adding their vocal talents to the song.
They did a great rendition of “I Second that Emotion” one of my favorites Smokey Robinson tunes. Of course, it was the JGB version, featuring Jesse’s lyrical voice. “West LA Fade Away” was next, followed by “Foolish Heart” and “New Speedway Boogie,” all by the Grateful Dead. “New Speedway Boogie” had Sherri rocking out the vocals and Rob in the corner laying down the bass. The last tune of the set was a great composition of “Hey Jude > Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude” (Beatles/Traffic/Beatles) with Bernie singing “Mr. Fantasy” while the band sang the chorus to “Hey Jude.” For a minute I thought I was at an arena show as the crowd sang along with the band. This left the audience with a very good reason to stick around for the second set.
Set break means lots of thirsty people wanting to get a drink at the same time. Seasoned bartender and fellow Jam Cruiser Rob West and his side kick, Clint, had no problem keeping everyone happy. I have to say that these guys make THE best Rum and Coke I have ever tasted. Since Doc’s is only open once a week, the limes and lemons are always fresh and juicy and help to give your cocktail that summer, beachy feel. These guys always do an awesome job.
Set two opened with a “China Cat Sunflower” tease that segued into “Scarlet Begonias”, followed by “U.S. Blues.” Stephan Lazar (Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot) joined the band for “Eyes of the World” and “Bird Song,” adding his beautiful work on the alto sax and driving the audience wild. The final song was another compilation of “Mean Mr. Mustard > Polythene Pam > She Came in Through the Bathroom Window > Golden Slumbers > Carry That Weight > The End (the last six songs of the eight-song track “Medley” from the Beatles 1969 album Abbey Road).
The music was fantastic, the crowd awesome, and as the night came to an end my two favorite bouncers, Stanley and Joe, made sure that everyone was cool and the night ended peacefully. Thursday nights are my favorite night of the week; I just wish I didn’t have to go to work on Friday. So if you have never been, come on out to one of the best music secrets in Hampton Roads. I guarantee you will enjoy yourself, and, if you are a regular like my family is, I will see you next time.
Review by Suzy LeVee Phillips-MusicFestNews Contributor | Photography by John Phillips