Washington, DC
February 10, 2005

Having never seen guitarist Ken Navarro in concert before, I did not know what to expect, other than great music.  I knew that was a given after hearing several of his 16 CDs released in almost as many years, and I was not disappointed.  It's also a treat to see a local guy playing before the home crowd, and Ken Navarro couldn't get any closer to home.  The Baltimore native played before a group that included his wife, parents, brother and friends.

In the intimate venue of Blues Alley in Georgetown, DC, Ken took the stage with a backup band of local musicians that have also made names for themselves.  Gary Grainger (bass) and André "Blues" Webb (drums) recently appeared on Eric Darius's CD, which Ken produced.  On keys was Dan Reynolds who has played with Najee and Larry Coryell.

Ken and the band opened with "Eric’s Dream," written for his son.  Ken’s guitar work was expertly complimented by Dan Reynolds' playing of the keys.  It was a great start.  "So Fine" followed and led right into a very funky "Delisioso," which had the crowd moving.  Then came "You Are Everything," a track from Ken's new CD, Love Coloured Soul, which was co-written by Ken and local WJZW on-air personality, Jay Lang.  More tracks from the new CD got the crowd's attention. The title track was especially alluring.  I found myself very taken by that particular song.  Watching Ken really grooving to the 1999 tune "In My Wildest Dreams," I kept thinking that he was a rocker trapped in a smooth jazz body!  It was a terrific song that got people to really loosen up.  Ken then dedicated "Fortunate Son" to his brother. "Try Again" offered a Spanish flair and very subtle keyboard.

Throughout the show, Ken Navarro interacted with the crowd, joking, poking fun at himself, laughing with his band, and relaying stories of events that took place since his career began.  It was a fun evening and definitely one that I would like to experience again.

- Bonnie Schendell