Parlor City Blues Jam-Gordon Paulsen Memorial Tribute

Songs

The Letter
Wild Night


Julie Gordon-Lead Vocals
Tommy Bruner-Guitar
Dave Bonham-Guitar
Byron Stevens-Bass
R.Smith-Drums

With:
Tom Giblin
Dan Johnson
Miles Damaso
Steven Bray
George Hanna
Miko Dervo
Barb Myers
Jeremy Jacobs
Frederick Jones
Laura Henshaw
Stacia Riccio (look out Samantha Fish, this girl is the next guitar slinger, she also took the photo)

(Tommy Bruner, Julie Gordon,R.Smith, Dave Bonham, Byron Stevens)

Gibby gave me a choice to play drums earlier in the set but I opted to wait for Julie and Dave to show up.  The intensity of the early songs and interplay between Miles, Tommy, Tom and DJ was fun to watch.  Later Jeremy Jacobs played a long set with George Hanna playing

So by the time they got done, we only had time for two songs.  Which I didn't mind. I could have played about four or five with the others but since Julie and Dave were coming, I told Gibby that I rather wait and jam with them.

As usual, Julie sang great, Dave and Tommy compliment each other and Bryon is very good on bass. I proceeded to lose my drumstick on The Letter but managed to keep the beat and wow the audience with my carpal tunnel issues.   Wild Night was the first time I tried it with Julie and Dave ever.  It was actually came pretty close to the record.  But after that, 10 o'clock rolled around and that was it.

Notes:  Julie and Dave play at Coralville on Friday the 13th.

Stacia Roccio is a rare find, a female lead guitar player just learning the trade and has been a part of the blues jam from time to time.  She blended in very well with the jammers.  We need more folks like her to take up the guitar and play.

I decided to go to Parlor City since we were short on work and they offered ATO.  But with that, I decided that the Wednesday Checker's Acoustic Showcase I would have to give up.  I think Lorie Parker will be fine with Bart Carfizzi subbing for Cathy Hart.

Steve Bray was there, so we chatted a while and even Maki Dervo popped in to do two instrumental numbers dedicated to Gordon Paulsen, the KCCK DJ who passed away Monday of  cancer at age 64.  To me he was the voice of KCCK.  RIP.

GORDON JON PAULSEN
Cedar Rapids

Gordon Jon Paulsen, KCCK jazz radio "icon" and lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, April 9, 2018, in Dubuque. Gordon's memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Keystone Turner Hall in Keystone, Iowa. Pastor Don Drahos will preside.

Gordon was born Nov. 4, 1953, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Dr. Donald and Ruth (Franzenburg) Paulsen. He graduated from Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, in 1972 and attended Drake University. Gordon worked at KCCK radio as the jazz programmer and radio host for 37 years. Most listeners remember him for his deep, comforting voice, which one devotee said was like settling into an easy chair and pulling up a warm
blanket. Many others expressed gratitude because he introduced them to a love and appreciation for jazz.

Gordon is survived by his son, Adam Paulsen, Cedar Rapids; sister, Gretchen (Bill) Enke, Coralville; brother, Greg Paulsen (Mary Coan), Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Glenda Paulsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to KCCK/Jazz Under the Stars, Gordon Paulsen Memorial, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Special thanks to Dr. Ian Koontz, Dr. Mark Herman, Dr. Aruna Turaka and Tony Heiar, ARNP, of Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for giving Gordon excellent health care.