Another music-filled evening was experienced at one of my favorite places in the metro-DC area, The Birchmere.  This time it was for keyboardist,Alex Bugnon and sax man, Paul Taylor.  Since I had never seen Alex perform before, I was looking forward to this show even more.  And for a concert on a Thursday night, seemed like a nearly packed house was feeling the same way.

Alex and Paul were backed by Alex’s band…a band of top-notch musicians that he has played and recorded with for 20 years.  Poogie Bell was on drums, Victor Bailey on bass/vocals, and Vincent Henry on guitar, sax, harmonica, and flute.  The crowd was never sure what else he might begin to play!

The show started with Alex Bugnon playing a classic, “This Time Around.”  That tune really got the crowd pumped.  He then talked about how he had been living in Paris, but always wanted to be an American and how much of an influence things like the Ohio Players and Shaft were on him.  Alex then went into his tribute to Isaac Hayes, “Harlem on My Mind.”  Somewhere in the middle of the song, it morphed into “Thriller” which really pleased everyone.  Paul Taylor then joined them on stage to a terrific ovation and went right into “Exotica” and “Pleasure Seeker.”  The audience couldn’t get enough!

Back to Alex Bugnon leading the way with his version of “Piano in the Dark” and then “Sweet Sticky Thing.”  Alex is so charismatic and really puts all og himself into his playing.  It was fun to watch him making those keys smoke!  PT came back out for two more of his tunes, “After Hours,” which slowed things down a bit, and “Ladies Choice,” which got the crowd rockin’!  Alex and Paul teamed up for the encore, “Yearnin’ For Your Love” which brought down the house!

This was a really fun, upbeat night of great music with two stellar musicians.  They both have chops and know how to make the crowd feel very much a part of everything.  I am so glad I checked this one out!  Please keep an eye out for the latest releases from both.  Paul Taylor’s Burnin’ will be out on July 21st, and Alex Bugnon will have his released on September 1st.