TheRag | monthly entertainment source serving the jersey shore
STRINGBEAN's STAINING SOULFUL BLUES
APRIL '05, VOL. 2 NO. 2 | By VERA LYNNE AKA TARA ELLIOTT
Galway, Ireland? Sometimes, if you're lucky enough, you can catch a few musicians fleeing from the swarming streets, piling into these miniature pubs. After guzzling a number of tall frothy glasses of Guinness or Smithwick's, these natives just whip out their violins, guitars, bagpipes or flutes and jam.
Believe it or not, the Ragin' Cajun in little old Belmar simulates a similar experience on Sunday evenings, yet with a piquant Cajun twist. The Ragin' Cajun is one of Belmar's pearls. Every Sunday night at 7pm, Stringbean and the Stalkers play a few hours of staining soulful blues while dinner is served.
Stringbean and the Stalkers snugly fit inside this intimate quaint home-restaurant. Somehow the Ragin' Cajun envelops their sound perfectly, resonating within the walls, without breaking them down.
While Cajun spices hover throughout its capacity, Stringbean plays a mixture of blues influenced by country, jazz, zydeco and occasionally throws in splashes of psychedelia Latin. They've been a tight and dynamic band for eight years. Currently, they have three albums for sale available at their website, www.stringbeanonline.com, and www.amazon.com - "Hey, Hey," "Little Monster," and "Live at the Ragin' Cajun."
I sat in with the band and sang Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me To Do." With Ken Sorensen on rhythm guitar and harmonica, Sonny Kenn on lead, Dave Meyers on bass, and Vic Bayers on drums, the ride couldn't have been smoother. Ken Sorensen sat in his usual gentle posture as he bogged on his acoustic Yamaha that created a steady track for the train ride. Sonny's phrasing was sweet and crisp. His tone, though distorted, was full and rich. he drove us home with a commanding, yet tender, solo. Sonny's fingers speedily sled along the frets as if melted butter were smeared and soaked into his fingerboard.
Later on, Ken Sorensen sang Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin." His voice glided between his melodious harmonica and fuzzy croon as his beach-breezed sandy-blonde hair caught the candlelight. Sorensen's influences are Muddy Waters and The Grateful Dead. To me, it was quite obvious that you could hear Jerry's cry in his voice.
The audience engaged in a call and response joyfully. Recently, Sorensen conversed with a couple of visiting Swedish authors who commented, "There's nothing like this scene in Sweden (or neighboring towns in NJ)."
Once Stringbean finished their last set, I approached Sonny Kenn. Sonny invited me to sit with him; as I drew closer my eyes became fixed upon his toffee-colored palpable pompadour. He removed his gold-rimmed shades and revealed his piercingly bright sky-blue eyes. His mischievous shiny smile reminded me of the mile-wide grin of the Cheshire Cat suspended in mid-air.
I asked about Kenn's axe. I was unable to determine the make. Kenn builds, as he says, "Frankensteins," consisting of various vintage bodies, nicks and pickups of Telecasters, Strats and Gibsons. Kenn is now mastering his self-engineered new album. His album is a combination of covers and originals embracing the vivacious spirit of early rock n' roll. Sonny Kenny will be playing with his own band at Asbury Lanes with the Legendary Link Ray on May 6th. For more details, log onto www.sonnykennband.com.
For an evening of fine Creole dishes and tasteful blues, visit the Ragin' Cajun every Sunday at 1102 River Road, Rt. 35 South, Belmar, NJ or call 732-280-6828. There's no cover charge.
