Sitting and reliving the moment as though it is unfolding before me but in reality, knowing that it took place more than two weeks prior permits my mind to manipulate a radiant, unabashed grin across my face. My one true regret is that I was unable to drag my sistafriend, Pam along with me.   

Music possesses the power, in me, to make spur of the moment decisions that I might otherwise contemplate so much that I miss out on an opportunity.  

Upon hearing that Frank McComb was going to breeze into Chicago and that a few friends that I don’t see very often would be in attendance, I too needed to be there.  Haggling for a few days with accommodations and stuff, I finally just paid for my roundtrip flight and put the rest in God’s hands. (Thank you, DMo) I couldn’t pass on an opportunity to witness Frank’s musical magic come alive before me – a treasure in itself.  And to experience his warm and vibrant personality is an added bonus!

Being permitted to sit in on the rehearsal the evening before the big show made me feel giddy like I did as a child at Christmas. Unbeknownst to me, I was in the midst of some of music’s brightest masterful minds (Frank, of course…along with Khari Parker on drums and Richard Patterson on bass).  I sat back, watched them blend their sounds and create things that I knew would dazzle the crowd because it sure did the trick for me!  They were on fire! 

Hanging out with Frank the day of the show, I’d learned that the musicians who I met the night before and would see again at The Kinetic Playground had played with virtually everyone.  Richard is the MD for Boz Scaggs and Khari also plays as part of that band.  However, after ‘googling’ both Richard and Khari who’d downplayed just how long they’d been in music, I quickly discovered news that made my mouth fall WIDE open!  Richard is currently touring with David Sanborn and has played alongside Miles and many other of my favorites.  Khari has had “the” gig that I’m sure has made him the  envy of many … drumming for Destiny’s Child. Also sitting in that evening was Larry Billups on percussion.  Frank introduced Larry as having just completed some dates with Peven Everett.  Imagine that…Frank McComb & The All Stars! 

For me, the thrill of watching Frank McComb perform live is tri-fold: the music/vocal power, waiting for him to find his groove and doing this little leap off of the stool as he plays and the eye action between he and the other musicians.  I stood at the foot of the stage, mesmerized by the majestic creativity that I’d witnessed.  Frank wasted little time bonding with the crowd through the gift of music.  Forced to do something I normally don’t – I promised myself that I’d keep track of the set.  It was difficult to do since I was absolutely distracted, but I managed to list every song except the finale, a Stevie Wonder classic that was done up in a marvelous fashion.   Many of my favorite McComb songs were performed that evening and still I remain on a higher plateau of pride as a HoneyComb.

Frank McComb was out of control at the Kinetic Playground, as were his accompanying musicians.  Richard’s fingers should have been sore, Larry’s hands should have been blistered, Khari’s wrists should have been swollen.  An added bonus were Frank’s all new background vocalists who also wowed the crowd. Together, they all were a perfect unit and complimented one another marvelously!   

That night the concert included the following songs: Superwoman, Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters, Still Has A Hold On Me, Shine, Love Natural, Future Love (aka Lanie & Boodah’s Love Story), Cupid’s Arrow, Left Alone, Keep Pushin’ On, Do You Remember Love & the Stevie Wonder gem that I didn’t write down but hear the bass line in my head over and over.

Although this was not the first time I’d had the pleasure of seeing Frank McComb in concert, I felt as though it was.  The experience was new and the impression left behind was lasting. 

May Frank McComb and whatever all-star ensemble he gathers when he travels to a city near you, bless you in the same manner as they have blessed my heart!