Bill Doyle Trio @ Three Dogs Grille 1/18/12

Bill Doyle

This Saturday marked the return of live jazz bands in Palm Coast! For three savored hours, the Bill Doyle Trio worked through their perfect mix of easy-going straight-ahead jazz, uptempo hardbop and some jazzy bossas.

(l-r) Frank Capek, Don Durkee, Bill Doyle

All three members of the group are from right here in Palm Coast. Bandleader Bill Doyle keeping solid grooves on drums; Frank Capek, a composer regularly featured on our podcasts, was on bass and Don Durkee provided everything you'd want from a jazz pianist - sturdy block-chord harmonies, rich melodic lines and impressively fast licks.

Some of the art on display at Three Dogs Grille

All of this took place at Palm Coast's much anticipated new venue - Three Dogs Grille; a gastropub run by two chefs of distinction, Bob Plugge and Barry Markey. These men insist on bringing some much-needed fine-art atmosphere into PC - all fresh food, a constantly intriguing and delicious menu that is updated often, as is the amazing art on the walls, courtesy of the Hollingsworth Gallery. Add to this the best jazz in the region - and you've got something so many residents have been yearning for - a classy yet homey, cool hang.

Cookin'

This was evidenced by a full-house all night, and even more folks wandering in after the show, saying "Aw, we missed it??" Some highlights were "C Note Jam" by Count Basie and "Like Someone in Love" by Jimmy van Heusen. The crowd, obviously delighting in their plates & beverages, applauded enthusiastically for every song.

Amy Alysia 'sat in' for a few numbers!

A nice surprise for the last set (and perhaps some much-needed consolation for Denver Broncos fans), was the impromptu appearance of Amy Alysia, who wowed the audience with "God Bless the Child" and a refreshing take on the Gershwin standard "Summertime". We caught the later on video and will post it on our Facebook page tonight!

"Summertime..."

The Three Dogs Grille will be having solo jazz artists on Wednesdays, and larger bands on Saturdays. Coming up this Wednesday will be another artist featured on our Podcasts, blues/jazz singer/guitarist George Grosman from Orlando. The Bill Doyle Trio will return on Saturday February 18th.

If you have been missing the earthy yet chic vibe of places like the West Village in NYC, or Boston, or Chicago or even Atlanta - come support this venue, click on their name above and "like" them on Facebook - and be kept in the know about new happenings in Palm Coast. A fine evening! - PCJ