Kicked it all off with the Geri Allen Trio at Kilbourn. The music began as a gentle cascade, much like the impending cloudbursts outside. Allen traversed the keys widely as if in search of a melody, despite the fact that there were already at least two cavorting around our ears. About 15 minutes into the first piece (Netsky tells me it was two sewn together) the group began to chop it up a little and really swing. Twenty minutes into it they were still playing and I split for Max to dig Esperanza Spalding.

Spalding was just so much fun, weaving her scat around the thump and moan of her bass. And where jazz is often full of call and response passages, Spalding introduced a piece as being like the moment in an argument where you realize you've lost but keep on going. She was engaging and beautiful. And Link Hayes ain’t got nothin’ on that hair.

Is it odd to give a standing ovation to a blind man? Well, that’s just what we did. Raul Midon thumped his guitar so percussive and strong I swear I could feel a breeze. Again, his mouth-borne trumpet-scat blew folk away, as did his gentle ballads. His lyrics are simple and to the point, unlike his guitar, where the blur of his finger and palm attack creates such a compelling groove you can’t help but twist a little while you grin and listen.

And let’s talk about pageantry. King Solomon Burke’s blue sequined suit and cape would have given Liberace vertigo. And his set last night gave me the spins as well. What an unbelievable master of the voice. Phrasing, tone, soul… everything. But the King had to work hard, as everyone in the modest crowd seemed glued to their seats. From his throne, he continually beckoned folks to the stage to dance and to give roses to the ladies. It was when he finally brought the place to a boil with a revved-up take on “Proud Mary” that the audience took him up on his offer. About 50 happy souls --- including mine, complete with two left feet--- shook what god gave us with the King. Netsky can tell you how cool I looked.

Highlights for me were actually mellower detours when Burke hit on Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Since I Met You Baby” (one of my favoritest songs ever), the Tom Waits-penned “Diamond In Your Mind,” and his Grammy hit “Don’t Give Up On Me,” which brought a little precipitation to my eyes. Hell, it was in the air already.

Backstage the King was gracious, and after hearing of my impending nuptials got on the phone and sang an impromptu, off-the-cuff love song to my baby. He also wished her happiness and at least 15 children. So I went home right away. I had some work to do.