I know, I know; it was a couple weeks ago, but the way the holidays landed I was in deadline hell. Still, I gotta say a few words about the Campbell Brothers show where close to 1,000 fans had a ball at the Harro East Ballroom. It was truly rally time with the Buddhahood providing the opening thunder and wringing everything out of itself ‘til there weren't no more. The Campbells hosted a number of cool guests, like Rochester's king of smooth, Jimmie Highsmith Jr.; Rochester's king of the blues, Joe Beard; and my man Paulie Rocco, who simply plugged in and peeled out with a howl, winding the whole room into an immediate frenzy - and that was only song two.

Made my way over to the Grille at Strathallan Saturday night for a little laid-back cool with the Bill Dobbins Quartet. Got to press the flesh with drummer Mike Melito before the second set. Hobnobbed with a Hi-Riser and cool chick who hipped me to Ellroy many years ago. Guitarist Bob Sneider has that sweet, round tone down. His notes toot sweet as he introduces them in thoughtful runs and dalliances. And this night was no different.

When drummers go off-time, syncopate, and explore fractions of the time signature, I see how long I can follow the down beat in my head. It's kinda like watching a movie where someone's trapped under water; I hold my breath until they surface. I'm proud to say I didn't get lost - or drown - during Melito's fabulous solo where he played call-and-response between his hands and feet. It felt familiar. I think this is how my heart beats.

Out of the cool and into the cold to catch Grime Time do it trio style at the Bug Jar, complete with a big orange guitar. Talk about some fat tone. The band plays quick, short songs in quick, short bursts that swing between anger and fun. Short answer: it's punk. Long answer: it's up to you. Either way the band is onto something, is highly entertaining, and a must-see if you're looking for kicks.