Columnist Jerry Fink: High-energy JCs keep the joint jumping

Friday, July 15, 2005 | 8:18 a.m.

They call their brand of music "funk 'n' soul."

"It's like traditional high-energy R&B with a twist to it," said vocalist and percussionist Eugene Snowden, one of the founding members of the Legendary Joint Chiefs -- a group that, during the past four years, has been rocking the Southeast with its music and showmanship.

For the rest of the month the JCs can be experienced at the Monte Carlo Pub and Brewery. The free performances begin at 9:30 tonight through Sunday and from Thursday through July 24.

The band, known predominantly on "the chitlin' circuit," is based in Orlando, Fla.

"There's a big musician community there," said guitarist Brian Chodorcoff, the other founding member. "It's a real strong scene, tons of talent. It's mostly original bands."

This is their first trip to Vegas -- the first of many, they hope.

"We could fit in pretty well here," Chodorcoff said. "It's a lot of fun. The people have been very warm. There's a great atmosphere."

Since their arrival they have been exploring the local music scene.

"There are some very talented musicians in town," Snowden said. "A lot of them come jam with us."

But, he says, people seem starved for something a little bit different.

Chodorcoff said the group loves the Monte Carlo.

"We're appreciative that they are trying to branch out, to do something different," he said.

Snowden said the music in Orlando is more eclectic.

"You hear everything from Latin to Africa music," he said.

The JCs mix classic soul and R&B standards with original material -- which they say is rooted in the tradition of the classics.

Snowden, the lead vocalist, calls himself "equal parts James Brown, Sam Cooke and Richard Pryor." He is known not only for his dynamic presence onstage but also for his percussion skills -- performing for audiences and as a session musician.

Chodorcoff's love is the blues. Before helping create the Legendary Joint Chiefs he performed with such pop-rockers My Friend Steve, Jason Grace & The Filthy Rich, funk-jam band Kow! and bluegrass revivalists Riverbottom Nightmare Band.

All of the band members were heavily involved in the Orlando music scene before merging their talents, often playing in the same bands.

Bassist Ralph Ameduri recorded with college rockers Braille Closet (Figurehead Records), country belle Terri Binion (Daemon Records), Sunday Morning Revival, Weedeater, The Hamiltons and Riverbottom Nightmare Band.

Pianist and organist Jack Stirling is an in-demand session player. He has performed with Riverbottom Nightmare Band, The Hamiltons and The Post-Consumers.

Trombonist Clay Watson a regular with Bughead as well the JCs.

Saxophonist Brian Mackie has been associated with jazz master Sam Rivers and once performed with Xavier Cugat.

Drummer and percussionist Matt Hughen has performed with several Orlando bands, including Junkierush. He has also toured the world as a drummer/ percussionist for various Disney ensembles.

"We were all in popular bands," Choddorcoff said.

When they formed their own distinctive group they began rehearsing on Tuesday nights at a local club.

"It was like a live rehearsal," choddorcoff said.

Within two months they were being offered gigs at clubs around town.

"The rest is history," he said.

Lounging around

It's summer and the Overlords are hot, performing at several venues over the next few weeks, including Charlie's Bar & Grill from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. tonight and Saturday.

Charlie's is at 2089 N. Jones Blvd., at the corner of Lake Mead.

The rock group will be at the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings beginning at 7 p.m. July 23 and 30.

Take I-15 south past Primm. Take the Goodsprings exit and go seven miles.

For a change of pace rocker John Kay, founder of The Overlords, joins David Haertel for a jazz duo at 6 p.m. July 27 at the Normandie Cafe, 4983 W. Flamingo Road.

Murphy's Pub has closed.

The sometimes-hangout for jazz fans at 3985 E. Sunset Road might be opening again under new ownership, but no official word yet.

Linda Murphy owned the venue for about 20 years.

Tropi-Karaoke returns to the Tropicana's Tropics Lounge (between the Island Tower and Island Buffet) Wednesday.

Performances are from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until Sept. 11.

Each karaoke session is hosted by a rotating list of disc jockeys.

Props and accessories are available.