Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Paul Tillotson tickles the ivories at Whiskey’s

Live Music

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Paul Tillotson, left, is one of Sun Valley’s most anticipated winter entertainers.

This weekend, well-known Sun Valley performer Paul Tillotson will play a two-night gig at Whiskey Jacques' in Ketchum. Tillotson has brought together a classic blues trio with Josh Kelly and New York City legendary blues performer Bill Sims Jr. along with guest saxophone player Peter Peterson from Portland.

"It is a classic organ trio with guitar, Hammond organ and drums," Tillotson said. "The sax is the cherry on top."

Sims appeared with his band at the Boiler Room in Sun Valley last winter and will return to play with Tillotson at Whiskey's and at the Boiler Room. Tillotson has scheduled dates to play with Sims and guitarist Adam Levy for Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Boiler Room, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a $10 cover.

"I love Sun Valley," Tillotson said. "I love sharing it with my buddies and turning them on to Sun Valley."

Tillotson plays with his trio, which includes Jeff Rew on bass and Josh Kelly on drums, Tuesday through Saturday in Sun Valley's Duchin Room from 5-8:45 p.m. through April 15. He will join Jake Stigers and Raven in the Boiler Room on Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a $10 cover.

Tillotson will also play with The Love Trio, his New York City band that includes Mike Merritt on bass and James Wentworth on drums, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Duchin Room from 5-8:45 p.m.

Merritt and Wentworth play in the Conan O'Brien Tonight Show Band and are taking a break to play in Sun Valley. The Love Trio has recorded three CDs and is a jazz trio that should not be missed, especially since they can be heard for free in the comforts of the Duchin Lounge.

"My 20 years of playing music in New York City is finally paying off," Tillotson said.

All shows at Whiskey Jacques' begin at 10 p.m., with tickets available at the door. For a complete listing of music events in the valley, see the Music, Dance and Theater section of the Calendar on Page C9.