Former Amazing Rhythm Aces’ bassist Jeff ‘Stick’ Davis has indeed been, as Johnny Cash sang, “Everywhere, man.”
The long-tenured Tennessean and full-lifetime professional musician has called Tampa Bay his home now for the better part of ten years. But for the preceding five or so decades, Stick spent years at a time on the road and off across every state in the country; and frankly, damn near as many countries around the world as you’d care to count.
Personal music history like that not only comes with a huge gig-bag of incredible songs, but also stories. Lots of them. Practically countless encounters, gigs, sessions, tours and more with dozens of well-known members of rock-and-roll royalty, as well as its many princes, debutantes, fans, and fools.
So, hearing a mind-blowing tale or several will be something refreshingly different for friends and fans, as well as for regular attendees of the weekly Shark's Jaws Jam.
Nothing like you’d expect, but somehow, exactly what you might hope for.
Largely highlighted by his first (1973-81) and second (1996-04) runs with the Amazing Rhythm Aces, a band chiefly known for “Third Rate Romance,” a crossover hit single that reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1975, “Amazing Grace (Used To Be Her Favorite Song),” a top 10 smash on the country chart, and “The End Is Not In Sight (The Cowboy Tune),” a track that won the ‘Aces’ a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Group.
Stick plans to perform all three of those ‘Amazing’ favorites during his opening set showcase at Shark’s Bar & Grill; but also, looks to include a deeper cut or two in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the band, and other selections from his extensive music catalog.
First-time bandleader role for the long-time sideman
The hour-long show will start at 7pm with a slight spin on the format to allow Stick to share a few stories about his travels, the songs, and the people and groups behind them.
Legendary names like Jimmy Buffet, Ron Wood, John Mayall, Jesse Winchester, The Eagles, B.B. King, John Prine, Al Green, Tanya Tucker, Classics IV, Pure Prairie League, Charlie Rich, Tommy Tutone, Garth Hudson (The Band), and Sneaky Pete Kleinow (The Flying Burrito Brothers), as well as folks like comedy superstar, Bill Murray (see, that’s where part of the fool-part comes in), and another fella by the name of Bob Dylan (yep, hence the rock royalty name drop).
Talking to Stick for even a few minutes tells you how much his experience stands out from most, especially when he explains his motivation behind fronting his first group.
“This being the 5oth anniversary of the Aces and me being in some regards the last man standing, I think it’s my turn to carry the torch a bit,” Stick said. “That said, I didn’t put all my musical eggs in one basket. I was fortunate enough to earn a living as a session player in Nashville for many years, played on hundreds of recordings, and toured around the world with others. That’s a legacy I’d like people to know about. But if they just show up and have a laugh, that’s success to me.”
Playing it forward in the present
There’s a quote going around social media, attributed to Joe Walsh of The Eagles, saying, “[He] had a lot more fun being 20 in the 70’s than being 70 in the 20’s.” Stick easily relates to both figures, but still believes in the fun to be had every time he picks up his bass to record or perform … so long as good friends are part of the deal.
“You know somehow if the show goes over real good and people say, ‘Hey man, this is kind of a cool thing,’ and if that leads to the next thing, another gig, I’ll be happy,” Stick explained. “I’ve always done this though and always tried to be honest about it, especially in terms of what the bass function is between the meter and melody—finding which notes like each other—learning how to weave the lines together is everything.”
Meet the ‘Friends’ of the Jam
The friends joining Stick on stage for his premiere bandleading effort are well-acquainted to playing at Shark’s. As Jaws Jam host Mikki Neal, herself a monthly performer with Mikki Neal and the Real Deal, says, “These guys are real pros who have supported the jam any number of ways over the last four years. We love shows like this one where each member comes from a different background to create something new. That’s makes it especially fun for everyone.”
Dennis McCarthy (drums). One of Tampa Bay’s most respected and requested “hired guns,” Dennis always comes in prepared and easily finds “the pocket” in any space. He’s worked frequently with Stick and in different combos appearing at Shark’s.
David Cotton (vocals, guitar, sax). David is a multi-instrumentalist who plays like "three guys in one." Equally adept at lead vocals and harmonies as he is at backing guitar and saxophone parts. He’s also a fan of The Amazing Rhythm Aces from the early days.
Jerry ‘Toledo’ Northup (vocals, guitar). The checkerboard hat guy, Jerry’s known as the frontman for The Toledo Trio and his contributions to The Tony Marinucci Trio (led by Michael Platts) and Chinatown Chuck and the Mai Tais—all regularly returning acts at the Jam.
“Everybody comes in with a sense of mutual respect for each other. We make great music and we’ve got a great vibe onstage together.” - Stick
Jeff ‘Stick’ Davis & Friends will appear live at Shark’s Bar & Grill on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Showtime is set to run from 7pm-8pm (regular jammers to follow from 8pm-11pm).
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations placards will be in place for early arrivals. Shark’s Bar and Grill is located at 1479 S Belcher Road in Largo; (727) 530-1011.