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In these tumultuous times, some respite from the daily barrage of news/fake news/corporate shilling and general BS is not only desired, but necessary. Yesterday being Fat Tuesday, the beginning of Mardi Gras, what better way- short of being in NOLA itself- to unwind than to journey to Naples, FL to enjoy the music of Ricky Howard and Mudbone. Mudbone does a weekly performance at Dogtooth Sports and Music Bar (formerly Weekend Willie’s, and before that, Freddie Rebel’s). If you have not heard this band in person, you are missing one of the great musical treasures of Southwest Florida.

First of all, these are all top-notch musicians. Ricky Howard, guitarist and vocalist, is the leader. Ricky’s resume includes recording, touring, songwriting. He’s played- and is still playing- in a variety of bands playing a variety of styles. As he told me, “I’m known as a guy who can play anything.” David C. Johnson, the virtuoso bassist, has toured with The Neville Brothers and serves as Musical Director for singer Aaron Neville’s band. Drummer Bill Peterson built a reputation as a jazz drummer here in SW Florida. The sonic texture of this talented group is augmented by the harmonica playing of award-winner Jerry Fierro. For last night’s gig, the band was joined by former member Mario “The Catman” Infanti, an experienced jazz guitarist whose credits include stints with Chuck Mangione and singer Phyllis Hyman. And to fill out the sound, Steve Emerson manned the keyboards. Lead vocals are divided among Howard, Johnson, Infanti, and Fierro.

Having a group of all-stars doesn’t necessarily mean the whole will equal or exceed the sum of the parts. Music must have an emotional impact as well as displaying technical prowess. And this is what makes Mudbone special- these guys kick ass, and they do it in a dozen different ways.

They started off the night with Louis Jordan and the Tympany Five’s R-n-B classic, “Let the Good Times Roll.” There is  something about an up-tempo shuffle that always gets people moving. Mudbone’s extended version allowed Howard, Infanti, Johnson and Fierro to showcase their solo skills. In the spirit of Fat Tuesday, they jumped into a New Orleans staple, The Meters’ “Hey Pocky Way”, the characteristic syncopated second-line rhythm carrying the crowd right across the Gulf. They flipped a switch and delivered a spot-on rendition of Steely Dan’s “Josie.” The set included Delbert McClinton’s soul ballad “Dreams to Remember You By” and Infanti’s funky original, “Love in My Pocket.”

Yes, they are eclectic. When I saw them a year or so ago, they opened the night with Chick Corea’s “Spain”, not the usual fare you hear from the blues-rock bands that proliferate in this part of Florida.

A feature of the Tuesday night shows is an open jam. People can sign up and perform a song or two with the band. Obviously, the results can be uneven, although most of the musicians who sat in were more than capable. Highlight- Darryl Roberts taking over bass guitar duties and belting out a funky version of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The displaced David C. Johnson donned a washboard and led a conga line of dancing women around the club. Mardi Gras, indeed.

I doubt this band has a bad night. The combination of their talents and their joy in playing is too infectious.

A word about Dogtooth: Last evening was a special night and the club was very crowded. I don’t know the legal capacity, but there were easily 200 people there. The staff seem unprepared for the large crowd. We had a reservation and there was an empty table with a reservation tag on it with our names yet we waited over 20 minutes to be seated. There was no person there to seat us, or inform us of the wait. Once seated, service was slow. We waited 45 minutes for our meals after we ordered. The server seemed annoyed when we inquired about the delay. The food itself was ordinary- not bad, not good. My grilled salmon was bland. The vegetables were fine.

My recommendation would be come early, get a place at the bar, skip dining and enjoy the music. And for Dogtooth management, if you keep booking Mudbone, you better gear up for big crowds.

Mudbone Blues and Beyond

Tuesday Nights

Dogtooth Sports and Music Bar

5310 Shirley St., Naples, FL