Chasing After Wind

Carlos and the Enablers

I went to see Carlos (Sanchez) and the Enablers at the Tradewinds Social Club on Sunday, September 3rd. The Tradewinds’ name is an ironic name for a neighborhood dive bar. And they wear both the social club and dive bar monikers with pride. As well they should. From the friendly bartender who asks your name and gives you hers – to the friendly regulars at the bar that do the same – to the shuffleboard table near the pool table that still takes quarters – it’s the neighborhood bar we all know and love. While they may look different to an extent, there is a sameness to them. It’s what makes them comfortable.

Tradewinds is split in half by the bar. You can sit on both sides of the bar. The third side is the front wall of the building and the fourth is a hallway from one side to the other. The patrons at the bar on the entrance/shuffleboard/pool table side can see through to the band side with the kitchen in the far left corner. The red chairs in the right of the pictures are the chairs to that side of the bar.

A Carlos and the Enablers show reminds me of a Grateful Dead concert in that it is laid back and when they play, they all concentrate on their instruments. They are a band that is at home at the neighborhood dive. The customers certainly thought so. Oddly enough, they didn’t play any Grateful Dead that I know of. They did however, play a number of classic songs from all over the spectrum. Songs such as Let the Good Times Roll, She’s So Cold, Sunshine Go Away Today, and The Thrill is Gone. And then, Do It in The Road, Let’s Work Together, and You Don’t Know How it Feels.

Brad Taylor and Carlos Sanchez

Brad Taylor plays keyboard and horns. Lonn Gulley is on drums and occasionally, vocals. James Hargon plays bass. Tim Murray plays guitar, keyboard, and sings. Carlos, of course, is on guitar and vocals. Tim and Carlos trade off on the lead guitar parts.

Carlos and the Enablers have an internet footprint the size of my thumb. Meaning they have little online presence. So I will try to let you know when they’re playing. There is no pretense – they’re just five guys that like to play music and play the best they can. If you hear from me or someone else that they are playing, take the time to check them out. They won’t be the best cover band you’ve ever seen. They’re not trying to be. But they sure as hell have fun and you’re invited to join the party.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.