Street of Philadelphia

There have been pivotal locales which were the nurturing ground for the vanguard in many art forms. Jazz music has had a number of these spots, from New Orleans up to Chicago, then to New York and outward. It would not be hard to argue that the great city of Philadelphia should be recognized with these others as a wellspring of talented musicians. One of Philadelphia’s prominent sons is the fantastic drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath. He, like so many other Philly natives including his brothers Jimmy and Percy, grew up in the music, as the city was ripe with musicians of the first order and an important stop for many of the progenitors of the music. On his new recording - Philadelphia Beat - Heath returns to his native ground to catch the spirit and preserve it…

30-song set. Tour premiere of “Streets of Philadelphia.” “Night,” “Working on the Highway,” and “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” return to the set. “I’ll See You in My Dreams” is dedicated to Dee Theiss, the wife of The Castiles’ George Theiss, and to the memory of Michael Shave, Bruce’s nephew. Four songs from 2020’s Letter To You: “Ghosts,” “Last Man Standing” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams”. “Last Man Standing” features a new arrangement. “I’ll See You In My Dreams” is performed solo acoustic to end the show. One song from 2022’s Only the Strong Survive: “Nightshift” (written by Franne Golde, Dennis Lambert and Walter Orange, popularized by The Commodores). Concert stalwarts like “Because The Night,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” are performed in tighter, shorter versions. “Thunder Road” is the main-set closer.

30-song set. Tour premiere of “Streets of Philadelphia.” “Night,” “Working on the Highway,” and “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” return to the set. “I’ll See You in My Dreams” is dedicated to Dee Theiss, the wife of The Castiles’ George Theiss, and to the memory of Michael Shave, Bruce’s nephew. Four songs from 2020’s Letter To You: “Ghosts,” “Last Man Standing” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams”. “Last Man Standing” features a new arrangement. “I’ll See You In My Dreams” is performed solo acoustic to end the show. One song from 2022’s Only the Strong Survive: “Nightshift” (written by Franne Golde, Dennis Lambert and Walter Orange, popularized by The Commodores). Concert stalwarts like “Because The Night,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” are performed in tighter, shorter versions. “Thunder Road” is the main-set closer.