Commencing the eighth annual SFJAZZ spring season, The Masonic Center hosted one of the first nights of the Spring Season Jazz Fest. Joe Louis Walker opened for the “Living Legend” Etta James & the Roots Band.  Walker, a San Francisco native, played a riveting solo acoustic set. Clearly an expert of the 12-bar structure and a connoisseur of blues music, Walker entertained the crowd with his talent along with some jocular lyrics over his R&B.

Next was her Greatness, Etta James. Statutory law says its wrong for those to love within a mere few years gap, what is it to be in love with a woman over four decades older than you? I face this very same question today after witnessing James’ performance on Saturday night at the Masonic Center . The Roots Band began the set without the illustrious front woman, providing what seemed like the theme music to a flagship’s entrance. Without any further ado, James made her way out to the front of the stage to be met by a standing ovation at the filled auditorium. This was not the last standing ovation she received throughout the night.

Performing pieces from her latest album, James revealed her everlasting brash and sexy appeal. This was about the time I fell in love. Her appeal is as a provocateur, however, she is classy and possesses a vintage sound, that of a different and more reserved era than today. She illustrated this when she performed “At Last” which had every couple entangled with one another, as well as giving optimism to those who were still searching for the feeling. I on the other case, was thinking about a way to make it backstage to address my love for Miss James.  As I am no Casanova, I stayed in my seat and settled for the feeling of being mesmerized song after song.

James stopped a handful of times to introduce the Roots Band as well as praise them for their equally superb performance. They served as a fine complement to James’ singing, offering astonishing musicianship and tantalizing solos.

At the end of the set James shed a few tears and thanked her audience. She walked off stage, only to hear the cries and pleas for an encore. Without hesitation she came back out and sang, “Mama Told Me”. Giving a deeper and more soulful account than any more recent cover; the entire audience was engrossed in a wave of melodic clapping hands. Unfortunately, the concert would eventually have to meet its fate and James would have to give a heartfelt goodbye.  Goodbye my love.