By Terri Lagerstedt

How does that saying go? "Make new friends, but keep the old..." If discovering a newcomer in a friendly new coffee spot was the silver, then I struck the gold when I headed back down-county to catch NeverReady at the Black Rock Castle (2895 Fairfield Ave., Black Rock). I'm no stranger to the Castle--must be the Irish blood running through my veins--and you may not have heard of NeverReady, but this talented unit is certainly chock-full of familiar elements. In fact, if you pay just the right amount of attention, you're sure to recognize the sound of Mike Gurge's B-3 organ. Gurge has moved on from his Electric Water days (together or not, this is still one of my favorite bands, and I hear Electric Water did reunite in the studio for another CD. I'll be looking for that one...) to join former Stone Cold guitarist George Ramirez sharing vocals with Gurge and guitarist John Dykeman, drummer John Macchia and bassist Bill Conroy. NeverReady also adds dimension to the music with saxophonist Joe Graziano and horn player Pat Hughes.

Of course, NeverReady has an affinity for special guest appearances, so don't be surprised to see Gurge step away from the B-3 to make room for a stand in. Or sometimes, you may blink and do a double-take as the number of horn players seems to increase before your eyes. Is it magic? Well, in a manner of speaking, yes. The sound is eclectic to say the least--from jazzy jaunts and forays deep into the world of blues to ska-flavored reinterpretations of Smokey Robinson and The Doors. And if any band of merry men, whether full-fledged band member or specially invited guest, can pull it together while leaving you with the feeling that's all perfectly natural, these are the guys to do it.

So whether or not the weather outside is frightful, if you take the time to seek out a special delight or two, it is possible to learn to live in the moment. That's not to say that a delicious white sand reverie is a bad way to pass the time, but there are too many interesting things happening in the here and now.