Terry Sullivan - Low Lamp Session @ Blue Monk

Blue Monk | Thursday 8/18 | 9pm-1130pm

Terry Sullivan & I were both given brass and tested by the music Gods in the 5^th grade. Terry was handed a tuba, I was given a trombone.  My enormous eleven year old ego wanted no part of the trombone.  I didn't want to get my ass beat on the bus, cared too much what the other kids thought, and ended my music career after 7 long weeks. Terry, on the other hand, is wired completely different.  His innate passion for music coupled with a smaller than average rock ego triumphed over his dislike for the tuba. After one quick year he graduated to percussion and never looked back. 

The best way I can sum up my three hour interview with Terry is, "Been there, done that".  Inducted into the Buffalo Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, he has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, fronted some of the area's most revered bands and played all of the rock-games in a quest to book a gig.  I didn't want this article to be another regurgitation of his many accolades.  My intent is to bang out a quick Zen-like portrait of Terry, the person.

Terry Sullivan is f-ing cool.  Terry Sullivan is an artist in every sense of the word.  He creates art (he feels the timing is right to promote his physical pieces) the same way he creates music- with passion, for all the right reasons.  Terry's art & music are an extension of his soul.  He doesn't take himself or his music too seriously.  He has fun.  Terry gets it.

Low Lamp Sessions provide balance in Terry's life, a bit of a respite if you will. Terry has been playing original music his whole life. The musicians he has congregated (David Kane, Bob Kozak, Howard Wilson) are all original artists with massive catalogs who enjoy playing loose arrangements of someone else's compositions.  He loves the idea of performing for people in a creative environment.  We had some fun & shared a couple pints at Blue Monk.  Terry digs the vibe there and is impressed with the educated employees.  He eloquently communicated to me, "They did their research for groovy consumption".

Terry Sullivan is a pure artist who plays by his own rules.  Buffalo is lucky to have him & his accomplished band-mates as residents. This Thursday is sure to be magical.  If you see me at the show, no need to thank me- just buy me a number 7.

Find Terry on facebook.

Blue Monk

727 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 882-6665

"55" by Terry Sullivan