The spacious U & I Tavern was the scene of a gig by BOLT UPRIGHT on a recent Saturday night.

This Northeast Portland nightclub has a little stage off to one side, where some infectious rock and roll and R & B was emanating on this particular evening. Enthusiastic fans and dancers surrounded the stage. The band mixed it up running through Muddy Waters’ Two Trains Running, Gloria, Satisfaction, Suzie Q, Third Stone from the Sun as well as many other classic blues, rock and R&B tunes. Many original songs were included as well.

BOLT UPRIGHT was joined by an acquaintance of the band known as Treetopper who sang and freestyle rapped as the band settled into sinuous grooves. Treetopper's voice and creativity and the band’s groove was a pleasant and very effective combination.

The band BOLT UPRIGHT is a trio fronted by prominent Portland drummer Ashbolt Stewart. Stewart has become well known to blues fans through his role as the Norman Sylvester Band's drummer for the past eight years. Stewart pursues many other projects besides the Boogie Cat's drummer, including his band.

BOLT UPRIGHT is a band that likes to dabble in several styles that are nonetheless related to the blues idiom or feel. The band moves smoothly from funk to deep blues to garage rock. Their powerful groove and sense of fun tie it all together.

Ashbolt Stewart serves as the front man for the group, but as a trio, everyone must play a big part. Suzie McDee (aka Suzie Q) holds down the bass spot and does it very well. She has a no-nonsense approach to her instrument in the tradition of Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass player with Booker T & the MGs), Blues Brothers and countless other sessions. Her sound is deep and round and on the beat. In addition to a fine bass player, she also is tall and attractive and brings a natural charisma and stage presence to the group.

Lynn Axtell has been the main guitarist for the past year, also adding vocals, blues harp and original compositions. Axtell is a versatile guitarist, comfortable with blues, funk and rock and roll. His guitar playing displays a restraint that is indicative of a player that is confident in his abilities and doesn't need to show off his flashiest lick at every opportunity. He realizes that, particularly in a trio setting, maintaining the groove and supporting the song is the primary goal. This isn't to say he can't rip out a screaming solo when it's called for.

Axtell also fronted another band known as The T-Bones, where he was the primary singer, songwriter and guitarist. The T-Bones have a CD out simply called Rockin' Blues, featuring Axtell's self penned tunes. The CD can be purchased at his website (http://www.kalama.com/~laxtell/).