RIP Marty Roberts, One falf of Marty & Elayne, the house band at The Dresden Room.

 Well, Marty Roberts has passed away.

For the year I lived in LA, there was only one place that always made me feel at home, and like could have been happy living there permanently: the Dresden Room. Each time I went to see Marty and Elayne play there, I chatted them up during their break and requested old songs that apparently nobody else asked for. They were always very kind and generous with their time.

One time, I asked if they knew Quiet Village. Marty looked a little surprised and said nobody had mentioned that song in a really long time. They'd be happy to dust that one off. So, I put my fiver in their jar and took my seat, and soon  Marty and Elayne went into Martin Denny's Quiet Village, including a jungle-drums jam that went on for ten minutes and earned them a standing ovation.

Marty & Elayne were fun and kitschy, and they were nice enough to remember me from my previous visits to the Dresden. Thanks for everything, Marty. I'm glad I got the chance to get to know him a little bit while he was around. My condolences to Elayne Roberts.