The passing of a Philadelphia icon: Jerry Blavat, the Geator with the Heater, an American disc jockey and radio legend known for his eight decades hosting events and on the radio in Philadelphia has died at 82.
In 2011, Jerry contributed his vocal stylings to a cover of The Dovells’ “You Can’t Sit Down” with David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket along with Eric Bazilian, Graham Alexander, Rob Hyman, Tommy Conwell, David Uosikkinen, and Jay Davidson.
"The Dovells had a signature Philly sound. I remember hearing 'You Can't Sit Down' as a kid and thought it rocked," explains Uosikkinen. "When it came time to record it for In The Pocket, I knew the only guy who could pull this off with total command was Tommy Conwell. And he does not disappoint!"
- David Uosikkinen
FeaturingDavid Uosikkinen - The Hooters - drumsWithGraham Alexander - Cast of 'Rain' on Broadway - bassEric Bazilian - The Hooters - guitar/vocalsTommy Conwell - Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers - lead vocals/guitarJay Davidson - Steve Winwood, The Funk Brothers - sax/vocalsRob Hyman - The Hooters - keyboards/vocalsAnd a special appearance by Jerry Blavat!"The Dovells had a signature Philly sound. I remember hearing You Can't Sit Down as a kid and thought it rocked," explains Uosikkinen. "When it came time to record it for In The Pocket, I knew the only guy who could pull this off with total command was Tommy Conwell. And he does not disappoint!"Celebrate the release of IN THE POCKET's new single, "You Can't Sit Down " with a rockin' party and an all-star Philly jam at WORLD CAFE LIVE on Tuesday, April 12th at 7pm.
The jam at World Cafe Live includes players from all three songs, All My Mondays, Open My Eyes, and You Can't Sit Down. The band includes David Uosikkinen, Graham Alexander, Eric Bazilian, Richard Bush, Tommy Conwell, Jay Davidson, Greg Davis, Rick DiFonzo, Jeffrey Gaines, Cliff Hillis and Rob Hyman. Plus, a special appearance by Jerry Blavat, the heart and soul of Philadelphia's music scene for over 50 years.To purchase tickets go to:http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=3883
Friday afternoon saw a gathering of Hooters and other rock-and-rollers at Elm Street Studio in Conshohocken to remake the Dovells' hit "You Can't Sit Down." Standing up for the creative process were Eric Bazilian, Graham Alexander (who plays Paul McCartney in Rain on Broadway), Rob Hyman, Tommy Conwell, David Uosikkinen, Jay Davidson, and Jerry Blavat (characteristically ad-libbing). The single, part of Uosikkinen's project known as In the Pocket: Essential Songs of Philadelphia, will be available for downloading next month at songsinthepocket.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Settlement Music Schools.
