This is not a test. No grades
will be given! The question is hypothetical. (if you need a dictionary you need
not read any further) If you take a musician, add a generous portion of talent
and multiply by 4 what you will have is a night of Musically Magic JAZZ. That's
what I was treated to last night at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami
Beach.
Let me start with
the evenings beginning. I had arranged to pick up my pal and patron of the arts,
Dr. Jules Oaklander for an opportunity to hear Wendy Pedersen perform. During
the pleasant ride we took the time to discuss a wide variety of subjects
including women, women and also women. The good Doctor's knowledge of the
subject is broad (what?) to say the least.
We arrived at Joe's and were pleasantly surprised to find
Ed Bell(WLRN FM) already there. Mrs. Hernandersen (Wendy) and the band, Jim
Gasior(keys), Josh Allen(bass) and Harvel Nakundi(drums) were setting up and
enjoying a bit of repast. Dr. Jules and I joined Ed Bell at his table, ordered a
beverage and a bite to eat and quickly entered into a lively discussion that
included a number of things including(but not limited to) JAZZ, women, musicians
we had met, women, JAZZ, local clubs, women, JAZZ---"on and on. on and on, on
and on". Had enough babble? OK! We will get to the subject at hand i:e Wendy
Pedersen, Jim, Josh and Harvel.
Musicians use instruments to play the music. Can you be a
musician without an instrument? No sax, trumpet, trombone or sticks in your
hand. No keys or strings at your fingertips. If you are Wendy Pedersen, you are
an instrument. A wonderful sounding musical instrument. An integral part of the
genre known as JAZZ. Ballads, jump tunes, funk or BLUES, she does them with
imaginative originality and style. She and Jim Gasior are a study in creative
unions. Josh Allen is a really talented bassist and Harvel brought depth to the
quartet.
Wendy opened the
set with "What A Wonderful World" and then a very unique version of "I
Don't Want To Go To Rehab".
Next came Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz", "Exactly Like You" "Favorite Things"
with Jim quoting the Beatles "Norwegian Woods" under the melodic line. A finger
poppin' "Tea For Two" and closing the set with a dedication to Jim's wife Peggy,
"Centerpiece". Sitting nearby was a couple, who left their food sit while they
listened, intensely, to the music. They are Susan and Roy Slade. Susan and Roy
enjoyed every moment and like all the rest of us, stayed until the last note was
played.
At the break I
spoke with Peggy Gasior about how she and Jim came to be married. Peggy
was happy to relate the tale. They had mutual friends who would gather at
Tobacco Road on Wednesday nights when Jim played there. Peggy spent months of
Wednesdays listening to the talented pianist.She thought he was "cutesy" and
soooooooooo-------- .
By
the time the 2d set began the audience included Lisanne Lyons, Nika Garcia,
Aaron Lebos, Jeannette Pina, Susana Behar and several students. The band opened
the set with a tune written by Jim(I did not get the title). Wendy took to the
stage and her opener was a very unusual "Night In Tunisia" with one of the best
"scats" ever. A true "tone poem". "Love For Sale" done with a 2d line rhythm
pattern---WOW!!
Jim's
student Francesca listened to every note and phrase. Listening and learning. A
very stylized "I'm Getting Sentimental" had me "Getting Sentimental". I
refrained from taking 'Doctor Jules' hand in
mine.
Two of the students
joined in on "Caravan", Ivan Malespin(trombone) and Rain on alto. And then the
rousing finale with Lisanne and Nika joining them and getting us all to tap 'n
clap.
JAZZ at Joe's Stone
Crab is happening every Friday and Saturday night (closed 5/24-5/25) thru July
27th. They will feature Lisanne Lyons, Brenda Alford, LeNard Rutledge, Nika
Garcia and Wendy. Check the schedule. It is held in a small room adjacent to the
bar. The service (Jennifer) is gracious with an expanded bar menu. Portions are
generous so don't be afraid to share. Reputation alone is enough for you to know
that they have knowledge in mixing a drink. It can get crowded. I suggest you
get there early. I apologize to all of my JAZZophile friends to whom I promised
to keep this place a closely held secret.
Tonight----BLUES at Arts Garage in Delray Beach. Be there or
be-------
