Friday, October 31, 2014

Did you ever try...(And you did, didn't you, Allen Kanovsky?)



Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/31/14

...to gift wrap an unboxed hat? It is a challenging
feat. I did it, somewhat successfully, and headed for The Fish House for Georgine's Birthday Party. 

If you are gonna have a party, you need music and music was at The Fish House in the persons of Motel Mel (keys), Darrell Raines (guitar/vocals), George Caldwell (bass), Mike Wainright (Flugelhorn/ Trumpet/ Tenor Sax/ Vocals/ Keys), Bill Clark (percussion/harp) and Robin Roberts at the trap set.

With me are Elaine Porteous, Bill Rutan, and Jim. Jackie Deering will show up a little later, flying in from Guatemala to join the festivities. Motel Mel opens with "Hooooo-hoooo" a ghostly BLUES. There are people in costume. Mostly gals. Barbara is dressed as Amy Winehouse. Other gals are Leopards, Pussy Cats, Dead Monsters, Pirates etc. I was dressed like me. Some gals said it was very original for me to come as a homeless person. 

The first number let everyone show-off. Great trumpet solo. George doing his funkiest best. Darrell being Darrell. JAZZ pianist Mike Gerber was in the house. Motel Mel must know thousands of BLUES, most of which I've never heard. They did one called "Born In the Middle of Tobacco Road" with Mel singing the lyric. Mike was next on vocals with "Let Her Go" and Bill has a shot at showing his harp chops. Angela (Fish House prop.) is in a red cape, crown and has a fairy Queens wand. She is casting spells all over the joint. I think the touch of her wand and G-ds grace gave me the good health news I received this morning. 

Lots of musicians and vocalists were there to jam and celebrate with Georgine. Steve Kirkland (tenor sax), Myocea (vocals), Bebe (vocals) Liber Lammes (bongos), Rudy drums), Alec (harp), Ben Suarez (guitar) and others. When Darrell sang a BLUES, every gal in the house was up and shaking something or other. I especially like watching the 'other'. Mel is playing the melodian and continues when Darrell does "I Believe My time Ain't Long". The music ended with "Stand By Me" and everyone on stage just 'blowin'. 

Happy Birthday, Georgine. I hope the hat fits..and if so, "you can leave your hat on"!
  

Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?" 
      


 ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~
Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com to see the scene.
Or, just use this FORM to sign up to have
Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.
And, if you like what you see here, please HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!
Thanks!

Did you know that as Florida’s ONLY promotion platform for live jazz & blues:
We have the only monthly publication dedicated to previews of upcoming jazz and blues shows in Florida at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com ?
We have the most comprehensive festival page for Florida jazz & blues at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals ?
We have the most complete listing of Florida jazz & blues performances at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/MusicListings.htm ?
We have the most comprehensive and active news blog for Florida jazz & blues news www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Blog ?
We have the most complete and current listing of Florida jazz and blues links at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/links ?
We have the largest email notification system for upcoming jazz and blues events in Florida?


Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet to Perform this Weekend at South Motors Jazz Series at Pinecrest Gardens.



New Orleans Jazz Royalty
Bringing the NOLA Vibe 
to Pinecrest Gardens!!


The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet in a Tribute to New Orleans Jazz
Saturday, November 1, 8:00 p.m.
“The youngest son of the Marsalis family, makes records that are always worth hearing…” Ben Ratliff, New York Times
“Just as his drumming is steeped in both modern and New Orleans rhythmic styles, his vibes playing draws on the rich tradition of that instrument…with commendably ardent swing” George Kanzler, Jazz Times

The youngest member of the "First Family of Jazz", Jason is joined by Austin Johnson, New Orleans based artist on piano, Atlanta based artist David Potter on drums (having been featured in the piano trios of Ellis Marsalis and Marcus Roberts) and Atlanta based artist Will Goble one of the most in-demand bassists performing across America.

TICKETS

Ed Calle and his Holiday Divas
Saturday, December 13, 8:00 p.m.

“Calle has virtually flawless technique, outstanding control” Skip Spratt

Join Ed along with South Florida’s favorite jazz songstresses Joy Francis, Wendy Pedersen, Leslie Cartaya and Nicole Yarling accompanied by his Big Band in a festive and fun Holiday Jazz Concert.

TICKETS

Freddy Cole Quartet
Saturday, January 10, 8:00 p.m.

“Freddy has an impeccable sense of swing…he is overall, the most maturely expressive male jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive.” New York Times
“Gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads.” People Magazine

Growing up in Chicago, Freddy, youngest of 5 including his brother Nat King Cole recalls, “Music was all around me with visitors that included Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Lionel Hampton”. Moving to NYC in 1951 to study at Julliard, Freddy successfully laid the groundwork for a career that continues to flourish to this day.


TICKETS

Batuke Samba Funk in an Evening Celebrating Brazilian Carnival -- February 21, 8:00 p.m.
“Red hot...He (Diogo) is one of the most recognized and accomplished Brazilian musicians.” Manny Meland, MiamiArtZine

Back by popular demand, join us for a Carnival Celebration, Batuke Samba Funk style! BSF is a high energy Brazilian band that mixes the rhythms of 70s Funk, with Afro Samba, Brazilian Big Band, Batucada, Soul and Bossa Nova.


TICKETS

The Will Calhoun Trio
Saturday, March 14, 8:00 p.m.

“OMG. Shades of Miles Davis with today’s creativity” Mike Matheny-Radio 10
“Will Calhoun’s latest breakthrough jazz album, “Life in This World,” has it all. It deserves more than 5 stars. It deserves a Grammy.” Carol Banks Weber, Examiner.com

Not many artists have the vision and artistic energy to contribute to a range of genres that include jazz, rock, hip-hop, ambient, while concurrently producing, touring, creating new projects, working on film and continually pushing the creative envelope. Winner of two Grammys, Will has recorded and/or toured and performed with Mick Jagger, Mos Def, Oumou Sangare, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter and many more.


TICKETS

Shelly Berg & the Frost Concert Jazz Band – The Great American Songbook
Saturday, April 18, 8:00 p.m.

"Exhilarating! A whirlwind of motion who never sounds a dull note… filled with moments of high emotion and drama.” Los Angeles Times
"Shelly Berg is one of the finest pianists around in the early 21st century playing modern mainstream jazz.” Scott Yanow, All About Jazz

He's a composer, arranger, educator, conductor, and jazz piano virtuoso. He has recorded with Woody Herman, Louis Bellson, Freddie Hubbard and Randy Brecker, among others. The Frost Concert Jazz Band under the direction of John Daversa has been the University of Miami’s premiere large jazz ensemble for over 30 years. Experience a night that runs the gamut from beautiful ballads to exciting and dynamic swing.


TICKETS

PREVIEW THE SEASON OR PURCHASE SUBSCRIPTIONS ON-LINE, CLICK HERE.
When you buy a subscription you are guaranteed your preferred seat for all concerts, and receive a generous discount from single ticket pricing.



South Miami Dade CAC presents Etienne Charles as part of Miami Nice Jazz Festival Nov 1


Etienne Charles Performs At 
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center 
As Part Of The Miami Nice Jazz Festival


Saturday, November 1, 2014

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center presents Etienne Charles as part of the Miami Nice Jazz Festival on Saturday, November 1 at 8pm. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through the Box Office by calling 786-573-5300 or online at SMDCAC.org. The Center is located at 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay.

Trinidadian trumpet player Etienne Charles performs in Miami for the first time at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center as part of the Miami Nice Jazz Festival. Perhaps more than any other musician of his generation, Charles brings a careful study of myriad rhythms from the French, Spanish, English and Dutch speaking Caribbean to the table. He is hailed by Jazz Times as “A daring improviser who delivers with heart wrenching lyricism.” Charles plays from his latest recording Creole Soul which received worldwide critical acclaim for its fusion of root grooves from the Afro-Caribbean.


The band includes:  Etienne Charles trumpet; Brian Hogans, alto sax; Victor Gould piano; Alex Wintz, guitar; Ben Williams, bass; Obed Calvaire, drums; special guests Leon Foster Thomas, percussion and steelpan; Keith ‘Designer' Prescott, vocals; and Roger George, vocals. Opening act will be the University of Miami Frost School of Music Jazz Sextet. For more information and video about this performance visit  http://www.smdcac.org/events/etienne-charles.

About Etienne Charles

One of the most compelling and exciting young jazz artists ushering the genre into groundbreaking new territory is trumpeter/bandleader Etienne Charles, who, still in his 20s, has already recorded three impressive and well-received albums for his own Culture Shock Music imprint. His new album, Creole Soul, is a captivating journey of new jazz expression. It buoyantly taps into a myriad of styles rooted in his Afro-Caribbean background and plumbs the musical depths of the islands, from calypso to Haitian voodoo music. Also in the jazz amalgam mix are rock steady, reggae, belair, kongo and rock as well as the influence of Motown and R&B music Charles listened to on his parents' record player when he was growing up.

"Jazz is Creole music," says Charles who was born in Trinidad, relocated first to Florida and then New York to further his jazz studies (graduating, respectively, from Florida State's and Juilliard's jazz programs) and today teaches jazz trumpet at Michigan State University. "As a person in the new world, I've been influenced by so much music. And my family has a mixed background, with French Caribbean, Spanish and African roots as well as Venezuelan influences. I come from a fusion of rhythms, a fusion of cultures. That's what this album is all about: focusing on soul music that is Creole at heart."

As befitting an artist who excels with such a diversity of musical styles, Charles has performed with a range of musicians, from Roberta Flack, Rene Marie and David Rudder to Wynton Marsalis, Johnny Mandel, the Count Basie Orchestra and Maria Schneider. He also worked with steel pan all-star Len "Boogsie" Sharpe as well as jazz masters Frank Foster and Benny Golson.

Charles was taught by one of his mentors, primo jazz pianist and Florida State professor Marcus Roberts, that "going backwards is the only way to go forward." So, while the 10-song Creole Soul is steeped in the jazz tradition, the spirit of the Caribbean also drives it. The young trumpeter, in addition to composing six originals, delivers his unique spin on Creole-oriented tunes from past masters, ranging from Bob Marley to Thelonious Monk. The album—at turns, rootsy, spicy and grooving—features at its core Charles' crisp trumpet intonation and his lucid melodic lines.

Creole Soul opens with voodoo priest Erol Josué's distinctive voice delivering a chant in the Haitian Creole language, Kweyol. "To me there is nothing more Creole than Haiti," says Charles. "What Erol sings here is something like ‘take a break, I'm bringing news,' but he's also speaking in code like in the slave days, so it's not really translatable."

Erol's welcome segues into the leadoff track, "Creole," a fast-paced romp fueled by the kongo groove from northern Haiti, with a bridge that moves from a minor key to a major. "This tune was inspired by a trip to Haiti," Charles says. "It's about a struggle that turns into empowerment. When we return to the groove after the middle part of the tune, it's the release from the struggle." He adds that a key influence to the tune is the song "Je Vous Aime Kongo."

Quieter and just as soulful, "The Folks" is another Charles groove-charged tune with Bowers' Fender Rhodes colors and a fine trading solo run by the trumpeter and tenor saxist Schwarz-Bart. It's a song that celebrates Charles' parents who, he says, exemplify Creole soul. His mother was the Trinidadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, where he visited and began to discover firsthand with his family where the African diaspora first took place along the Slave Coast of Nigeria and in Ghana.

Introduced with a belair groove, the uptempo "Roots" pays homage to Charles' Martinique roots and his family's long association with the French-speaking island. "This is about me discovering things about my ancestors after so many years," Charles says. The beat clips and the improvisations are like conversations, especially the trumpet-guitar talk. Williams' bass lines are funky, Calvaire's drums are slamming, and the band participates in a compelling vocal chant.

The four covers are scattered throughout the disc. The catchy, bluesy "You Don't Love Me (no no no)" was a rock steady hit in the '60s by reggae singer Dawn Penn. Originally a Mississippi blues tune by Bo Diddley and a number that Willie Cobbs reinterpreted, the song is given a swing by Charles as well as full-horn harmony gusto.

The tender ballad "Memories," a rearranged old calypso by Winsford Devine, pays tribute to people Charles has known who have passed away. Made famous by the great Trinidadian calypso singer, the Mighty Sparrow, "Memories" is dedicated to another of the trumpeter's teachers, the steel pan/percussionist Ralph MacDonald (whose father was from Trinidad). He had played on Charles' previous albums but died of cancer at the age of 67 in 2011. "Ralph was one of my biggest mentors," Charles says. "He was like an uncle to me. We recorded and did gigs together. I remember visiting him when he was flat in bed, feeding him ice cream. It was a very emotional session for me because he wasn't a part of it."

Charles originally arranged the lyrical and bright interpretation of Monk's "Green Chimney" when he recorded with pianist Eric Reed on his 2012 The Baddest Monk album. While Monk was not from the Caribbean, Charles assumes the influence was there given that when the pianist moved from North Carolina to New York, he lived in the Caribbean neighborhood, San Juan Hill. Veteran jazz pianist Monty Alexander, who has also been a major influence on Charles' career, seconded this. "The melody is a calypso," says Charles.

The next track features Charles romancing on the Marley classic, "Turn Your Lights Down Low," that's played with a slight reggae beat. "It's one of my favorite Marley tunes," Charles says. "We play it a lot at gigs. We slow it down and even sing it. It's another great example of Creole soul because reggae has its roots in calypso, blues, doo-wop and New Orleans funk."

The last three songs on Creole Soul are Charles' compositions, beginning with "Midnight," which features classic trumpet/tenor sax harmonies and exhilarating solo runs by the leader, Bowers and Schwarz-Bart. "It's about the stillness of the night when nothing and everything is going on," he says. "It's when I get my most creative ideas. The song has calypso with Haitian Mascaron dance grooves. The melody itself actually came from playing a wrong chord when I was teaching one day."

The quiet, radiant ballad "Close Your Eyes" is delivered as a duet with Bowers on piano. "I wrote the tune, but never played it," Charles says. "We ran it through and just played together—solo and background—just playing off each other." The album ends playfully with the spirited "Doin' the Thing," which Charles says is a "rhythm tune that's still jazz." At the heart of the song: calypso. "My rule is that I end with a jam that'll be straight up calypso," he says. "I don't want to get away from that. I'm proud and connected. It actually reminds me of what I heard the house rent parties in New York were all about. They always played calypso at those."

The New York Times calls Charles an auteur who is "one of [jazz's] more ambitious soloists and composers," JazzTimes applauds him as a "daring improviser" and DownBeat celebrates his tone as "melodically captivating" and "rhythmically agile" that makes his music "immediately pleasing." After three albums, released on Culture Shock, Charles has garnered a welcomed response to his Caribbean roots-informed jazz. Creole Soul, his most accomplished recording so far in his young career, holds great promise to a future of more ebullient and intimate artistry.

The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, designed by an internationally-acclaimed design team that includes Arquitectonica International, Inc. (architects), Fisher Dachs Associates, Inc. (theater design), Artec Consultants, Inc. (acoustics), and AMS Planning & Research Corp. (theater management), provides, for the first time, a state-of-the-art cultural venue and community gathering place in the southern part of Miami-Dade County. Located at 10950 SW 211th Street in Cutler Bay, the Center is an integral part of the economic and cultural development of the area, offering quality artistic programming and community accessibility. The Center features prominent works of art created by Miami artist Robert Chambers who was commissioned by Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program to design a kinetic light wall and sculptures for the theater.

The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with funding support from the Office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.  The Center is dedicated to presenting and supporting arts and culture and providing access to the arts to the entire Miami-Dade County community. More information about the Center and its programs can be found at www.smdcac.org.                                                   

Grammy Winning Bluesman Keb' Mo' at Festival Miami on November 8!

KEB’ MO’—BLUESAMERICANA
Keeping it Real Vocalist/Guitarist
November 08, 2014 @ 8:00 PM 
KEB’ MO’, vocals, guitar
MICHAEL HICKS, keys
CASEY WASNER, drums
STAN SARGEANT, bass


A superb musician with a soothing voice and impressive guitar chops, Keb’ Mo’ draws heavily on the old-fashioned country blues style of Robert Johnson, balanced with touches of soul, R&B and rock. Drawing on his considerable acoustic, electric and slide guitar skills, his latest album BLUESAmericana contains some of his most melodic work to date, including the expressive and bluesy “I’m Gonna Be Your Man” and the upbeat “Old Me Better.” Born Kevin Moore in Los Angeles, this humble musical giant is a three-time Grammy winner. While on tour he is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Keb’ Mo’. He considers BLUESAmericana a signpost of his artistic and personal growth. Discover his signature gorgeous melodies and understated excellence at this rare Miami appearance!

INFORMATION 
All events take place at UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. For tickets and information visit http://www.festivalmiami.com or call 305-284-4940.



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Thursday, October 30, 2014

So, this guy walks into a bar (Would "this guy" be Allen Kanovsky, perchance? And the bar where Danny Burger and Ira Sullivan are playing, maybe?)



Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/30/14

…where a gal is singing on stage. The vocalist recognizes the guy and remembers that he is a JAZZophile. She says "Hi" to the guy and in deference to his preference sings "That Old Black Magic".

I generally refer to Ms. Glenda Grainger as a 'cabaret singer.' Last night Glenda showed all the influence that June Christy, Sarah Vaughan, Lady Day and others had on her earlier days at song. She continued her program with "Lover Man, Where Can You Be", "Love Me Or Leave Me", "Lullaby of Birdland" including scat lines, "Good Morning Heartache", an a cappella "How High the Moon" and Oscar Levant’s great "Blame It On My Youth". Gary Lawrence is her pianist and ably enhances her performance. Kudos to Glenda for starting my night, right.

I am at BJB's on Toity-toid in Ft. Lauderdale. In the house are Babette, Isabel and brother Jim, Stan, my buddy Jimmy Belize with gal pal Nancy, Dave, a disc jockey down from Melbourne and several musicians including Mari Bell (piano), Anthony Corrado (everything) and Orlando Machado (percussion). It is Danny Burger's Showcase night and the iconic Ira Sullivan is the featured artist. Ira has his road buddy and fellow musician Marc Berner along. The rhythm section and soloists are Danny(drums) Brian Murphy(piano) and Dr. Jaimie Ousley(bass). Ira opens with a be-bop styled "I Get A Kick Out Of You" playing trumpet. It will set the mood for the rest of the evening. Brian gets infected with the B-B disease and goes to the mountain with his solo. Danny gets caught up in it as well. This old hipster is having the time of his life.The mood shifts to soft and dreamy when both Ira and Marc play flute to do "How Insensitive". Marc takes the first solo. I close my eyes and imagine I have Cyd Charisse in my arms. We're dancing in a penthouse gallery overlooking Central Park. Ira's solo intensifies the image and Brian adds just enough romanticism. Music is the magic carpet.

Ira picks up his flugelhorn and Marc the tenor sx to do "Alone Together". Marc has the first solo and my dream continues. Ira follows and even though the tune is a soft ballad, the be-bopper in Ira is always present. Brian’s portion has quotes galore and then it is Jaimie's turn to deliver. And he does. Ira and Marc now choose their soprano saxes. Marc's is the modern bent soprano. Ira's is straight and straight out of the history books. It is older than Ira and I. 1927. I didn't get the title of the tune but it had something to do with 'avant garde'. It was far beyond 'avant'. It was as I often say "music for the day after tomorrow". Discordant & dissonant but definitely JAZZ. Danny blows the kit up and uses soft mallets for this one. It's followed by a swinging "You Can't Take That Away From Me". Ira is playing trumpet triplets with triple tonguing. The land of Be-Bop. Jaimie has an impressive solo section and then Ira and Marc are playing tenor.

I am dancing with a late arriving Denise. She had been at Cafe Vico listening to Clarence Palmer and his band. The rhythm section gives Ira a break and they do "Falling In Love With Love". I don't have the superlative chops to describe the solos each took. Definitely a night to remember. Martine & Jacques have arrived and the dance contest will soon be on. They are an absolute delight to watch when they dance.

The 1st set is concluded with Ira and Marc on tenor doing "Bernie’s Tune". Just before the 2d set started I look up to see the beautiful Maria Rivas standing before me. She is wearing a short-haired bob. I would swear she was 19. Great to see her back.

They open with "Moanin'" and then right into "Summerland". "You Came To Me From Out of Nowhere" and I'm dancing with Denise. Ira and Marc playing flutes do "Corcovado". Martine & Jacques are on the floor, impressing everyone. They do a tune the Duke wrote for a disc-jockey back in the day, "Bensonality". It swings and so Denise & I do it again. This time Ira & Marc are playing tenors. The last set opens with "Just One Of Those Things". Ira on tenor trades 8's with Danny. It is why I am out most nights listening to music. Danny does some interesting work with sticks and the hi-hat. A ballad "Who Do I Turn To" and then from "Godspell", "Day By Day".

With Ira and Marc playing flute. Ira, traditionally ends with "Amazing Grace" Marc playing bass flute. It is a reminder, to me, that except for His Grace where would I be? Had a great night.

Tonight "The Fish House" in Kendall and Georgine’s Birthday Bash.
 



Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?" 
      


 ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~
Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com to see the scene.
Or, just use this FORM to sign up to have
Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.
And, if you like what you see here, please HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!
Thanks!

Did you know that as Florida’s ONLY promotion platform for live jazz & blues:
We have the only monthly publication dedicated to previews of upcoming jazz and blues shows in Florida at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com ?
We have the most comprehensive festival page for Florida jazz & blues at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals ?
We have the most complete listing of Florida jazz & blues performances at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/MusicListings.htm ?
We have the most comprehensive and active news blog for Florida jazz & blues news www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Blog ?
We have the most complete and current listing of Florida jazz and blues links at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/links ?
We have the largest email notification system for upcoming jazz and blues events in Florida?


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

"It's just the gypsy...(Allen Kanovsky takes in another side of JP Soars at The Funky Biscuit)



Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/29/14

…in my soul.” It lives there with my love of BLUES, JAZZ, LATIN, Opera, Ballet, Symphonic and BOOKS.

That same gypsy lives in the soul of JP Soars. It was planted there by Django Rheinhardt a famed guitarist dating back to the 1930's. J.P. has 2 bands. The Gypsy Blue Revue and The Red Hots. Some members cross bands and play in both.

Last night at The Funky Biscuit there was Steve Laudicino (guitar), Scott Ankrom (reeds), Chaim Rubinoff (trumpet), Chris Peet (drums) and Noah Hall on bass. They all wore jackets ala bands of the 30's. They played mostly Django hits with wonderful solos by all the band members. The BLUES are never far away from J.P.s guitar including his composition "The Viper". Scott's clarinet and tenor sax solos reflected both the Gypsy mode and the JAZZ Era Swing. Chaim brings along every trumpet mute known to mankind and uses them to perfection. His range takes you both high above and below the scale. J.P.s affection for Django has infected Steve as well. His gypsy technique grows with every performance. Included with Rheinhart’s compositions were American tunes done in Gypsy style. "Sweet Georgia Brown", "See You In My Dreams" and "It Don't Mean A Thing" were a few of the JAZZ numbers with Gypsy intonation. J.P. has a unique voice. He ain't Frank or Perry. He ain't Dean or even Bing. He's J.P. and when he does Muddy Waters "Deep Down In Florida" and Rev. Gary Davis' "Cocaine" there is something special about it.

They played Willy Bobo's "Fried Neck Bones and Home Fries" to a bolero beat. Scott really digs in with his sax solo and it inspires Chaim to play trills and quotes from Latin hits and reminiscent of some Paquito Rivera. Now to a rhumba rhythm they do "Call My Baby, Tell Her I'm Not Coming Home".

Piano Bob is sitting at the bar with my Cuban fellow traveler Tania Haftel, her friend Tina(pronounced TYNA) and Jeff who is new in town. The beat catches me and I ask Tina to dance. She is agreeable and does know how to dance. Again, really nice solos all around and it morphs to the BLUES  and "Got To Let You Go". Part of the lyric is "Got nothin' in your head, 'cept stage, screen and radio. Do any of you remember Louis Jordan and the Tympani Five? How about a tune titled "Caldonia"? I'm sure every iving 'jitterbug' remembers it. J.P. sings it. Scott and Chaim just plain blow their natural tops. Man oh Man oh Man!!!!!!! The audience demands one more and they conclude with "You Used To Be My Girl".

I must mention that the Funky Biscuit's famous $5 Hamburger Special is available on both Monday & Tuesday nights at the Funky Biscuit. There is no better deal anywhere in the entire world. A bun-sized burger, lettuce, tomato, slice of onion and French fries. I have yet to finish the whole plate. Al Poliak (proprietor) is brought to tears every time one is ordered. It definitely takes a bite out of the corporate earnings.   


Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?" 
      


 ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~
Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com to see the scene.
Or, just use this FORM to sign up to have
Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.
And, if you like what you see here, please HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!
Thanks!

Did you know that as Florida’s ONLY promotion platform for live jazz & blues:
We have the only monthly publication dedicated to previews of upcoming jazz and blues shows in Florida at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com ?
We have the most comprehensive festival page for Florida jazz & blues at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals ?
We have the most complete listing of Florida jazz & blues performances at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/MusicListings.htm ?
We have the most comprehensive and active news blog for Florida jazz & blues news www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Blog ?
We have the most complete and current listing of Florida jazz and blues links at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/links ?
We have the largest email notification system for upcoming jazz and blues events in Florida?


Arts Garage Weekend Starts TONIGHT w/ Hot Havana Latin Jazz, Then Elegant New Orleans Jazz, Then Sophisticated Philly Jazz


Los Habaneros | LATIN JAZZ | Wed, Oct 29 7:30pm 

"Los Habaneros... features an elite lineup of some of New York’s most highly regarded musicians in Latin music and beyond." - Timba.com

2014-2015 Theatre Season

This season we are proud to showcase the extraordinary voices of American women playwrights. All of the productions this year are penned by some of the most remarkable female voices of our time. Join us as we explore the compelling stories coming from the minds and imaginations of these celebrated women artists.

The How and The Why by Sarah Treem

I and You by Lauren Gunderson

Uncertain Terms by Allison Gregory

Select all three theatre plays to save 20% and get all the benefits of being a subscriber!

Call 561-450-6357 for discount.
(Premium subscriptions only $112.00 per person)


Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet 
JAZZ | Thur, 10/30 7:30pm

“Jason Marsalis, a New Orleanian, plays tidy backbeats, with brilliantly arranged little solos.” —New York Times.

The youngest of the famed Marsalis jazz family, Jason released a recording entitled In a World of Mallets in 2013, which went to number one and also won an award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album!



Lew Tabackin 
JAZZ | Sat, 11/1 8pm 

Lew’s distinctive tenor sax style includes the use of wide intervals, abrupt changes of mood and tempo, and purposeful fervor, all in the service of showing the full range of possibilities of his instrument. His music “is a masterpiece of melodic invention, one motive neatly unfolding into the next, telling a story filled with wisdom” —Saxophone Journal


Grunge and Glamour 
RETRO ARTS FUSION

Sat 12/6 7pm

Join us for a spectacular evening where fun meets the arts.
Music. Food. Art. Friends

Check-in 7pm, Reception 7:30pm, Event begins at 8pm
Donations: $100 – Per person | $550 – Table of 6

Sponsorship opprtunities available.


Partner with Arts Garage!

We rely on your faithful support to bring world-class music, dance and theatre to the stage.


Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniola 
JAZZ | Sat, 11/8 8pm & Sun, 11/9 7pm

Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. Vinny has already accomplished that which takes most players a lifetime to achieve. Together they make a duo that cannot be BEAT!



Allan Harris Quartet 
JAZZ | Sat 11/15 8PM 

Allen is a world-class singer/songwriter and guitarist. Allen’s smooth vocals and guitar styling easily crosses genres, from jazz to rock to blues. The New York Times has called Harris a protean talent.



Tracy Grammer 
FOLK | Sun 11/16 7pm

Renowned for her clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, Grammer is a masterful storyteller with an ease and charisma on stage – not to mention a riotous sense of humor.



IGNACIO BERROA QUARTET  
LATIN JAZZ | Sat 11/22 8pm


DREW TUCKER 
JAZZ | Sat 11/29 8pm


RAY BLUE
JAZZ | Dec 12/13 8pm