'round and 'round the mulberry bush...and Al never gets dizzy, although he always has 'got' Dizzy... go figure

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 3/14/13

It's a bright sunlit morning. I am looking forward toward the day. And music, music, music.  Heading down to Coral Gables and the MiamiJAZZ Co-ops' regular Wednesday noon concert. This week it has the Miami Dade Kendall Campus Faculty JAZZ trio headlining. Jack Ciano on drums, Rafael Valencia on bass, David Fernandez playing tenor sax and guest Mike Levine playing keys.

They play all the JAZZ standards and sprinkle it liberally with be-bop tunes including "Diz's "Groovin' High",  Monks "'round Midnight" and "Donna Lee". Rick Katz had requested "'round" and the band obliged. I don't know if it was the great weather or the enthusiastic audience but the music sounded kind of special, each member displaying his talents.

The usual suspects were there including L'il Grandma Pixie  the youth squad Antonio & David with their Mom, Conchita and Alex Bleus shooting pictures. Antonio won the CD and although he is only 8 years old is going to the State Chess Championships. I am rooting for him. Good Luck!!!!!!

I was surprised to see Ray Zomerfeld in the audience. He is a partner in the firm of Vizcano, Gitlin, Zomerfield Accountants. It is the height of the tax season and I wondered if his partners knew that he had escaped the office for a brief period of respite. The firm is a co-sponsor along with HBO Latino, of the concert series. I danced with G-ma Pixie because Rick Katz(CEO Miami JAZZ Co-op) jokingly says if no-one gets up to dance he doesn't have to pay the band.

Early evening and I am to meet Buddy Bill and his daughter-in-law Gabriella at the Council Oaks Room in the Hard Rock Casino (Hollywood). The lounge act there is the Dale Powers(keys) Band and they are fun, playing every genre known to mankind.

We were going to meet with Maria Rivas and her manager Eric for cocktails and enjoyment. I was surprised but it seems Jack Ciano(drums) had followed me up from the Gables. Sitting in also was Tom Roberts(bass) and Johnny Amoroso (trumpet/vocals). Johnny is one of the few horn players who can sing. At least in my opinion. Sadly I could stay for only one set as I wanted to catch Jesse Jones Jr. at BJB's. He was Danny Burgers Showcase featured artist. Joining JJJ on stage were Brian Murphy(piano) and Nicky Orta(bass). how many J's can you put in a sentence?

They opened the 2nd set with Hoagy Carmichaels romantic ballad "Stardust" followed it with Diz's "Night in Tunisia" capping the trio of tunes with Jaco Pastorius’ version of "Chicken". Ballad, be-bop and funk. "Who Could Ask For Anything More". Blue Jean BLUES was celebrating the birthdays of two long-time staff members, Nancy(tables) and Steve(bar) replete with cake, the song and all. I often wonder what makes bands sound especially good sometimes. Is it an occasion, a solo or just each other? Last night was one of those nights. Nicky let it be known that his wife Debby(vocalist) is planning a new CD release soon. Just before everyone left I asked Jesse about how his parents felt about him and his brother, Melton Mustafa(trumpet) becoming musicians. They were OK with it and though hard pressed for money bought him a C-Melody Sax for Christmas one year. Jesse started playing when he was in grade school and even though his parents had purchased the horn they let him know he was "on his own" when it came to lessons. Sooooo. He, although it is hard to believe, has never had a music lesson and is totally self-taught. "There Is No Mountain High Enough." It is well after mid-night and I call upon the Real Tracy Fields to ride home with me.

Before my head hits the pillow I remind myself that Brian Murphy and Ira Sullivan(do they sound Irish to you?) will be at the Universalist Congregational Church on Sunday, St. Patrick's Day. If I behave they might allow me to read my Irish-name laden poem,"The Danny's I've Known."

Hasta Manana

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