Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/25/14
...and this old dawg is somewhat
revitalized. I am showered, shaved and fresh as a dai---dandelion. I face the
new day somewhat disappointed. The late night Jam Session that usually takes
place in the Hyatt's Grand Ballroom is not on the schedule. Additionally their
breakfast buffet has been moved to the coffee shop. The breakfast is extensive
including to-order omelettes and crispy croissants. Let me add, at $18.95 it is
not a bargain and represents a percentage of my hard-earned SS
check. Music---you are supposed to write about the music---ok. I stroll a
short block to the Groovin" Stage.
I find a spot for my collapsible chair and am
warmly greeted by a quartet of folks who have driven down from South Carolina.
They were Melanie and Kevin Cooper, Tony Robinson and Angela Williams. Angela
had driven all the way and would later snooze during the breaks. The opening
program was the Youth Talent Showcase which was a contest between 10 candidates
for 3 cash prizes to further their musical education. They ranged in age from 11
to 20. The 3 judges were, Lisa Kelly, Renee Albirosa and Elisa Perris.
Unfortunately the sound engineers had not done their job and the first
contestant Alia Grafton could not be heard througout her 2 songs "Wonderful You
Came By" and "L is for the Way". She would get another chance later in the
program. Next up was Brennan Fister (20), playing alto sax. He had selected "Days
of Wine and Roses" and "There Will Never Be Another You" The latter played
up-tempo with be-bop phrasings and excellent technique. Now it was time for
James Simpo Jr. (14). He plays guitar as well as 7 other instruments. This young
man has a 'cool cat' demeanor and wonderful stage presence. Additionally he
can play! He did a bluesy version of "Black Magic Woman" and then a
'funk' tune which I could not identify. I was sitting next to his grand-mother,
Shirley. You could see the pride written on her loving expression. I spoke with
his Dad, James Sr. He has raised him as a single parent since infancy. The
remarkable thing is that Dad and Grandma are not musicians or musical. It proves
that musical talent is gift of the Lord. Next was a young lady (18), Kara Lynn
Fraser. Her program of 2 songs were "Waiting For You" and "Summertime". Real
nice voice and professional delivery. More and more lady horn players are
appearing on the JAZZ scene. So it is with Marissa Webster(trumpet). She opens
with a tune whose title escaped me but I recognized. Modern post-bop. She
followed with "I'm A Fool To Love You". I personally think the toughest thing
for trumpet players are slow ballads. Ms. Webster accepted the challenge,
delivering with emotion tenderness. Two pianists were next. First Marcus
Williams (20) playing the BLUES and then Mickey Hoag (19) doing vocal parts as
well. Please excuse any misspelling of names. There was no printout available so
I did the best I could with the MC's pronunciations. Another 13 year old girl,
Panaadi Kuadi sang "I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do" and then a song I
should know that starts "Give me a -------" Late in the song she sang the lyric
in her native tongue. Very interesting. Schuyler Nolan (14) playing both tenor
and alto. He started with the tenor, growling into "Summertime". He picked up
the alto to do "Misty". Very pretty, original and creative. The last contestant
to perform was Willy Moore III playing guitar. He played "Georgia" to start and
then a ballad which I didn't recognize. His performance was slick and
professional. Personally I thought it was predictable. They gave Alia her
second chance and she did well with a repeat of "L".
A personal note to Ms.
Jackie Deering: Alia is what you call "cute and sweet."
The five finalists were Brennan
who did a boppish tune, Kara Lynn singing "Blind Girl", Marlissa with a Dizzy
tune, Schuyler playin alto to "House of the Rising Sun" and Willy playing a tune
I didn't know. By the way Willy plays left-handed. Being a lefty is a sign of
superior intellect. I know that because I am one. I did not get all their names
but the rhythm section for the contestants were Stan???? on bass, John??? drums
and Jarvis??? at the piano. Marissa finished 3d ($250). Willie was 2d ($500) and
Brennan was 1st ($1,000).
During the break I visited a food truck "Up In Smoke" and enjoyed one of the best brisket sandwiches I ever ate. My beverage was called an "Arnold Palmer". 1/2 ice tea, 1/2 lemonade. It was good as well.
During the break I visited a food truck "Up In Smoke" and enjoyed one of the best brisket sandwiches I ever ate. My beverage was called an "Arnold Palmer". 1/2 ice tea, 1/2 lemonade. It was good as well.
The MC for the next performance
was a comedian known as 'A' Train. He was pleasant, engaged the audience and
funny. He was describing a relative as being somewhat dim. "She takes 2 hours to
watch "60 Minutes" and wanting to buy a new car with her tax refund. The brand
of choice an OOOO. OOOO? What kind of car is that? Look at the lid of an Audi
trunk. He works at the Comic club of Jacksonville with Thurs. Fri. and Sat.
shows. No "F" bomb comics allowed.
Linda Cole and the Joshua Bowlus
Quartet were next on the bill. Joshua on piano, Billy Thornton on bass, Ben Adkins on drums and guest artist Alphonso Horne playing trumpet. I was in for an
unexpected treat. They did a short sound check with "I Remember You" They opened
with an instrumental "Savoy" Alphonso took the lead and I was up out of my seat
with delight. WOW!!! They did a very tasty bass/trumpet duo, a piano solo
followed by trading 8s all around. Alphonso---tone, technique, ideas----on &
on. Ms. Cole takes the stage with "Call Me" to a salsa rhythm accompanied by a 5
star bass solo. She follows with "L is for". She has a heck of a lot of style
and Alphonso's be-boppin' solo doesn't hurt. Joshua adds a tinkling piano and
then Linda trades 4's with the trumpet and then scatting in chorus. "Love Was
Made For You and Me" and then a beautiful rendition of "Jinjee". They follow
with a song I haven't heard in a hundred years, "Slow Boat to China". There's a
little funk in the rhythm with Linda's vocal and Alfonso's trumpet soaring above
it. Billy on bass continues to impress and Joshua does a little stride piano
work. Linda picks a Dinah Washington tune, which is seldom heard, "Destination
Moon". It is a rocking, happy song. during Alfonso's solo he quotes "Starting to
see the light". The thought keeps crossing my mind ---- WOTTA BAND---WOTTA BAND. Linda
sings the ballad "In The Wee Small Hours" transiting to "What A wonderful World"
I think it sure is. Another song from out of the past. "Frim Fram Sauce" during
which, Alfonso using plunger mute does another almost incredible solo. Linda
closes with the BLUES, "Going To Chicago". The band rocks the BLUES with Linda
trading 4's with the drummer. Joshua is shaking the piano off it's legs and
Alphonso is reinforcing my idea of going into the plumbing supply business,
specializing in plungers.
What an afternoon and especially
WHAT A BAND!!---WOTTA BAND!!!!! Thanks to all the musicians who make my world
wonderful.
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?"
~ ~ ~
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