Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/15/14
...a gruff voiced comedian from way
back in the day, once said, "You can lead a horse to
water --- but if you can
make him float on his back, you're really doing
something".
Last night I
walked into a somewhat empty BJB's. A couple of regulars, a lot of reserved
signs on tables (Jesse Jones Jr. was going to be the feature in Danny Burger's
Showcase later on) and Ms,Glenda Grainger on stage accompanied by pianist Gary
Lawrence. Glenda sings 'cabaret'. The American songbook as it was written by its
composers. There are over 500 tunes that she has charts for. At times I have
asked her to inject a little JAZZ into her renditions. Occasionally she did.
Maybe it was the sparsity of the audience, it might have been my designer
shirt (Marshalls) or even my haircut. Whatever it was, the lady put her JAZZ
chops on display and she does have some. Taking liberties with the melodic and
rhytmic lines. Using flatted fifths to end a tune. Thank you
Glenda.
Tomorrow is Jesse
Jones Jr. birthday. Last week it was Ira Sullivans. There has to be a
JAZZ chromosome in September sperm or ova. Danny playing drums, Paul Shewchuck
thumping th bass and Brian Murphy plunk, plunk, plunking on the keys. I Think
the name of the first tune was "South Gate Blues". It doesn't matter. It was
pure, unadulterated be-bop from the first triplet on. The cats had caught a
groove. It was definitely going to be one of those special nights. It was. Jesse
inspired Brian into a solo that had everyone leaning into every single note.
Paul followed picking up the vibe. 8's all around including Danny and a race to
the finish --- OOOOWEEE BABY!!!!!!. What can follow that? How about Freddie
Hubbard's "Gibraltar". Jesse tumbling the walls of Jericho with the rhythm
section pushing him hard. Jr. did a little scat through his horn and blew the
crowd away. A bunch of guys had come in, celebrating a birthday. They were a bit
too conversational. Jesse's blowing shut them up. Johnny Mercer wrote "Skylark'
and the quartet did the song proud. Brian was melodic. Paul was mellow. Danny
soothed with brush work and Jesse played his song. Changing tempo and style they
do "Mr. P.C". You seldom see a drummer use brushes on a really up-beat tune.
Danny did one of the most spectacular solos and backgrounds I have ever heard.
This session should have been recorded --- or maybe not. Maybe more folks should
come out for these nights that you never know will happen. You ain't playing no
JAZZ unless you do some BLUES and they did. "One For Daddy
D".
Down home, after hours
BLUES with Jesse scatting a solo chorus. A gal Pauline Berman was celebrating her
birthday with a couple of friends, Sheila Brooks and Yamida Garcia. They wanted
to hear "Harlem Nocturne" Did they ever. Later in the program, they played "Take
Five". Let me say, Brubeck wrote it, Brian PLAYED IT. I should continue with a
review of the rest of this spectacular evening of JAZZ but my head is bending
down to the keys of my computer and my eyes are starting to close--(radiology
appointment at 8AM this morning) Wrote a poem for Jesse which I will post
tomorrow.
=====Happy Birthday all you May babies----
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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