Submitted by Al Kanovsky 06/19/14
...to the U.S.A. from a tour of Siberia with his brother Melton
Mustafa. I am writing about JAZZ saxophonist Jesse Jones Jr. Last night DannyBurger's Showcase highlighted Jesse's return.
Along with Danny (drums) were the
man with two brains, Brian Murphy, on keys and the always smiling Paul Shewchuck
on bass.
Let me preface all of what follows by saying that it was "ONE OF
THOSE NIGHTS" that JAZZophiles wish for. Each band member inspiring the
other to heights of performance and creativity. To emphasize my point, Babette,
my nonagenarian gal pal, stayed until the final note faded. It was well after
midnight and the band was having so much fun that they had to be reminded that
it was closing time. When was the last time you saw that happen? Stan, Isabel,
Mari Bell, my buddy Bill and Mike Murk with his Australian girl friend were all
there to enjoy the experience.
They started with "This Is" done in
3/4 time. That usually means waltz but I wouldn't even attempt to dance to this
version. Brian did a rollicking solo with Danny anticipating every riff.
Jesse plays a complicated intro to the next tune. Neither Bill or I can figure
out what the song will be. What could be more familiar than
"Cherokkee". Not Charlie Barnett's way, but rather Jesse Jones Jr.
way. Be-bopping figures with a quote from "Satin Doll". Brian
continues his brilliant night and Jesse turns to his vocal forte with a super
tempoed scat portion. They trade 8s and the musical bar goes higher
and higher. There isn't a soul in the house who doesn't realize how special
this night is becoming. Ellington's "In A Mellow Tone" has Jesse
quoting 'Joshua fit the battle". Brian's 5 star solo inspires Paul to play
like he's auditioning for a band in Heaven. The standard "Hard Times"
gives Jesse a chance to cut loose and the audience responds in kind.
"Gibraltar" has Jesse doing double duty with scat and alto. A tune
titled (I think) Del Sa Ar has Jesse utilizing half-tones in his solo and his
trademark falsetto while scatting.
Prior to the start of the 2d set, a beautiful,
statuesque woman (you know me and tall ladies) walks by my table. I overcome my
inate shyness. "Pardon me Miss". She hesitates and looks my way. I
smile. She smiles and steps closer. I manage not to stutter when I
say, "If you stood there for another moment I was in danger of
falling in love". Her smile broadens and she says "Thank you". I
will not divulge the rest of our brief conversation but her name is Mona
Mulberry from Kentucky. Her late uncle was a classical pianist and she had
accompnied him on tours worldwide. He cultivated her interest in JAZZ. Thank
you, Uncle Dave.
The 2d set opens with the song the Real Tracy Fields (WLRN93.1)
ends her show with on Monday nights. "Coming Home". Jesse dedicates
the song to her and opens with a flute solo. He can't do the tune without a
great scat chorus which he does. During the tune Jesse does his classic
falsetto chat conversation with an imaginary girlfriend. Rita
Wilburn (I'm her weekend man) entered and sat beside me during the rendition of
that tune and Brian's solo. She is shaking her head in wonderment. I wonder if
she will shake anything else. They play Nat Adderly's "Sack of Woe"
and Brian bops his way through it all. An up tempo old tune "The Best
Things In Life Are Free" has Jesse doing the lyric and then doing a
very fast beat scat vocal with lots of triplets. Danny does an almost
unbelievable solo utilizing brushes (he is the master). I am slack jawed
watching his technique. They play a ballad that I don't recognize. During this
tune Jesse plays the longest sustained phrase and note that I have ever heard
in my 82 years. Rita is invited up and she opts for "Summertime". All
I can say is "Soul, Soul, Soul". Jesse and Brian are perfect with
their back-up and solos. That ended the set. Jesse joins Rita and I to reminisce
about a performance a year ago. Rita had done "Summertime" That time
as well. Impressed with Jesse's solo, Rita impulsively asks him to marry her. I
think it's on Rita's Facebook page. Rita's new CD should be released in August.
A young woman hands Rita a white rose and thanks her. The woman's name is Sara
Villanueve and had recently lost her Grandmother who loved to sing
and sang Summerime to her as a lullaby. The final set starts with
"Caravan" which gives Danny a chance to "blow up" the kit.
Jesse dedicates "Stardust" to Babette who is still enthroned on her
favorite bar stool. I heard Thelonius Monk at a joint in Greenwich Village when
he cracked up the audience with "Yippee Ay O kiyee". Jesse did it
last night and it was just as much fun. Paul quotes "Jeepers
Creepers" during his solo.
Bret (BJB's manager) reminds the band that
it's after 12. I think they would have played 'til sunrise. They close
with a ballad with Danny using soft hammers and Jesse being soulful. Jesse wishes
us all goodnight with "Love, peace and JAZZ at the door.
Welcome home,
Jesse.
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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