Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/20/14
...stormy Monday". Not anymore. From now on in South
Florida it will be "Live JAZZ & BLUES Monday".
We will have the BLUES Jam at The Funky Biscuit (you can catch part of last's night jam in the boss' blog HERE (he doesn't write as good as I, but his photos are better!)) in Boca Raton and the Miami JAZZ Co-op's Rent Party at the Open Stage in Coral Gables. The MJC kick-started their program last night with Wendy Pedersen as the hostess. Her rhythm section had Jim (the Genius) Gasior at the keyboard with Eric England on the upright bass and Rudolfo Zuniga at the kit.
The trio opened with "Sweet Georgia Brown". They
played the tune and covered all the genres of the JAZZ world during it. At one
point I lost track and asked Wendy what song were they playing. "It's
still "Sweet Georgia Brown" was her answer. Extemporaneous improvisation is the key to good JAZZ and they proved it.
I was the volunteer
at the door collecting the $10 Rent Party cover. Rent parties were a phenom of
the early 30's when families would throw a party and have a milk bottle (Yes,
that was when milk was delivered in glass bottles to your door) at the door for
contributions. They played records (78 rpm wax) and folks would 'cut a
rug'. The Rent Party is now a weekly event to be continued excepting Nov. 10.
Wendy took the stage to do "Cry Me A River".
Ms.Pederson is a JAZZ vocalist in the true essence of the word. Creative,
imaginative and emotional. Whenever Jim accompanies her you will hear something
special. Other musicians including Max Faber, Brian Lynch, Gary Keller, Manny
Echachabal, Keana Uribari, Jamie Ousley and his fiancee Nanami Irakawa
started to filter in. The Jam was starting to show real promise. Wendy
continued with "Cocovado" and a swinging "Devil Moon"
during which Rudolfo delivered a dynamite solo. Manny(alto sax) steps up on
stage and the 'bop' a ballad. Brian (trumpet) and Gary (tenor sax) join in and
everyone there is glad they came. They conclude the set with a reggae rhythmed
tune and 'the joint is jumping'.
The Open Stage is a good looking venue and has
great acoustics and sound system. The choral group known as the 'MJC Voices'
led by Larry Lapin now comes up. The chorus members include six of the distaff
gender, Shari-Lee Gregory, Michelle Guerra, Tatiana Moss, Taylor Powell, Rachel
Quereveld and Stefanie Sagaro. The 4 male members are Jon Anderson, Daniel
Barrios, Kian Fan and the only grey-haired person on stage Mr. Alberto
Fernandez. They open with Jobim's "No More Blues". They immediately
put me on the street in Rio during the Carnevale. During the tune Stefanie and
Alberto took turns at some scat vocalizing. The chorus continued with "The
More I See You" and ended with an exciting rendition of "'deed I
Do". Wendy returns with Jamie stepping in on bass. I am distracted
for a moment, collecting the 'rent' and don't catch the tune but come back in
time to catch Jamie's exceptional solo on "All The Things You Are".
Taylor Powell, a chorus member takes the stage to do a solo "Blame It On
My Youth". It is a challenging tune and Taylor does it without a hitch.
Max Faber joins in on piano and they do Thelonious composition "Well You
Needn't". I am back in Bop City circa 1956. I think Rudolfo is there with
me 'cause his solo is still ringing in my ears. Stefanie Sagaro, another chorus
member now sings "Alone Together" and totally captures me. Keanu Bari
is a 'young man with a horn'. Baritone sax to be specific. He joins in and the
do a swinging, swanging, swunging "Sista Sadie". My comment is
WOW!.
Some of my pals including Elaine, Bill and Deborah were there to
enjoy as well. I chat with Jamie and Eric for a moment. They are talking
'shop'. Upright, electric, 6 string etc.
I head out. Press the on button for
the radio. 93.1 FM. The Real Tracy Fields. Monday night is her 'locals' night.
I catch the closing notes of Jamie Ousley's "Tennessee
Waltz". Coincidence, fate or just
another of His blessings. As Tracy says "Peace, Love and
JAZZ".
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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