Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 04/24/15
...
Last night, Charlie and I visited Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Why there? Discovery!!!! The oldest, new JAZZ joint in Florida. Namely the BALL & CHAIN. The place originally opened in 1935 and was forced to close after not paying the Count Basie band for an appearance. Charlie & I entered the club and immediately knew that I had found a new "home". Spacious room, original Florida pine vaulted ceiling, posters of yesteryear (my youth) with Chet Baker, Count Basie, Joe Williams and more. Out back is a spacious patio with a mini Hollywood Bowl type stage. We were greeted by owner Zack Bush who gracefully gave us a guided tour and history lesson. He introduced us to his brother and co-owner Ben. All of this was delightful but we were there for the music and MUSIC we got. It was a celebration of the Nick Tannura Trio's CD Release of "Live At The Ball & Chain".
Nick (guitar), Eric England (bass) and Aaron Glueckauf on
drums. Young, talented cats playing hot & cool JAZZ. The evening of musical
pleasure opened with "Monks Dream". It took but a few bars for me to
know that I would enjoy the band and definitely be back for more. Hey, the
mojito wasn't bad either. Next was "Freight Train". Solos all around
and my toes are tappin', hands clappin'. Nick and Aaron trade dynamic 8's and I
am as happy as a pig in ----! I am so "in to" the music that titles
don't interest me. Watching Eric bob his head as he weaves musical magic.
Nick's cool and easy guitar riffs are testimony to his dedication to JAZZ.
Aaron surprises me with his adept brush work. Not many young drummers have
mastered the art. Be-bop in the late 40's, early 50's gave JAZZ a shot in
the arm. "In Walked Bud" and "Oleo" were hits of the
time and continue to be in the repertoire of good JAZZ groups. Each of the trio
did these old tunes proud. The 2nd set opened with "Desifinado". Nick
playing some really nice 'bossa nova' lines with Eric and Aaron supplying
dynamite support. They do "Masquerade" and close the set in a 'swing
mode'. Now the party and the JAM is on. Musical guests are Chad
Bernstein(trombone), Mike Cordone (trumpet) and Jess McGinty (tenor sax). No
titles. Just great JAZZ. I had never heard Mike or Jess before. To say I was
impressed would be a gross understatement. Jess took the first solo of the set.
Sonny Rollins came to mind. Visions of long-ago Greenwich Village JAZZ clubs. Music
can transport you to the past or into the future. Your choice. Mike impresses
with his tone and Chad as usual is as smooth as silk. A melody I recognized as
"Love For Sale" has all of the now sextet doing outstanding work.
Chad displays unusual trombone alacrity. Mike plays really interesting long
phrases. Jess original as all get out. Yeah baby! It's a Jam session.
It's Nick's birthday and they produce a sparkler topped pineapple to help
celebrate the day.
The house music comes on and you remember that it's Calle
Ocho. Latin, latin , latin. A very pretty, very young woman is standing nearby.
Her hips are moving to the rhythm. Being ever so shy (ahem)---"Pardon me
Miss"---Yes, she would. I notice, as she and I do some nice footwork, that
I am getting some serious looks from Nick. His girl friend perhaps?
I am
totally exhausted from the dance exercise but it is way too early to go home.
Le Chat Noir is not very far away and Eddy(El Gato Fresco) Balzola is there.
Alexis, Ezzio and Gio greet us. Eddy gives us a 'shout out' as we enter Le
Chat. Eddy is playing and singing solo. There is no better way to slow down
your heart-rate, chill-out and get mellow than listening to Eddy all by
himself. The guitar and Eddy were made for each other. It is Jam night after
all and a guy wants to play harp and do some BLUES.
The tune is "Stormy Monday". I know the words but make no attempt to get up and sing. Word to club owners and hosts. Under no circumstance allow me to get up and sing unless you want to turn the joint into a parking lot for trucks. Thanks to all the musicians who played for us. You can look for me at my new home away from home on Calle Ocho----the fabled BALL & CHAIN!
See photos from the night at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204969158043420.1073742028.1075458403&type=1&l=98e2b86849
AND
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204969435370353.1073742029.1075458403&type=1&l=c56436971f
See videos from the night at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzC1Yxuw0r4F7Pw6snlRgK6uBfOevLbNZ
and
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzC1Yxuw0r4E_QfTY1DGj1Wj4Ltpkg-2a
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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