Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 05/17/15
...is actually an old guy on the block.
The Ball & Chain
was a club opened in 1935 and closed in '57. Billie Holiday, Count Basie
and Chet Baker all made appearances. It has recently been reborn under the
management of Zack Bush. Young Mr. Bush is dedicated to reviving the club's JAZZ
tradition while also presenting the best in Latin JAZZ and entertainment as well. The house band
is the Nick Tannura Trio with Nick playing guitar, Eric England on bass
and Aaron Glueckauf at the kit.
I arrived just in time to catch
"C-Jam BLUES". They followed with, a seldom heard, "Alone
Together" and then "Body & Soul" to end the set. They had me
clappin' and tappin' all the way. The 2nd set opened with "Full
House". Nick and Eric taking turns at making an impression. "The
Night Has A Thousand Eyes", "Love For Sale" "West Coast
BLUES" "Green Chimneys" and "Steeplechase". Each
of the trio showed off a bit and it made for good listening. On the 'house'
music between sets you might hear tunes from years gone by like Benny
Goodman's "Air Mail Special", the original Latin version of
"Peanut Vendor" and artists like Beny More and Carmen Miranda.
The
trio was joined by vocalist Aileen Robertson. All standards. "Almost Like
Being In Love", "Just the Way You Look Tonight", "Cry Me A
River", "Don't Mean A Thing", "Rte 66" and capped with
"Night and Day".
Had the opportunity to meet Zack's most
charming Mom & Dad and some of their friends including Mickey, Peggy
and Dale. Had my pic taken with the 'house' greeter at the door (See photo below). The late night
feature was Tito Puente Jr. and let me say he drew a crowd.
I was off to Le
Chat Noir to see one of my favorite saxophonists, Aldo Salvent. Not only did I
get to hear Aldo, I was treated to a late night of music like I have never
heard before. If I used words like amazing or spectacular or incredible, I
wouldn't come close to describing the music I was privileged to hear.
The band
is the newly formed Waldo Madera Latin JAZZ Quintet. Richard Bravo handles the
latin percussion, Aldo on tenor sax, Victor Mianda plays bass, young Irving
Aday on piano and Waldo playing drums. Did I say playing drums? I should say
PLAYING DRUMS!!!!!!.
Most of what the Quintet played were Madera compositions.
This was the first time the band had played and performed together. It was
beyond belief. Very complex melodic and rhythmic lines played with emotion by
every band member. Exquisite solos by each on every tune.
One of Waldo's drum solos was literally heart-stopping. The music itself can only be described as La musica para dia despues manana. The music for the day after tomorrow. It is a term I first coined for Aaron Lebos' band. It is as appropriate for this group as well.
I have been a fan of Aldo's for a number of years. Last night
had my jaws agape at his mastery of the music. Senor Mianda played bass solos
as if he was playing melody guitar. Friday afternoon I listened to Silvano
Monasterios play his 300 notes to the bar solos. Young Irving has some facial
resemblance to Silvano. He also has his dexterity and imagination.
I would
recite some song titles but it wouldn't matter. The music that was played by a
quintet that was joined at the hip, musically, was one of the best I have
heard in all of my 83 years. It will be remembered and talked about for years
to come. Alexis promised to have them back soon.
I WILL be there!
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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