Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 08/05/15
…what if they aspire to be JAZZ
musicians?
For parents I suggest intense therapy.
For the kids I say study, practice and love what you do.
Last night at the Fish House in Kendall
I had a great time listening to young ladies and gentlemen (kids to me) display
their talents. They all sang or played the classics of the Swing Era. Bill
couldn't contain his joy while imbibing 2 pitchers of beer by himself. He knew
the lyrics of every tune. If he doesn't recognize a song he doesn't consider it
music. "Nuff said!
On stage doing the vocals was Melinda
Rodriguez. Accompanying her was the amazing Francesca Romero (keys). On bass we
had Kenneth Jiminez and at the kit Ryan Hecker. All of them young enough to be
my grandchildren or even great-grandchildren. (All grandchildren are great,
Especially mine.) Melinda did ballads and jump tunes equally well. The titles
included "All the Way", "FrimFram Sauce", "Beautiful
Love", "Blue Skies" and the very difficult "Black
Coffee". Francesca displayed some 'down home' BLUES chops with her
keyboard solo. Kenneth caught the groove.
The second set started with a tall,
graceful Gena Simms doing "Cry Me A River" with all the emotion the
tune deserves. She was followed by a young man wearing the traditional skull
cap. He did "Straighten Up & Fly Right". I know it as the "Signifying
Monkey". When I asked him his name he replied "David". I should
have guessed. David Ben Arie. At least he doesn't play harp.
A very pretty, diminutive lass steps on
stage. Her name is Justine Garcia. This young lady is a JAZZ singer. Taking
imaginative chances with melody, rhythm and lyrics. She did "If I Were A
Bell" and "Bye Bye Blackbird". Ms. Garcia had me paying close
attention. You will definitely hear about her in the years to come. Keanu
playing tenor sax did some nice background for her.
Cainan Grier was pure showman
while doing "Blues In The Night". A little shy, Chris
James, sang "All Of Me" while being encouraged by Melinda. Danny
Klein took the mic to sing "We Were Not Too Young At All".
The last set had Melinda out in front
to do "Savoy" and "You'd Be So Nice". David took over
the keyboard and soloed "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You".
Bill's eyes were closed, his chin down and murmuring the lyric. Danny, a
tablemate, had done a song and returned to ask Sarita ( a friend of mine) if
she would like to have dinner some night. They talked about it.
I offered Danny the senior discount for
my course in "Approaching A Woman". You all know the opening line
"Pardon me, Miss" --- I left before getting the final result. My
apologies to any of the performers whose names I missed. Seeing all of the
young people heartened my belief that JAZZ will live forever.
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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