Last weekend I made a quick turn-around trip to Montclair, New Jersey and New York City. On the road by 12:30pm Saturday, I returned to Rochester the next day in time to enjoy the 2:00pm show performed by ESP and Spyro Gyra at the Glenora Winery. The trip was well worth it for the following reasons:
Reason #1: Trumpets Jazz Club
I accompanied two new friends to Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair, New Jersey. I had heard of this club but had not previously been there. And I certainly didn’t appreciate its rich history and major contributions in keeping jazz alive in New Jersey.
I enjoyed the two sets of the Enrico Granafei Quartet. Leader Granafei is an accomplished guitarist and “hands-free-chromatic” harmonica player, with the unique ability to play them simultaneously to create serious music…nothing vaudeville here! Completing the combo were pianist Carolina Calvache, drummer Thierry Arpino and bassist Takashi Otsuka. Saxophonist TK Blue and flugelhornist Joey Morant were an unexpected treat; as walk-ons, their licks fired up the quartet to “swing with heat” the second set.
Given its proximity to New York City, many professional jazz musicians are residents of Montclair. Thus, when you visit Trumpets, you too may be surprised by who drops in.
Reason# 2: Carolina Calvache
Originally from Colombia, this young “lioness” is certain to break through to become a prominent pianist on the national jazz scene. (View her on this clip beginning at the “29:40″ point – 5/20/11: Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Emerging Artist Showcase.) She plays with an engaging lyricism that encompasses a full range of fire and finesse. I’m looking forward to seeing her perform as the leader of her own combo.
Reason #3: Johnny O’Neal at Smoke
When in New York City, it’s impossible for me to pass up the Johnny O’Neal Trio’s Saturday night set that closes Smoke Jazz Club. Once again, the O’Neal-lead trio had the house clamoring for more music as the club staff politely encouraged our departure.
Hitting the road at 4:30am, I was sufficiently juiced by all the terrific music. I made it back to Rochester in time to nap before the 2:00pm start at Glenora. Not sure if it was the Glenora wine or the “rapture of no sleep” but I was among the many who crowded the area in front of the stage and danced to the end of Spyro Gyra’s show. Chalk up another terrific weekend of very diverse music!
“Rhythmly” Yours,
Jose