We always look forward to our Jazz Society Jams and at our most recent one in July we heard some great music and some fun surprises. Pianist, George Friendenthal joined by bassist, Santino Tafarella, and Kevin Winard on drums opened the afternoon with a bossa and then switched to two blues numbers and and were aided by saxophonist, Leo Rufio and trombonist, Martin Maynard….all the guys treating us to some terrific solos. George, besides being a super pianist, has a really nice voice and sang an Al Jarreau number called Morning. It was a treat to hear Leslie Lembo belt out Louisiana Sunday Afternoon and a surprise to hear Karen Holmquist with her hilarious lyrics on Memories from Cats. Singer, Ejé Lynn-Jacobs favored us with a groovy version of Moondance and Diana Bacon gave us a lively Honeysuckle Rose followed by Jazz Society Treasurer, Yvonne Bazinet on a heartfelt At Last. Monica Langhorne delivered an animated Route 66. Violinist, Christopher Horne joined the band and Natalie Wilson for Ain’t got Nothin’ But the Blues. Newcomer, Dee Ketner, gave us Bye Bye Blackbird and Gia Levé sang Let’s Fall in Love. Jazz Society photographer, Bob Hoffman accompanied himself on the piano with Devil May Care and the surprise of the afternoon goes to Don Mitchell with his great rendition of Steve Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky.
The parade of singers continued with Cheryl Fontana and Old Devil Moon. Jan Smith gave a salute to Horace Silver with Song for My Father and Jody DeMarcos belted out a lively You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To. Melody Collins with her flute and voice joined the band for Monk’s Straight No Chaser and also was invited to scat with Jazz Society President, Sandy Cummings on All Of Me. I’m sure all the singers realized what treat it was to be accompanied by these super musicians.
Jazz Jam July 2023
