The Jazzman Cometh
Oakland-based blogger and fellow jazz aficionado James Knox is gracing the Big Apple with his presence this weekend. While he and I have known each other via the Internet for years, this was our first face-to-face, and it was a pleasure to finally make the acquaintance.
Readers of his site know he regularly writes about the world of jazz. As that is also one of my passions, we made plans to catch the late, late, late show featuring drummer Louis Hayes and the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, who were performing at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Dizzy’s is a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center, one of several beautiful new spaces devoted exclusively to jazz at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.
After dinner at a quiet little Italian eateria I’ve come to know along Restaurant Row, both of us apparently observing the meatless Friday rule (he of the salmon, me of the red snapper), we walked off dinner for 13 blocks on our way to the club.
Rolling with a recognized name in jazz criticism—although he’s quick to deny it—has its perks. A relationship with trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, a member of the band, got us Table #1 right down front, where we saw a wonderful show. In addition to Hayes and Pelt, Vincent Herring was on sax, Anthony Wonsey on piano, Gerald Cannon on bass and Paula West, who also greeted James warmly, was the featured vocalist.
I’m sure when he returns home he’ll have a more detailed review of the evening’s program, including photos, but as far as this reviewer is concerned, it was just a joy to see artists who love their work, enjoy each other’s company (Herring and Pelt seemed to be sharing an inside joke the whole show), and who give the audience a great show in the process. It’s just a pisser that here are more great talents who are not household names or who don’t have big recording contracts, while other far less talented beings in other musical genres “get paid” by putting out crap. But I digress.
Some of my fellow NYC bloggers are scheduled to hook up for brunch in Brooklyn on Sunday and treat our west coast visitor to more east coast hospitality. I’m sure there will be pictures and stories on other sites soon.
Posted by bernie at April 8, 2006 6:00 PMCoolness! James is good people. I haven't "seen" him in years, though. Atlanta visit soon.
Posted by: j. brotherlove at April 9, 2006 1:09 AMDid he bring baked goods?
Posted by: Elle at April 9, 2006 3:10 PMIt sounds like fun. I hope we can meet up sometime in the future.
Posted by: Ms. World at April 9, 2006 3:33 PMElle: No, he didn't. LOL. And you're not the only person who asked!
Ms. World: Let's plan on it.
Posted by: Bernie at April 9, 2006 6:59 PMI've witnessed celebrities from the late legendary Shirley Horn to newcomer Lizz Wright light up when they saw James' beautiful smile. His presence is always a blessing.
Posted by: shim at April 10, 2006 2:26 AMBernie, the pleasure was all mine. I was just very excited to finally get to meet and hangout with you. You are an amazing man and a wealth of knowledge. We will definitely have to take in a concert the next time I am in New Yawk!
Posted by: James at April 12, 2006 10:16 AM