Summertime at Ibiza

On December 2nd the band played the hottest "Summertime" I've ever heard -- Eric Alexander on sax, Joe Farnsworth on drums, David Hazeltine on piano, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Alex Diaz on congas. Tony Hewitt stopped by and sang a swinging, sultry "Have You Met Miss Jones." And Travis Shook and Steve Einerson both showed up and sat in on the piano. It was freezing outside that night, but the vibe inside the club was scorching. Here is Joe doing his thing on those drums:

A Night in Ibiza

The band took the stage last Thursday to a full house. A hush fell over the crowd as they waited for those first notes . . . it was a lovely moment of mutual anticipation and respect between the artists and the audience . . . that fertile quiet before the storm. Eric Alexander on sax, Joe Farnsworth on drums, David Hazeltine on piano, and Seth Lewis on bass opened with "Blues for Rosalene," composed by Eric and Joe for Frankie's (the owner of Ibiza) baby daughter who was born on a thursday night jazz night back in May. It is a beautiful, romantic tune. They played a smoking version of "Bye Bye Blackbird," and one of my favorites, "Soul Eyes" featuring Eric's dynamic, monster, sexy sound. Eric's opening notes of "Tenderly" were just that, a tender, almost mournful cry. When Joe opened up on those drums he held us in the palm of his hand. We don't know where he is taking us next but we hang on every pulse as he weaves a precise thread with the perfect combination of power and restraint. David Hazeltine is a poised craftsman at the piano bringing grace and serious swing to his improvisations. Will Caviness on trumpet, Jack Sorock on piano and David Ruffles on bass sat it on a hot rendition of "A Night in Tunisia." David Croce on bass sat in for the last tune of the night "Blues for Frankie." There was something in the air last Thursday that made it a particularly great night . . . that ephemeral, captivating feeling that live performance is all about. We are closed for Thanksgiving, but will be back on December 2nd with Joe and Eric once again leading the band. Happy Holiday to all of you.

Eric is back!

On Thursday night Eric Alexander lead the band with David Hazeltine on piano, John Webber on bass, and Craig Wuepper on drums. Eric's love of the saxophone and the music and the work oozes out of him when he plays. He has an enormous presence and a brilliant, curious mind that never stops reaching for something new. When he started to play "Autumn in New York" (click here to see it on youtube) the power of his horn balanced against the melancholy beauty of the melody was simply staggering. David Hazeltine's arrangement of "Sunday in New York" was sublime. John Webber's fingers fly across his bass and the music is hot and solid, fluid and surprising. Eric killed it on an improvisation of Coltrane's Lazybird. Mike DiRubbo, a fierce sax player, showed up for the second set and Eric and Mike took off on "Sweet and Lovely." David Ruffels showed up and sat in on the bass, as did David Croce. Ibiza Jazz Nights is now six months old and going strong. It is a privilege to be there every week in the company of these committed, risk-taking, uncompromising, eloquent artists. This week, Nov. 18th, Eric Alexander and Joe Farnsworth will be playing together.

Mike DiRubbo leads the band

Mike DiRubbo stepped in at the last minute on Thursday and lead the band. He is an unassuming, soulful dude who plays the sax like a you-know-what. On "You've Changed" DiRubbo opened with a solo that killed me. It was deep, mystical beauty. John Webber, maybe my favorite bass player in New York, gave us a stunning solo on "Sentimental Mood" -- big and gutsy and then luscious and melodic. Peter Zak was also with us on piano, and Pete Von Nostrand on drums. The band was hot on "I Mean You." Rosie Steinberg stopped by and treated us to her lovely, warm voice on "Moonglow." This Thursday, November 4th, Joe Farnsworth is back leading the band. We will be having a complimentary wine tasting and toasting our six month anniversary of Ibiza Jazz Nights!

Autumn Leaves

"Green Dolphin Street" was written in 1947 by Bronislaw Kaper and Ned Washington for the film of the same name starring Lana Turner, Van Heflin and Donna Reed. The song became a jazz standard when it was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Bill Evans among others. I heard it for the first time last Thursday with an extraordinary, beautiful introduction played by Anthony Wonsey on piano. Also with us last Thursday was the legendary powerhouse Dr. Eddie Henderson on trumpet. Our band leader, Joe Farnsworth, delivered his electric, unpredictable heart and soul on the drums. John Webber put his arms around me and held me just right with his warm solos, particularly during "Autumn Leaves." Paul West stopped by and played "Just In Time" with Joe and Anthony. And Ron Odrich showed up and sat in with his clarinet on "Old Folks" and "Autumn Leaves." Frankie Goris, the owner of Ibiza Lounge, has opened his doors to some of the world's greatest jazz musicians to create a thriving artistic community in our corner of the Bronx. Only in New York are we lucky enough to have such passionate entrepreneurs and world-class artists living and working next door.

Watermelon Man

One of my new favorite jazz standards is "Watermelon Man" by Herbie Hancock. I had not heard it before. It's got a soulful groove and the guys , John Webber on bass, Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Rick Germanson on piano and Steve Williams on drums, made it pop. It was "all up in my body" to quote Miles Davis. John Webber lead the band and as always was the sturdy backbone with swing. They also played a version of "Summertime," which was, forgive me, steamy. Joe's trumpet was commanding, but easy and sweet too. Rick Germanson, who has played many times at Ibiza, is an open, thoughtful man with a charming wit and that is reflected in his luminous playing. It was the first time at Ibiza for Steve Williams who was cookin' on the drums. Tony Hewitt stopped by and treated us to his expressive, liquid voice on "Alone Together" and "Skylark." And the acclaimed jazz pianist Tardo Hammer sat in on "Shining Hour" and "I've Never Been In Love Before." They closed out the night with a provocative, alluring rendition of "Soul Eyes." I've said it before in this blog and I'll say it again ... we are so lucky to have these world-class musicians coming up every week to play in this spacious, beautiful club. John Webber will be back leading the band this week, October 14th, once again making it swing.

Fearless Exploration

The dictionary definition of jazz: "...generally marked by intricate, propulsive rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom...." That's what we get from Eric, Joe, John and Rick, fearless explorers, carving out new territory every time they play. This past Thursday was no exception. Eric Alexander's playing was precise and beautiful, full of longing and depth -- "A Night in Tunisia" was a stunner. Joe Farnsworth's timing is impeccable. He always knows when to sit back, move forward and then let it rip. His drum solos are surprising, playful ... virtuosic. I have been told by more than one musician who has been standing in the crowd listening that John Webber is the best, period. He is a true artist, disciplined, skillful and always willing to take a risk. Rick Germanson is a brilliant piano player. He lets me find my way into the songs through his nuanced choices. What goes on every Thursday night at Ibiza Jazz Nights with each song and improvisation is the creation of something new, art coming into existence immediately before your eyes and ears. Food for the soul. Eric and Joe are off to Europe this week to play and teach. John Webber will be heading up the band on Thursday, October 7th.