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!