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.

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.

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.

George Coleman at Ibiza

About half way through the second set on Thursday, September 23rd, George Coleman walked into Ibiza Lounge. As far as I know, no one was expecting him. Joe anounced that Mr. Coleman had arrived and the air in the room changed. He sat down on the white couch and listened to our tight house band, Eric Alexander on sax, Jim Rotondi on trumpet, Rick Germanson on piano, Tyler Mitchell on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Then he stood up and played along with the band on

John Coltrane's "Blue Train." The reverence and joy that we all felt to have Mr. Coleman present and to hear him play was palpable. At the end of "Blue Train" the audience roared. Joe asked Mr. Coleman to come up on stage and Eric Alexander said to me, "Get your camera ready, you are about to hear something fantastic." So I did. Click here to see the video of George Coleman and the band playing "Portrait of Jenny." All the musicians gave the best of themselves and out poured their accumulative experience, mutual respect, faith, and love for the music. Great art offers us the best of ourselves, if we open to it and give ourselves over to the experience. That is what happened to me. It was a rare, thrilling, generous night. Eric and Joe are back this week, Sept. 30th, with John Webber on bass and Rick Germanson on piano. There is not a better way to spend your Thursday night than in the presence of these hot musicians.

Cool Jazz to End the Summer

The club was full this last Thursday as John Farnsworth lead the band. When the music started I was pulled to the stage by the intensity, the sharpness, the burst of melody, rhythm, and sound in the air. John is such a seasoned, smooth, and powerful player he takes care of his audience and brings us along on his ride. He opened with his own compositions, "Street Beat" and "The Princess of the Mountain." John Webber on bass played his composition "Mantillom." Jason Brown effortlessly backed the band on drums. And Carlton Holmes was dazzling on the piano. His solo during "Solar" knocked me out. Jazz Nights at Ibiza Lounge is a chance to feel the music, the night, your soul, and the passion of committed, fearless artists. John will be back next week with a new band and more extraordinary music.

Hot August

Joe Magnarelli put together a hot group of musicians on Thursday, August 5th. He played the trumpet with his usual virtuosity full of passion. Akiko Tsuruga was witty, smart and fearless on the B3 organ. Jerry Weldon was a powerhouse on the sax, and Joe Strasser on drums was the dynamic support underneath it all. They opened the night with a cookin' version of Herbie Hancock's "Driftin'." Joe Strasser delivered an electric drum solo on "Ladybird" by Tadd Dameron. I loved their version of "Hammerhead" by Wayne Shorter. "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" was also fantastic. This Thursday, August 12th, John Farnsworth will be leading the band with Peppe Merolla on drums and Frank Lacy on trombone and trumpet.

Ibiza Jazz Nights - never predictable

Eric Alexander and Joe Farnsworth were cooking again last night, along with the help of John Webber on the bass and Mike LeDonne on piano. In the middle of the first set owner of Ibiza Lounge, Frankie Goris, had to bolt from the club when his wife went into labor. We all kept in touch with Frankie via text as the band played on. The great trumpet player Joe Magnarelli stopped by to sit in on the second set, www.joemagnarelli.com. In honor of Frankie they played "A Child is Born" by Thad Jones. It was an inspired night! Eric and Joe are off to Japan to play at the Cotton Club in Tokyo and the Blue Note in Nagoya. They will be back home in the Bronx for Ibiza Jazz Nights on Thursday, June 3rd. Be there! (photo of Eric Alexander)