So I went to this jazz concert tonight at the Belcourt Theatre here in town. Let me give you a little background info on the Belcourt before I continue. It was opened back in the 20’s and served as a movie house for silent films. The Grand Ole Opry was there during the 30’s. It later became a venue for both live stage performances as well as films. In the 60’s it went back to its original use as a movie theater. I didn’t get pictures tonight because I was with a friend and wasn’t sure she would appreciate me being “the photog” this evening. But you can see pictures and find out more about the theater here: www.belcourt.org. The Belcourt holds a special place in my heart because back in the old days (the 90’s and before), the Belcourt was the only movie theater that would show independent films. Back then independent films didn’t make big profits, so the multiplexes weren’t interested in showing them. Nowadays, over half the best picture nominees would have been considered independent films. But the Belcourt showed them even when they knew the audience would be virtually nonexistent. They even showed revival films. The first time I ever saw “Taxi Driver” on the big screen, it was at the Belcourt. Same goes for “Midnight Cowboy”, “The Maltese Falcon” and “Casablanca”. It’s a special place. What makes it even more special is the fact that it was almost shut down for good in the 90’s and people banned together and saved it. Hopefully, it will be around for years to come.

Well, tonight was a special evening at the Belcourt. Not only was there a jazz concert, but my eyes were opened as well. There can be great jazz in Nashville. And it doesn’t have to be Smooth Jazz. Forgive me Smooth Jazz fans, but I consider Smooth Jazz to be a mental laxative. My dentist plays Smooth Jazz in his office. Whenever I get a cavity filled, I tell him to hold the novocaine. My whole body was numb the minute I walked in. Anyway, enough with the vitriol. How about a few names? How about Ed Thigpen (the great Oscar Peterson trio drummer) How about Houston Person (the tenor saxophonist who caresses a ballad like a man gently running his fingers along the bare shoulder of his lover. If it wasn’t so enticing, you’d almost be ashamed for being there. Almost like you were intruding on a man and his horn.)? These two titans were kind enough to grace our fair city and leave a few hundred people sighing in the night. There was an altoist there as well named James Aebersold. I’d never heard of him, but he was quite competent on his horn and when he played Body & Soul, well, I was down for the count. Rounding out the rhythm section were Lori Mechem on Piano, Roger Spencer on Bass, and Marcus Finnie on Drums. All new names to me, but they were all impressive in their playing. Most of the tunes played were standards, and there were more than a handful of ballads (which filled me with a sense of quiet elan). “Tenderly”, “I’m Glad There Is You”,”Since I Fell For You”. Phew! And when we thought it was all over, Person came back with one more tune, “What A Wonderful World”. What a warm, inviting tone this man has. I’m so grateful to have had a chance to hear him.

Tonight was a great night of music. Jazz is alive and well in Music City.