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.

Located in the historic Printer’s Alley in Nashville, the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is probably the best Blues club you’ll find in the city.  Smoky, sometimes dank and claustrophobic, the less than comfortable confines are usually ignored because of what is going on onstage. The house band is Stacy Mitchhart and Blues U Can Use, and they usually tear up the stage.

  

 

Being a Tuesday night, the crowd was rather thin. However, the music was hot as Shantelle and Juke Joint played their butts off for the people. Shantelle sings more contemporary songs, a lot of funk and pop and R&B. Every now and then she will slip into a nice blues tune. But with her rapid fire moves and Tina Turner like legs, she definitely keeps all eyes on the stage.

Talented, beautiful and friendly. Always a nice combination. If you ever come to Nashville and want to hear good blues music or good music overall, make sure you check out Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. You won’t be disappointed.

I think I’ve learned lately how crucial it is to have good friends in your life and to not neglect them. Good friends keep you from spending to much time with your own thoughts. Great friends give you a little kick in the rump every now and then to keep your head on straight. They can see you making bad choices before you’ve even made them and they cut you off at the pass. And when you’re bluer than blue, the greatest of friends will sit right down with you and be blue too.

And that is love.

I just found out that alto saxophonist Jackie McLean passed away on Friday. He was 73. We are constantly reminded that the time of the great ones is slowly slipping away and one day, they will all be gone. McLean’s sound definitely had personality and I always respect of musician who can develop his own, distinct voice. Thanks for the memories, Mr. McLean.

A good article on Mr. McLean can be found here:

http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/5879/2/

The Claire Burns art show was today and I must say it was a rousing success. Considering the fact that the show was advertised for the wrong day, it was amazing how many people came out. Remember that I am an amateur photog, so the pictures are not that great. The sad thing is the best photo is one I did not even take.

 The event took place at a place called Poet’s in Cookeville, Tennessee. That’s about an hour and a quarter outside of Nashville. Poet’s is a coffeehouse slash Bookstore. A lot of the Tennessee Technological University students frequent the place, thus the yellow TTU poster in the front window. The one girl in the front window was looking outside until I pulled out my trusty camera. Can anyone say, “Witness Protection Program”? Walking in, you could feel the small-town quaintness and smell the eye opening scent of fresh brewed coffee.

Here is a picture of Claire and myself.  You can see some of her work there in the background. Some has already sold, but there are still paintings available for purchase. You can see them on her site. If you see anything you like, email her at claire@claireburns.com.  Claire was brimming over with redheaded ebullience and artistic brio. Today was her day and I’m glad things went so well.

Below is a fuzzy picture of Bryan C. Adams, the other artist on display. Further down are examples of some of his work. Bryan is a friendly chap with a talent that equals but does not imitate that of Claire’s.

I forgot to write down the name of these pieces, but this will give you an idea of Bryan’s vision. If you see something you like, you can reach him at bcadams29@comcast.net.

  

 

A long day of driving and mingling, although riding with the right people can make a drive that much more enjoyable (which it did). And mingling with the right crowd can make an event that much more memorable (which it did).