Jazzzz....
HARK!
I hear … some jazzzzzzz...
Before talking about clubs, new and old, in jazz-thirsty HARK Valley, we must first tackle the question: What, precisely, is jazz?
Answer: No one knows.
And, if you every find yourself in a conversation with someone who says, “Let me tell you exactly what jazz music is…,” best recommendations: Either run away or just get it over with up front, and throw up on him/her.
Because the diatribe from Ms. Pompous or Mr. Pretentious will certainly be more windy than the rather abbreviated definition offered by the Smithsonian: “Jazz is a kind of music in which improvisation is typically an important part. In most jazz performances, players play solos which they make up on the spot, which requires considerable skill. There is tremendous variety in jazz, but most jazz is very rhythmic, has a forward momentum called ‘swing,’ and uses ‘bent’ or ‘blue’ notes. You can often hear ‘call--and--response’ patterns in jazz, in which one instrument, voice, or part of the band answers another…” https://americanhistory.si.edu/smithsonian-jazz/education/what-jazz
It’s a nice starting point, but hardly exclusive. Don’t “jam” bands improvise all sorts of rock nonsense? No jazz, there. What about rapping freestylers? They ain’t jazz! And that “call and response” is the essence of many sexy, R&B grooves -- and even, to be fair, some of the most bland pop hits.
On the flip side, some of my favorite jazz songs are hot takes on pop hits.
A relatively new discovery I stumbled on down some YouTube path: Dave Brubeck’s jazzification of the Stranglers’ great “Golden Brown” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qs1J612nZs
As I lay dying, someone please play St. John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqpriUFsMQQ (If I’m hearing Julie Andrews, I know I’m heading the wrong way …)
“St. John Coltrane” is a real thing: If you live in or near San Francisco, or get your tourist bags packed, a must visit is the St. John Coltrane Church https://www.coltranechurch.org/
I was lucky enough to live in SF, back in the late 80s/early 90s.
Not only that, at one point in my rent-hopping I was around the corner from Rasselas, an Ethiopian restaurant and jazz club that, sadly, closed in 2013. The informal house band featured an Aretha-esque singer and her daughter, a brilliant young jazz/blues piano player who I could listen to endlessly …
Though -- thank God -- the air at Rasselas was more likely to be filled with African spices than rank cigarette smoke, the place otherwise had the feel of a classic jazz club: Mahogany bar, dim lights, dark booths and a few tables …
Thirsty HARK Valley needs places like this!
Char's Has The Blues is down but hopefully not out, struggling to find a new owner in the Melrose District, where it has lived for going on four decades.
The Nash is a fantastic, relatively-new spot for jazzheads. https://www.facebook.com/TheNashJazzClub
Thank God and St. Coltrane this place made it through the pandemic!
2020 was a tough year for the Nash:
“As required under Arizona's current rules and related executive orders regarding coronavirus, The Nash suspended on-site activities from March 13, 2020 to October 10, 2020. We have since begun a series of outdoor events with reduced seating capacity, expanded social distancing, strict cleaning & hygiene operations at a different facility to stay within compliance…”
Then, with COVID cases on the rise, the Nash tapped out again in January…
But jazz on Roosevelt Street is back:
“JULY 2021 UPDATE: We are back to (nearly) full capacity shows at The Nash with brand new tables & chairs! We ask that you are considerate of other patrons, but have relaxed Covid-19 protocols to currently accepted levels. Unvaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the venue.”
A little history: “The Nash opened its doors in April of 2012 with an inspiring educational program for over 130 young students by Lewis Nash and All-stars, featuring jazz legend and educator Wynton Marsalis.
“Lewis Nash, for whom the center is named, was raised and born in Phoenix. He began playing drums at age 10 and was drawn to jazz by the age of 18 when he performed with local jazz groups. Now an internationally-renowned drummer, Lewis is acclaimed “the most valuable player” in jazz (Modern Drummer Magazine). He frequently performs at The Nash, and works with the student musicians who participate in our ensembles, jam sessions and other educational activities.”
Knock on mahogany, the Nash will have a full plate in August, starting with Sunday Jam Session with Stan Sorenson on Aug. 1, then Sherry Roberson celebrates Billie Holiday on Aug. 7, Pascar Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band on Aug. 9 and much more.
Next time: A new jazz nightclub launches in HARK Valley ...