The Jazz Scene by Michael Houghton

The Jazz Scene

by Michael Houghton

May starts off with the always-amusing Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks at the Turning Point Sunday, the 4th. If you don't know Hicks, think Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, crossed with Kinky Friedman! The very next night, saxophonist David Sanborn plays Tarrytown Music Hall; you'll need reservations for this one.

More affordable and closer to home, the extraordinary guitarist Dave Stryker plays Tuesday the 6th at RiverSpace. Dave is at the top of his form these days (he played the Turning Point in March, remember?) so this really is a must-attend. I know that's three nights in a row, but hey, if I can do it, you can do it!

Plan to head again to the Turning Point on the 12th (the following Monday) for guitarist Bob DeVos and his trio (with Dan Kostelnik on the Hammond B3 organ). This will be jazz with a blues feeling, in the guitar-organ-drums tradition of Richard "Groove" Holmes, and Jimmy McGriff. (Dan was in both of their bands, in fact.)

The next night, the 13th, be sure to catch Derrick James at RiverSpace. Derrick is an extremely accomplished young New York style alto-sax bop player who is always exciting to hear, and who always has something to say.

Still at RiverSpace, Tommy Goodman brings his band in on the 20th and the fine trumpet player Scott Wendholt finishes the month, the last Tuesday. Return to the 'Point the 19th to catch the always-impressive alto flugelhorn player Scott Reeves.

There was a lot going on last month too. Highlights included the Westchester Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Kate McGarry at Irvington Town Hall Theater. (Since January, WJO's All In has been the No. 4 top-played CD on jazz radio across the nation ­ nice going guys!) You did catch alto player Bobby Porcelli at the 'Point, right? And you must have been there the next week for Dave Liebman. No? How about the week after that for The John Hicks Legacy Band led by the late piano master's wife Elise Wood, on flute? Knock-out shows, all of them. Why didn't I tell you about them in my last column?-well, I did warn you about Liebman; the others were late bookings. That's why it's always good to check local schedules on-line.

Another stand-out night was Judi Silvano's gig at RiverSpace. You didn't need a Sherlock Holmes to figure her "mystery guest" might be Joe Lovano. Judi brought him up early in the first set, and Joe played nice all evening, but hung back so as not to upstage his wife. Judi sang an unusual program too, with little-known selections from Sun Ra's book, and an especially memorable Soul Eyes from Mal Waldron. Interesting vocals too, in that neither of these tunes have lyrics! You had to be there.

I'd like readers to know that only a few copies remain of my pamphlet history of the once-well-known Nyack nightclub, The Office. I have no plans for a second edition, so anyone who still wants a copy should hurry down to my bookshop. When The Office goes out of print, there will be 500 copies out there. I can say without false modesty that sales are no testimony to my writing, but rather affirm the fond memories many local people still have for the club.

There's nothing like live jazz; I hope you'll get out and check the scene!

Long time jazz fan Michael Houghton owns the Ben Franklin Bookshop on North Broadway.

Long time jazz fan Michael Houghton owns the Ben Franklin Bookshop on North Broadway