I’ve been listening to the fine understated guitarist John Merrill for a few years now, almost always at the West Tenth Street shrine Mezzrow. We’ve talked of capturing him on video when the cosmic forces were properly aligned, and they were on the evening of September 3, 2017, for what is billed as “after hours.” In deference to people like myself who are — as Jo Jones termed us, I think dismissively — “nine to fivers,” the set started at eleven o’clock (after two wonderful sets by a Tad Shull trio, which you may admire here).
John had with him Danny Tobias, trumpet, and Joe Lepore, string bass. They created two performances that are, for me, Instant Classics.
I SURRENDER, DEAR:
CHEEK TO CHEEK:
I look forward to another appearance by this trio. Who knows, I could take off a Monday . . .
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 