Although I am slowly learning my way through New Jersey, I had never ventured to the town of Hopewell — until I learned this past September that both Larry McKenna and Warren Vache would be playing with pianist Phil Orr at the latter’s Thursday-night sessions, JAZZ ON BROAD at the Hopewell Valley Bistro and Inn — a delightfully friendly place with good food and a solicitous staff.
The outside (in nice weather):
The inside (welcoming in any weather):
The collective personnel on these performances is Phil Orr, piano; Joe Plowman, string bass; Larry McKenna, tenor saxophone; Warren Vache, cornet; Danny Tobias, trumpet; Angelo DiBraccio, alto saxophone.
Something pretty (Phil, Larry, Warren, Joe):
Something propulsive (Phil, Larry, Warren, Joe, Danny, Angelo):
and a little commentary from Warren, between songs (with Danny and Larry playing supporting roles in this improv):
JAZZ ON BROAD will be continuing in Spring 2020, so keep yourself informed if you are anywhere near. I hope to visit the Bistro again because their menu emphasizes homestyle Hungarian cuisine (I couldn’t video and eat goulash simultaneously, something I regret).
May your happiness increase!