On January 4, 2020, Danny Tobias (trumpet, flugelhorn, Eb alto horn), Pat Mercuri, and Chris Buzzelli (guitars) assembled at the 1867 Sanctuary, 1o1 Scotch Road, Ewing, New Jersey, for a wonderfully mellow session of music. What they created, reminiscent of the Braff-Barnes Quartet, requires no complicated explication: it’s melodic and swinging, a splendidly egalitarian conversation among three masterful improvisers. Pat’s on the viewer’s right in gray blazer; Chris has a maroon shirt.
Here’s the first half.
Arlen’s AS LONG AS I LIVE, a declaration of devotion:
CHEEK TO CHEEK, Berlin’s description of bliss in motion:
Van Heusen’s POLKA DOTS AND MOONBEAMS (and I still like Johnny Burke’s lyrics, unheard here, although some poke fun at the “pug-nosed dream”):
Ray Noble’s steadfast assertion, THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE:
Sonatina for Two Guitars, Ellington’s IN A MELLOTONE:
Gershwin’s yearning SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME, featuring Danny on his third or fourth brass instrument, the Eb alto horn:
If you missed this concert, you have a chance to restore and redeem yourself: on February 8, 2020, Joe Plowman and his Philadelphians will be playing: that’s Joe on string bass and perhaps arrangements / compositions; Danny Tobias; Joe McDonough, trombone; Silas Irvine, piano; Dave Sanders, guitar. Details here. Why miss out?
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 