November 2, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 11/9, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Byrd Like (I-64)

The gathering took place as usual, with five regulars: Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve C. (piano), Raphael (bass), Steve H (alto, rhythm), and Wes (tenor). The smaller group gave time for extra solos.

Sam kicked of the festivities with his Add-A-Tune, Broadway (I-61). Steve C. got the next call, But Beautiful (I-40). Raphael got everyone working on Daahoud (I-96). Your scribe dug out an Ellington standard that doesn't get out enough, I'm Beginning To See The Light (I-200). Sam pulled out a favorite of one of the Workshop founders, Afro Blue (I-11). Steve C found some fun John Lewis, calling Django (I-114). Raphael opted for a little straight-up (but not too fast) Parker, Scrapple From The Apple (I-351). Wes decided to cool things down a bit with Ceora (I-72). Yours truly was feeling the need for a bit of Gershwin, and found Somebody Loves Me (I-369). We hadn't done anything in 3/4 yet, so Sam surprised us with his call, The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers (I-348). Steve C. found the sweet spot of modern and classic with Lady Bird (I-235). Raphael found he had a desperate need to get out of Book I, calling for Victor Herbert's Indian Summer (III-201). Back to Vol. I, Wes returned to old friend Donna Lee (I-123). Your scribe was feeling like a bit of straight ahead soloing, and chose a mid-tempo Cherokee. Sam got the last turn, How Insensitive (I-181). Some of the group played a bit of St. Thomas to carry them home.

--SJH