December 9, 2023

Next Time: Sat. 12/16, 11am-2pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

Several newcomers joined a batch of regulars for this episode of the Jazz Workshop: Jan (trumpet), Randy (trombone), and W. Rayford (drums), joined Sam (trumpet, trombone), John (trombone, piano), Raphael (bass), Vern (accordion), Steve H. (piano, soprano), and Serdar (guitar) for a rollicking time.

Your scribe got things rolling with a handout version of Silver Bells in 4, rather than the usual 3. Raphael called an old one, Jersey Bounce (III-223). Vern thought Cherokee (I-77) would sound good on his squeezebox, and he wasn't wrong. Speaking of squeezing. Rayford opted for Just Squeeze Me (III-226). Randy shook things up with Watermelon Man (III-429). Sam chose the blues with Parker's Lazy Bird (III-53). John kept us working hard by going to Brazil (III-60). Serdar wanted to get more comfortable with Rollins' Oleo I-309). Yours truly got another shot in, with a Sing, Sing, Sing-based version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (handout). 

Given the number of solos there were to be played, that's as far as we got by 1:30, when several musicians had to leave. But a solid rhythm section remained as your scribe headed out, so he assumes that two or three more tunes were wrestled with before the afternoon wrapped up.

Hope to see you next time!

--SJH