Last summer I was fortunate to wander into a very cool little club, 55 Bar, over on Christopher Street. Three or four steps down from the street behind a mullioned door there is a low slung room strewn with café tables and with walls covered in photos, album covers and posters of the greats, Robert Johnson, Miles, Anita O'day, Nina Simone, you name 'em. My favorite is Art Kanes's photo,
A Great Day In Harlem, which brings the Jazz Pantheon together
for a one of a kind photo op.
It was only 5 o'clock or so and Kirby, the bartender, was alone in the place setting up for the night. Kirby was very welcoming and told me all about the 55 Bar's history and the great musicians who've played there over the years. While he was talking, in walks Nat Janoff, who was scheduled to play with his trio at seven. They were both so friendly that I knew instantly what club was going to be my home spot for music.
I've been back many times, to hear Mike Stern , Leni Stern, Sweet Georgia Brown, Felix Pastorious, and like the casts of SNL the players of 55 Bar seem to form a troupe amongst themselves. Nat has played with Felix, Mike Stern's bassist is Teymur Phell, who often plays with Nat, and who I have come to know as a incredible player. It was only a month ago that I revealed to them I sing and we three, Teymor, Nat and I, are now meeting regularly to form a trio so we can add a new sound to the rich offerings of New York City.
The video is only a peek into a rehearsal session.
Oh So Blue can also be found on my album with the late, very great Geoff Weeks on the piano, but this is a totally different take on it.
Enjoy!
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