Has the Nashville Jazz Orchestra found a new home? Those of us in attendance at the Monday night debut appearance at downtown club Jazz & Jokes certainly hope so! The location, former home of Cafe Milano, had been vacant for some time. Jazz & Jokes spruced the place up and opened in that location some months back, presenting both comedy and musical acts. This may be J&J's first foray into straight-ahead jazz, and we hope it won't be their last.The Orchestra was in top form, with their trademark intricate arrangements and crisp horn sections augmented by a swinging rhythm section of Steve Kummer, Marcus Finnie, and Jim Ferguson. Soloists were in good form, and included trombonists Barry Green, Roy Agee, and Billy Huber, saxophonists Don Aliquo, Doug Moffet, and Matt Davich, and Trumpeter Steve Herman. We were treated to extended solos by Aliquo and Agee on a lush arrangement of "Dolphin Dance. The closing song of the first set, a snappy mambo, featured a rousing trombone "battle" between Agee and Huber. Before that, however, the crowd was treated to several selections by guest vocalist Liz Johnson, who performed with characteristic poise and swing. It's been a while since we'd seen Liz on stage, and she's certainly on her game! She swung through "Route 66" and "A Foggy Day," and closed her part of the set with a gorgeous rendition of "Skylark."
NJO director Jim Williamson was noncommittal about whether this would turn into a regular gig, but the setup is certainly ideal. The room is large and comfortable, sound and acoustics are great, and the stage is spacious enough for a big band. Jazz & Jokes owner Joe Johnson, himself a formidable jazz musician, has been adventurous in his bookings of late. Besides the club's staple comedy, he's also collaborating with TJBS on the "Sizzling Summer Sundays" smooth jazz series. We applaud the musical diversity and encourage everyone to get out and support it!
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