Spinoza's and The Blue Wisp

Thanks to Mr. Jazz Advocate himself, Ron Gable, I was able to catch the first set by Brian Cashwell and Mike Teckenbrock at Spinoza's recently. Both Brian and Teck are worth going to see so to have them both on the same stage was a treat. One song I inquired about was Black Orpheus, a song I never seem to be able to recognize - what a beautiful solo by Brian Cashwell on keyboards and Mike Teckenbrock on flugle horn. This was also one of long time jazz aficionado, Don Henke's, favorite tunes. You may be gone Don but you are certainly not forgotten. This was followed by the song Yesterdays which was very nicely done. Teck played flugle horn on this one so elegantly. It is always an enjoyable experience to hear these guys and they closed out that first set with Oh Christmas Tree. A great closer. Both musicians played off each other as if they had rehearsed the song over and over. Sorry I could only stay for one set.

Then I was lucky enough to be able to go down to the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati the very next night and catch The Blue Wisp Big Band. Their performance always leaves us shaking our heads and asking ourselves why we don't get down there more often. They are just outstanding. We heard outstanding solos by Hank Mountner on trumpet, Kim Pensyl on trumpet, Joe Gaudio on tenor sax, Paul Pillar on trombone, Steve Schmidt on piano and many others. Of course, the Big Band that has been together now going into their 32nd year is held together and driven by Jon Von Ohlen, former drummer for Stan Kenton, and someone Don Henke once called the best big band drummer in the world. He sure makes it look easy. And I want to give a special shout out to Larry Dixon on baritone sax and Mike Sharfe on bass for stirring the crowd up with one of my favorites, Paging Betty, written by Larry Dixon in honor of Betty Page. A fantastic night of big band music. The place was packed and as Jon Von Ohlen told the crowd, the best audience is a big audience that is listening, and everybody was. I encourage you to visit the Blue Wisp on Wednesday night and catch The Blue Wisp Big Band yourself. It is a treat.