Jazz Society members and guests celebrated summer in a big way with a jazz jam party in August at SOhO …and what a fun filled jazz celebration it turned out to be. There were some familiar faces as well as new ones with vocalists as well as musicians. The extremely talented pianist/singer and Jazz Society President, Peter Clark, opened the festivities with Cole Porter’s I Love You. He was assisted by veterans Hank Allen on bass and drummer, Rusty Cummings. That fine trio accompanied most of the nine vocalists to follow…an interesting mix of professionals as well as those who just like to sing. A couple of highlights from that group were newcomer, Howard Michaels singing a real crowd pleaser, After the Lovin’ and James Arnold, a regular at our parties, belted out a sensitive God Bless the Child with a beautiful bluesy piano back-up by Woody Di Marco. Dick Dunlap was there with his beautiful piano cords to accompany some of the vocalists and Frank Frost played a medley of jazz standards giving the house band a breather. A surprise guest, saxophonist, George Young showed up to give the audience as well as the band, a real treat. George spent 40 years as a studio musician in New York which was obvious when he played his first number, Bluesette followed by a lovely Body and Soul. George now resides in Camarillo so hopefully we can get him up here again with his quartet. Vocalist and SBJS Board member, Sandy Cummings deserves a big pat on the back for keeping the music flowing at an even pace all afternoon. Since we never actually know who will show up to play or sing the entertainment can go either way. But this time the party was definitely a winner!
