by Natalie Wilson

With SOhO looking very festive with poinsettias on each table, courtesy of Trader Joe’s, we had a fun afternoon at the Jazz Society’s Holiday Party/Jam Session this December! The Santa Barbara High School Jazz Ensamble opened the musical program with a lovely version of Ellington’s, Sophisticated Lady followed by a swinging Count Bubba. We were so pleased to present the band’s director, Dylan Aguilera with a check for $1000. The Jazz Society raises funds all year through it’s raffle and alternates the gift between the local public high schools.

Pianist, Debbie Denke played a medley of Christmas flavored tunes and was joined by Kim Collins on bass and drummer, Glenn Cantello to accompany a bevy of singers starting off with Alison Tuma on a fun and sexy version on Santa Baby. It was my extreme pleasure to sing I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But the Blues…our wonderful house combo made it fun and easy! Caroline Chufar, all decked out in Christmas green, did a great job with the seasonal waltz, My Favorite Things. David Statucki belted out, Cole Porter’s Night and Day and Kevin Romano vocalized on Satin Doll. Alto saxophonist, Bob Fischer played The Christmas Song with the trio. Cutting their chops at the Monday night Jazz Jams, vocalists Victoria Leon and Jody De Marco seemed pretty professional with their tunes Little White Lies and Just One of Those Things and MC, Sandy Cummings, thinking of her departed friend, The Rev, did poignant Teach Me Tonight.

Pianist, Frank Frost, entertained us during the break and after, another great piano man, Woody Di Marco and drummer, Denise Alpine joined Kim on a jazzy God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. E.J. Lynn Jacobs sang a beautiful version of Sophisticated Lady. It was the second time we heard that tune that afternoon, but it’s so beautiful and he made it very special. Flautist, Bob Taylor treated us to Black Orpheus with a great solo by pianist, Debbie.

Ir’s always great to feature our local talent….some professional, some amateur, but it’s fun to see what can happen when you get musicians and singers together…and that’s why they call it a JAM! Stay tuned…See you in January….