The Musical Legacy of the Original Monday Nite Texas Jazz Jam!!! The Original Monday Nite Jazz Jam has a sixty (61) year tradition on the Houston music scene. Originally set in motion by Vi and Johnny Williams, jazz legend and bassist, at the J & V Lounge” in the heart of old 3rd Ward. Jazz artists like vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, Texas Tenor Arnett Cobb, pianist Sammy Price, sax men, David Fathead Newman, Don Wilkerson, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, vocalist Lil Esther Phillips, drummer Ben Scatman Turner and many others joined in these weekly musical affairs. Monday night was the night that Barbers, Beauticians…. …Waiters and Musicians were off from work and they would all meet up to experience this phenomenal jazz happening. Groups of musicians would gather to do jam sessions, that later became know as “Cutting Sessions”!!! Of course the exciting performances drew crowds from all around. In later years saxophonist Sylvester ”Stank” LeBlanc and the group “5th Ward Express” continued the tradition at a small nite spot on the the northside called Peckos. Peckos was owned & managed by record producer and music mogul, Don Roby of the famous Duke/Peacock Records. This band included legendary guitarist Clarence Holliman, trumpeter Pat Williams and trombonist Al Jones. Monday became the nite that musicians came out to polish their chops and just be a part of some of the best live music in Houston. Many times musicians would compete in solos to see who could blow the other musician off the stage!!! Competitions became so great and the music so good that audiences and musicians began to flock to the club to experience these dynamic affairs. The Monday Nite Jazz Jam quickly became the place to be! The 5th Ward Express’s fame, soon outgrew the club and the Monday Nite Jam session moved to Mingos. It was then taken over 3 years later by Cornetist and Vocalist Leo “The Voice” Polk, who enlisted bassist Adrian Clark, Drummer Tracey Shivers, Pianist John Torres and one of the early Monday Nite Band members, trombonist Al Jones, who can still be seen at the Jam sessions today. This beautiful collaboration continued for thirteen (13) years with Leo at the helm. Over the years the band included Bass players Jelando Johnson, David Craig, Pianists Liz Mendez “The Salsa Queen”, the great Charles Rhineheart and Phil Blackman, Drummers Dr. Carl Lott, Sr. along with Sam Dinkins, a New York transplant who was a big part of the growth in the 90s. Many of those musicians have gone on with major Acts and/or created their own ensembles. The Monday Nite Jazz Jam has drawn musicians from around the city and many legendary giants of the industry from around the world. Artists like Jazz vocalist Betty Carter, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Ronnie Laws, Randy Weston, Steve Turre have all made the trek to Houston to participate in these Jam sessions. Even, The Houston Ballet’s principal Dancer, Lauren Anderson has displayed her wares on Monday Nite. Along with other Houston greats, vocalist Anita Moore of the Duke Elllington Orchestra, trumpeter Jay Berg( who replaced Miles Davis in the Charlie Parker band in 1946), organist Kenny Andrews, saxophonist Jimmy Ford, Down Beat Magazines Musician of the Year drummer G.T. Hogan, vibraphonist Harry Sheppard (of Billie Holiday fame), music professor Conrad Johnson and many other legendary musicians have all been a part of this famous “Houston Music Tradition”. One very positive aspect of these Jam sessions brings music students and young horn players out to test their skills. Being in such a strong musical environment has encouraged many of them to continue their careers in the music industry. The Monday Nite Jazz Jam is not only an event to enjoy, but also a place to learn. These Jam sessions had been held at “The Ebony”, “Sonoma”, Cezannes, The Red Cat but have showcased at other venues with great reviews and is now being played out weekly at Phil and Dereks Restaurant & Wine Bar, in the River Oaks area. With the lost of most recent show host, Jazz vocalist, Carol Sanders, who carried the show for many of its recent years with veteran trumpeter, Nelson Mills, III, the Jam sessions continue to attract the best of the best. Carols phenomenal “Straight No Chaser” Jazz Ensemble features the incredible Robert Sanders on piano and bloch flute, Houston Symphony’s upright string bassist Dr. Lex Valk, Carl Lott on drums and Special guest artists each week from around the world. Carol Sanders added a new element to these performances by enlisting the aid of entertainment photographer T.R. Reed to showcase rare and classic film footage with photos from the Golden Era of Jazz & Tap at the jam session!!! You can experience this sensational musical affair every Monday Nite, at Phil & Dereks Restaurant with guest artists and audiences literally from around the world. Where even today the fantastic music competitions will continue to bring the hottest musicians from everywhere to shine in the light of…………. Monday Nite!!!” Phil & Dereks Jazz Cafe has a great music room that creates the perfect atmosphere for this dynamic music and film showcase that is!..... a Houston Music Tradition!!! Join Us This Week as We Celebrate 61 Years of this Musical Legacy with The Hottest Jazz Jam in Town @ The Original Monday Nite Jazz Jam!!! Straight-No-Chaser Jazz Ensemble Nelson Mills, III Trumpet Robert Sanders Piano Lex Valk Bass Carl Lott, Jr. Drums Doc Como Percussions Plus Special Guest Artists each Week from around the world!!! Tell a friend to tell a friend to meet you at the jam session!!! Phil & Dereks Jazz Cafe A Fine Restaurant and Wine Bar 2811 Bammel Ln., 77098 (4 blocks West of Kirby off Westheimer) Every Monday - 8pm to 12 midnite (713) 901-4863 Info/Press (713) 529-1314 Restaurant Reservations Strongly Recommended!!! See You This Monday!!! youtu.be/Kp-j9iO6o78
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:51:49 +0000
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