As you might expect the plan fell apart almost from the first scheduled performance. Note “scheduled.” Giveton Gelin and his quartet were 15 minutes late getting started because of bad weather in NYC causing their flight to be delayed/cancelled. They drove in from NYC and arrived a bit late for sound check. As we entered Max, 30 minutes before the program we noted the bassist alone on stage noodling. Also the drummer was setting up his kit as we watched. Marc Iacona, Producer, came on stage to tell us that they would be late because of flight delays.

It was worth the wait, Giveton is a masterful trumpet player and composer and his quartet, were superb. Each was featured in most numbers, but the transitions were gradual. In each piece Giveton opened with the lead and then drifted off and left the stage to the group who were in constant communication with each other and Giveton.

We were ready to stay for more but already were late for Tessa Souter who it turned out was even later and we decided to get a sandwich at Java Joe and head to Theater at Innovation Square. We arrived with time to spare and found seats next to Linda and Ken Graci after stopping to talk with Steve Jacobs. We had seen the Gracis on the street before the first show. we were here to hear California Guitar Trio. They entered with a flat top guitar, an arch top F hole guitar and a Chapman Stick (I had heard of it but never seen it in performance). We were wowed by the music and the performance. The music ranged from Classical to straight jazz (Ellington’s Caravan) with a pause for “Ghost Riders in the Sky” along the way. We will go to hear them again given the opportunity.

We moved on as the evening grew chillier to Montage where singer Shayna Steele and her quartet were poised to bring down the house and raise the heat. We ended up with seats one row back from the stage. These are not  really preferred since they in direct line with A/C blast and with at least one of the speakers. I turned my hearing aids down as far as they would go. If I’d had a container for them I might have just removed them. Shayna had energy to spare and a voice that is both beautifully controlled and very powerful. Her drummer and keyboard worked really hard to balance her singing and the guitar and base were not holding back either. 

This was only the third performance for us and it was a night. We got off to a great start with three wonderful sets.

Tonight we are starting with Tiberi & Garzon where we left off last night at Montage. Then Robin Mckelle at Temple Theater. From there to Champian Fulton Trio at Theater at Innovation Square and finishing up with Kind Folk at the Wilder. I may have to eat before it all gets going. Watch for tomorrow’s post.