We almost stuck to the plan. First stop was Tiberi & Garzone at Montage. We expected a line up so we got there about 5 for doors to open at 5:30. there was one couple inline when we arrived. The line grew, but never filled the hall until after the doors opened and the performers were about to come on stage. Two fine old sax players, a snoozer. We left after 30 minutes – Carol had to wake me up. With 30 minutes before Robin McKelle in the Temple Theater, which is large, we stopped at Ludwigs on Jazz Street for a quick meal. It was better than most Truck food. 

Robin McKelle did not disappoint. She has a fine voice and her trio were also wonderful. The audio was a bit overdriven and her words were muddied by too much reverb. I turned my hearing aids way done. Part of the sound was the hall and part of it was the insistence of musicians, or their sound people, to amplify beyond the needs of the performer and the audience. This is hardly a new complaint . 

Speaking of overdriven sound levels, as we traversed Parcel Five, the performance center for the free headliners, we felt the pain before we got there. The stage faces the former Sibley Building and the reverb off the building just added to effect of very loud noise with very little music to it. We passed through there a couple of times, out of necessity but I won’t count those “concerts” as attended – Devon Allman Project + Dirty Dozen Brass band. I guess it was special for the soon to be hard of hearing.

We made it to the Theater at Innovation Square for Champian Fulton Trio. What a wonderful difference. The sound was just right and her voice was wonderful straight Jazz and her piano playing was thrilling. The drummer and bassist provided great support and also fine solos. This was a most enjoyable concert and the best of the night. We chose to make it the closer for us and head home, once more through Allman et al. 

Tonight’s plan is already blurry. we  plan to get in line for Kenny Werner Trio in Kilbourn OR Michael Weiss Trio in Max (or both). Under the Surface in Glory House (former Lutheran Church). Ravi Coltrane (yes, his son) in The Theater at Innovation Square and a wrap with Rank Tanky at Hyatt Ballroom, unless we choose Michael Weis at Max based on word on the street. It’s a sort of a plan, we’ll see how it goes. I know Michael Weiss is on there twice, we would like to hear his group but when is the problem. Watch tomorrow to see what we actually do.