sa jazz workshop

One of the many many reasons it's great to be in San Antonio is the rich music scene. I think everyone who lives in any city besides New York or London at one point gripes about how lame their town is; but, having been to many places across the globe, I can say confidently that, on any given night of the week, you're likely to find some superb live music — of all styles, including jazz. I think of it as a pretty tight little demimonde, but then get whacked on the head regularly with how many, many, many incredible jazz artists there are around here.

Just the other day, I counted myself among the lucky ones at an intimate gig over at Carmen's. The San Antonio Jazz Workshop, a rotating group of young jazzers, more or less in their twenties, get together several times a month to deliver a sound unlike any jazz group going in town these days: urbane, gentle, funky, with solid original compositions played by sensitive, inventive musicians who know all about teamwork. That night it was Jordan Pollard on electric piano, Logan Keese on trumpet, Andy Peck on string bass, and drummer Dees Stribling.

Fortunately, I had my mobile studio equipment with me; the result you'll hear on the Protagonists Jazz Party on 91.7 krtu.org at the end of August. (This next Tuesday's Jazz Party is an all-blues program, recorded live in a patron's living room, and not to be missed.)

Meanwhile, I give you a piece to whet your appetite: a ten-minute journey through "My Contemplation," an original composition by Jordan Pollard. You'll hear people chatting in the background, glasses clinking, waiters moving around — but also an appreciative audience who knew that their sustained attention would be rewarded at every turn.

My Contemplation.

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