Springtime Jam Session

            On the afternoon of March 29, three terrific professional jazz musicians –good friends of mine who have been featured on many of our CD recordings – joined me at home in our living room for a special 2022 jam session:  

• Annette Sanders, a superb vocal stylist who performed with Benny Goodman and other jazz greats.

• Warren Chiasson, a world-class vibraphone virtuoso who played for years with the George Shearing Quintet.

• Dmitri Kolesnik, a skillful bassist much in demand for top local gigs such as at the Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar. 

            My associate Raymond, capably manipulating our home equipment, recorded us jamming on five notable jazz standards: 

            They Can’t Take That Away from Me (by the Gershwins)

            Oh Look at Me Now (Joe Bushkin)

            Spring Will Be a Little Late this Year (Frank Loesser)

            I’ve Got a Crush on You (the Gershwins)

            On a Slow Boat to China (Frank Loesser) 

            Although we hadn’t rehearsed in advance, we managed to record each song on just one or two takes. Annette was in wonderful voice on every number, and I joined her (in less wonderful voice) on “Look at Me” and “Slow Boat”; Warren contributed sparkling solos to each tune; the pulsing rhythm of Dmitri’s bass propelled us all; and I chipped in some ancillary notes on piano (and also on vibes for “Spring” when Warren took over on piano). 

            For those who may be interested, I’d be happy to provide more detail regarding the musicians and the songs. For optimum fidelity, I recommend (although it’s not necessary) listening to this through earphones or ear buds. I hope you’ll enjoy these 24 minutes of jazzy spontaneity. 

                                                                                                Jim Freund