Get-Together at the Gallagher!

Mark your calendars, everyone - The Xavier University Jazz Ensemble will perform their final concert of the season THIS FRIDAY, November 30th at the XU Gallagher Center! The show is from 7:30pm to 10:30pm and its free admission. Pass the word on to all of your friends! Let's have an amazing turnout here to send the Ensemble off into holidays! Cheers!

- jh

Time to Deck the Halls!

People look forward to the Holiday Season for many reasons: The television specials, the shopping, the lights, the parties, and a lot more. My personal favourite happens to be the music. While the traditional Christmas standards are enjoyable to hear, I have a collection of jazz-interpreted Christmas CDs. I break these out the first week of December of every year. Some of my CDs include Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., and The Manhattan Transfer. GRP released a Christmas Collection Series containing selections from various artists. I have volumes one and two and although these were released in '88 and '91 [respectively], to me they are timeless nonetheless and part of my repertoire when hosting holiday parties.

What I would LOVE to add to my collection is a Christmas CD from any of the local jazz musicians here in Cincinnati. Honestly, I'm not sure if there is one out there - but if anyone knows, feel free to post a comment or drop an email to email@thejazzhalf.com . I feel safe to assume that most (if not all) the Queen City Jazz lovers wouldn't mind having one of these added to their own holiday collection. Break out the egg nog!

- jh

Thinking about Thanks...

Well, the end of a much-anticipated, short work week has finally come. Driving home from work, I begin to think of what my near future will consist of. Hmmm, I see lots of food, watching football, maybe the Macy's Parade, family, and verbally announcing all the things I'm thankful for in my life. A lot of these things include the usual such as good health, loved ones etc..., but I'd like to share a few others. I am thankful for:

• Living in a city with a deep history and background in the arts - from music to theater and more
• The local jazz musicians who continuously share their passion and talent with the community
• The restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, and other venues that recognize the wonderful talent of these musicians, and features them on a regular basis
• and of course the community - the audience; lending their time, and ears to visit the venues, see the shows, and spread the word about that sizzlin' trio or quartet they saw the other night in Covington, or Clifton, or Mt. Adams, or any other great area in the Queen City

So as you drive (or fly) to your parents or grandparents house for that annual feast of feasts, think about it - what are you thankful for?

The Jazz Half wishes EVERYONE the happiest of Thanksgivings, and safe travels to all who have ventured across miles to be close to their loved ones. May you always snap the bigger side of the wishbone!

- jh

Heed the Message...

Local Jazz Bassist Steve Whipple (www.stevewhipple.net) has a "call-to-action" message to younger musicians in the 'news' section of his website. The message emphasizes the importance of visiting live jazz performances throughout the city. The reasons for this include enrichment and growth as a musician, as well as beginning a younger representation for supporting jazz in Cincinnati. I not only recommend visiting his site to read the full message, but I'd like to extend Steve's suggestion to ALL music lovers here in the Queen City. There's something to be learned when listening to a live performance at one of the many jazz venues around here. Visit a live jazz show to find out what that is. Ciao...

- jh

Lee at Dee

Last night, I checked out the Lee Stolar Trio at the Dee Felice Cafe in Covington. The trio last night consisted of Lee Stolar on Piano, Mike Malloy (filling in for John Von Ohlen) on drums, and Richard Winkleman on Bass. Have to admit, this was my first time at Dee Felice, but I LOVE New Orleans style food! I enjoyed a bowl of thier File' Gumbo with some great jazz. My first observation upon walking into Dee Felice was the location of the performance stage. Perched above and behind the bar, the stage is very cozy - just enough room for a trio. The performance was fantastic, and included a few tunes which encouraged some couples to dance. The Lee Stolar Trio is a steady group at Dee Felice. Check out The Jazz Half's Event Calendar for Lee Stolar's future dates there - I know I will. In fact, the next time I go there, I think I'll order the Shrimp Etoufee; LOVE that Cajun Food! Cheers!!

- jh

"Roh-ing" Uptown

Hey there! I just came from a SMOKIN' show at Roh's Street Cafe' up in Clifton (http://www.rohsstreetcafe.com/) . The cafe featured the Dan Karlsberg Group and the performance was HOT. The Group consists of Dan Karlsberg on Piano, Steve Whipple on Bass, Steve Suskind on Flute, Anthony Lee on Drums, and the melodic Mica Darley on vocals.
I tell ya, the show, the atmosphere, and the vibe was worth more than the reasonable $4.00 cover charge. And for a more-than-reasonable $3.00, I enjoyed the smoooooothest vanilla latte I've EVER had (I'm TOTALLY serious - I'm not just saying this). But at the risk of sounding cheesy, I am going to say this:
- Cafe Cover Charge: $4.00
- Vanilla Latte: $3.00
- Gas to drive to Clifton: Who Cares???
- Great Live Jazz in a relaxing atmosphere: Priceless
I'm sorry, I just had to say it.

Cheers!

- jh