Taking a short break...

Seasons Greetings!

Just wanted to let everyone know that as of Saturday the 22nd, I will take to a climate of the "Southern Persuasion" over the holiday. But fret not - I will return on Friday the 28th. Until then, please visit the event calendar on the website for the best year-end events in the city.

I want to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support of The Jazz Half. I think this is just the kind of Forum our great city really needs and I hope you would agree. I also want to wish you and yours the most wonderful of holiday seasons. I have nothing but good wishes for all of you, and PLEASE - don't take things like family, shelter, and food for granted. We are blessed in so many different ways; cherish your family, and every moment spent with them. Despite the cold of the season, keep your heart warm... and LOVE.

Cheers,

- jh

Sunday at Sonny's

Hey everyone,

Last Sunday I dropped into Sonny's in Bond Hill to see the Art Gore Quartet consisting of Brent Gallaher on Tenor and Soprano, Jim Connerley on Piano, Jim Anderson on Bass, and of course, Art Gore on Drums. Show started at 8:00, but it was 9:30 by the time I strolled in. Sizzling-hot performance as always, by the quartet. I saw the same group perform back in April at the Hamilton County Public Library Main Branch Downtown. This was part of the library's "Jazz of the Month Club" Series (check out The Jazz Half's 'Review' page to see the review for this performance).

But back to Sonny's - I honestly couldn't think of a better way to top off my weekend, and kick off my work week all at the same time. The quartet played tunes such as "Bessie's Blues" and even a smooth-flowing version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". The Art Gore Quartet is playing at Sonny's every Sunday evening in the month of December. Sonny's is located at 1227 California Ave., in Bond Hill. For more information, check the Event Calendar on http://www.thejazzhalf.com/ . For a little sample, click the 'Play' button on the media player below! And for all you NFL fans, don't use football as an excuse - on the far end of the lounge is a generous-sized TV for catching the game. Ciao!

- jh

Jazz on the Hill

Hey everyone,

The Wine Cellar on St. Gregory Street in Mount Adams has hosted some sizzling jazz, and will continue to do so throughout the end of the year:
- The Steve Coghill Trio on Dec. 13th
- The Tony Franklin Trio on Dec. 20th
- The Steve Schmidt Trio on Dec. 27th

For more information, visit the event calendar on www.thejazzhalf.com .

Tell ALL your friends, relatives, co-workers and colleagues about these last three performances of the year. We want a MAGNIFICENT turnout for each one! I would love nothing better than to see Jazz still featured at The Wine Cellar in 2008. I'm good for at least the 20th - so who's in with me???

- jh

Wednesdays at the Phoenix

Looking for an after work spot to enjoy some live jazz? The Trio of Jack Doll (Piano), Larry Brown (Drums), and Lynn Scott (Vocals) performs nearly every Wednesday at the Phoenix on Race Street. I was just there last Wednesday and realized that this is a perfect mid-week event for those "9 to 5'ers" looking for a performance minus the late night. The Trio performs from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Drop into the Phoenix, have a drink, some complementary hor d' orves, and take in some good music. The Phoenix also accepts dinner reservations, and the trio performs just outside the dining room, topping off an already pleasurable dining experience. Cheers!

- jh

It was just as expected, and more...

Last Friday I dropped into the Gallagher Center on Xavier's campus to hear the XU Jazz Ensemble. They performed on the lower level atrium in the dining area outside of Ryans. A magnificent performance by the ensemble! Playing such numbers as "Fibbin Fool Blues", "All of Me", and "Oooh blah dee", the audience was totally engaged. The vocal quartet of the Scatsasonic Voices were on hand encouraging the crowd to join in with nearly each song. And the horns...... THE HORNS!!!!! These cats were in the back stepping and swinging in rhythm throughout each number! This band was having FUN, and that energy flowed into the audience. And in traditional XUJE fashion, the group closed with the number that makes them all happy, Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man". In turn, everyone left happy; ready for the weekend. Thanks to the XU Jazz Ensemble for a great holiday send-off. Check out some of the pics from the show!

- jh