Are any Portland steelers interested in a jazz/swing jam?

[Christopher Woitach]

I talked with my friend John Moak, great trombonist and owner of Jazzy John's BBQ in Vancouver last night about the possibility of having a jazz/swing steel jam at his place. He said if enough people were interested, he would consider opening the place on a Sunday (which seems to be the best day for most people). I'd put together a rhythm section (me on guitar, probably Dan Schulte on bass, hopefully Todd Strait on drums - if they can't do it, I know lots of great jazz players in the area). The food is reasonably priced, and great! They sell beer, as well. It's a small place, but I think we could make it work, especially if we traded off tunes.

I was thinking standards and bop tunes, mostly, although the rhythm section will be able to play anything you have a chart for, I guarantee - we're all pro jazz players.

Is this interesting to anyone? I thought it would be a different take on the already popular more country oriented jams that happen here periodically.

[David Wright]

now can you get it just a bit closer

[Christopher Woitach]

Oh come on, David - you can make it...

[Tucker Jackson]

I didn't answer the poll because there wasn't a third option: Don't have the chops or knowledge to hang with you guys, but would love to come out as a spectator!

Put me down as a 'yes' for that one.

[Dom Franco]

I love it! I play lots of jazz on my steel.
Count me in. I know about 200 standards, and sing and have all the words memorized.
I also have charts with chords available.

Dom Franco

[Adam Stein]

I didn't answer the poll because there wasn't a third option: Don't have the chops or knowledge to hang with you guys, but would love to come out as a spectator!

+1

[Matt Elsen]

What Tucker said.


M.E.

[Dan Tyack]

I'll come down anytime. The earlier the better. But I will only come down if you bring your steel.

[Christopher Woitach]

Oh, I will - I'll play guitar some, and steel some, the guitar to help get my steel shyness...

[Dan Tyack]

OK, I'm there.

[Ian Miller]

I didn't answer the poll because there wasn't a third option: Don't have the chops or knowledge to hang with you guys, but would love to come out as a spectator!

Put me down as a 'yes' for that one.

Swing yes (no promises on quality, of course!), bop less so, but I'm way willing to try! My chopped Magnatone Lyric loves to swing!

Great idea, Christopher.

[Christopher Woitach]

Well, my goal is to have a swinging, fun time, have everybody eat some great food at my friend's BBQ joint, and give me a chance to hear and meet all of you!

We'll just play what we feel comfortable doing - this is an experiment.

It looks like enough people are interested to make a go of it, so I'll start looking at dates toward the end of the month, or early February.

[Jerry Foster]

is Wes Bakan going to be there? he was the king of Jazz & swing in that area in the 70's and 80's. I really enjoyed his playing. take care & have fun. Jerry Foster

[Twayn Williams]

Swing yes (no promises on quality, of course!), bop less so, but I'm way willing to try!

Pretty much my position as well

And again, to hijack the thread for my own purposes, there is an open Gypsy Jazz jam every Sat from 4-6 at the Moon & Sixpence in the Hollywood district on 42nd. Bring your Dobro and show me how it's done!!!

[Jerry Gleason]

My jazz steel chops are a little rusty these days, but I'd love to come and play some jazz guitar, or just hang out and listen.

[Gary Lee Gimble]

Christopher, be sure to contact Wayne Franco who lives north of you as I am confident he'd love to pic some. Another likely participant is Jimmy Webb who'd most likey carpool with Wayne. Wayne is a member on bOb's Forum, you shouldn't have much difficulty in contacting him, if you need assistance, please let me know. Wayne has been studying with M Anderson for a while now, I bet Wayne is itching and ready to pic some off chords and licks....

[Chris Gabriel]

I play a little lap steel, fits right on my lap