Jazz in June

The closing concert for NEFJA's 2012 season did not disappoint! Doug Carn, Calvin Newborn & Michael Carvin came out of the gates charging - supplying an afternoon of soulful summer jazz in what turned out to be an intimate and  refreshing performance. Below is a clip of Calvin starting to tear it up during the first number.

right to left - Doug Carn, Calvin Newborn, Michael Carvin

Carn & Carvin played with a fire and empathy immediately calling to mind their days together in the '70s;  breathing vigor into standards like I'll Remember April & Body and Soul.  Doug's effortless authority over the hammond and equally adept bandleading skills set the standard, while Carvin's ingenuity and backdrop were nothing short of an education.


Calvin Newborn - a late fill-in for Calvin Keys (recovering from heart surgery) also commanded a stage presence worthy of his legacy. Although at times he struggled to keep up with the faster tempos, he was never short on high quality melodic ideas and nuances, flowing to the point where Doug & Michael broke out in uncontrollable smiles and chuckles of glee.

Doug & Michael burst into smiles over Calvin's triumphs!

Set two saw the addition of Ray Callender on trumpet and Doc Handy on the congas, both playing skillfully and artfully on two Lee Morgan numbers as well as Pensativa by Clare Fischer. The afternoon was capped off by a compellling drum solo on a tune Carvin hadn't played before; a solo that had the audience rapt and on the edge of their seats in delight. 

L-R - Doc Handy, Doug Carn, Ray Callender, Calvin Newborn, Michael Carvin

Although church prevented an early arrival to catch it - a special treat was added to the beginning of the show with a performance by Lee & Sally Quick with Jay Messick. Thanks to NEFJA for a stellar season of jazz in NE Florida! - PCJ

Jay Messick packing up!

Sally & Lee Quick - jazz troupers!