For years, people have said jazz is dead. Don’t tell that to the jazz lovers that crowded into the Cardinal Bar last night for the New Breed jam session. The jam has steadily gained momentum since relocating to the Cardinal in February, and now seems to have reached a tipping point. Judging by all the new faces and filled seats the word is out: the New Breed jam at the Cardinal is the place to be on Tuesday nights.
By the end of the first song last night the room was packed. It was Patrick’s final session before he moves to Connecticut and the band was especially focused. They stretched out on a full first set of intense, highly engaging modern jazz, all originals. The audience hooted and hollered in appreciation.
By the second set the crowd had spilled out into the bar area and was filling that room as well. The night was off to a great start but there was no letdown when the jammers hit the stage.
A great night at a jam session has more than terrific music, it also has new faces, and surprises. The first of these occurred during the second song of the jam when Jamie was called up to play drums. Jamie is going into his junior year in high school and this was his first time at the New Breed jam. He is short with a very young face and the New Breed looked apprehensive. Surprise! Jamie can swing!
More new faces and great music followed. The night progressed and the group I came with left while I stayed. I made the right decision. A fortyish looking tenor sax player was up on the stand. I figured he was probably like me, has a day job and plays on the side. Then he starts playing. Whoa, who is this guy? I’ve watched Patrick play alongside other great tenors and he’ll get a very determined look, kick it up another notch, and pull out the circular breathing and other tricks. Not last night. It was the first time I’ve seen Patrick appear to acknowledge greatness. This guy was all over the horn, incredible technique, fluent and melodic in the altissimo range. Really a treat to hear!
Matt Olson
On my way out I stopped and met Eric, an excellent tenor player new to Madison from Chicago who also played and plans to come down regularly. He told me the amazing tenor saxophonist is Matt Olson from South Carolina, up here to teach for 4 weeks at a UW summer music program.
So as one great player leaves the scene another appears, at least for the next 3 weeks. And who will it be after that? With new people coming to Madison regularly for school and jobs you can be sure another great player will appear soon. They always do. And where will you hear them first? At the New Breed jam – where jazz is alive!
