Listen to a sample of my weekly jazz jam session.

Click on the arrow to hear KWXY radio personality Scott Ellsworth's broadcast of "Take the A Train" from our Feb 7, 2007 jam session along with his recitation of a relevant poem and some cogent observations. (total playing time is about 12 minutes)

Our musicians range from very professional to very not professional. Keep in mind that we have no music to guide us (or get in our way) along with some musicians who can ONLY play while reading music. Our soloists do some nice work but, from his grave, Spike Jones may be jealous of our first and last choruses! The term "cacophony" rather well describes the efforts of our 20+ musicians during those magical if not musical moments. But every thing's really alright since the objective of our session has little to do with music and everything to do with camaraderie and fun.

I've been hosting this session at the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs every Wednesday from 10 to noon weekly for about 7 years. If you are (or think you might be) a musician, stop by and bring your "axe" (instrument). Listeners are welcome as well. Come early or you may have to stand. For reasons not fully understood, we usually pack the house. And, again, we do have fun!

You may remember Scott Ellsworth for his wonderful "Scott's Place" that was on the air on KFI in Los Angeles in the 1960s wherein he interviewed and played the music of virtually every significant jazz artist who lived or performed there.


Below is the poem that Vi Grisanti mailed to Mr. Ellsworth. She was kind enough to give me a copy of it as well. I am delighted by it! Thank you Vi!

A Tribute To Broadie's "Vintage Jammers"

Here they come from all walks of life, with their special talents.
Some come early, some later, all lugging their precious instruments in their weathered cases. A few at a slower pace than others, all headed for the same destination.
You wonder, "Are they going to make it?"
At a glance, you begin to think you're in the wrong place.
You thought you were going to a jam session. These guys don't look like they could do very much.
Then Broadie asks, "What shall we play?" Someone yells out a title. They pick up their instruments and something magical happens. The room starts to jump with energy. Their musical talent fills the air, and the audience is transformed to another place, another time.
They are masters of their music, ageless, and very sure of themselves. These wonderful sounds come from their very souls, doing what they love to do, with such vibrance!
The audience feels fortunate to be in their midst, and everyone is young again.