Review: JAZZ JAM at Don't Tell Mama A Warm and Welcoming Open Mic For All Genres

Dudes, there’s a new open mic in town, and it is a groovy, jammin’, swingin’ time happening in the Brick Room over at Don’t Tell Mama, and guess what?  It is completely and totally one hundred percent pressure-free.  It is the coolest, coziest, most casual atmosphere, so much so that this devoutly non-performing person even considered getting up to sing.  It is so laid-back that you just want to stay all night, which some people did (I admit it, I left after two hours because my alarm goes off at 4 am, and by 9 pm, grandpa had to get some sleep), but reports from people I know who were there say that the singers who hung out all sang a second time.  Now, I have to admit that I am not a major frequenter of open mics, though I try to catch the regular nights every now and then because I do find them fun, as an audience member, informative, as a reviewer, and helpful for the performers.  Open mics are a great place to try out a new treatment, to get your feet wet before your debut show, or just stay in it while waiting for your next opening night.  And the vibe being created by Kelly Wohlford and Quintin Harris is most definitely open, welcoming, and fun.

JAZZ JAM had been going on for a few months, and even though the word jazz is in the name of the open forum, jazz was only mostly the order on the menu on May 20th.  Don’t get me wrong, with Mr. Harris at the piano and Ms. Wohlford on emcee duties (including showcasing two amazing performances of her own), there is pa-lenty of jazz in the room.  And what exquisite jazz it is (who knew Wohlford could do this?  I need more of it, please and thank you), but there was an old world flavor that came up to the stage with Weimar Kabarett devotee Artemisia LeFay, one of the evening’s early entries, and an experimental exploration with one of Matthew Martin Ward’s fascinating classical composition/Great American Songbook meldings.  Singers who may or may not be intimidated by the word ‘jazz’ need not fear - this is a place for any and everyone interested in being in a safe space to raise their voice.  No judgements, only support.  It's also a great opportunity to plug your project, for every performer did their housekeeping, and if they didn't offer up any intel, Kelly asked, "What do you have coming up?" and, as anyone who performs cabaret and concert knows, you must take the chances to promote your product.  That's one of the reasons open mics exist.  Lots of the performers on the 20th had show info to share, and, yeah, this reporter wrote the dates down.

Wohlford, who is as good a host as she is a singer, is where the safe space begins.  She is a cabaret hostess with the mostest, circulating before the program, chatting with the crowd, answering questions, and during the show she’s on the god mic introducing the talent… and then she sings.  Holy Moly, does she sing.  Her counterpart in the proceedings, Quintin Harris, makes it safe on the stage, for there is clearly nothing he cannot play, and nothing he cannot play well.  There are brief conversations with the singers, who communicate keys, tempos, and vibes, and whattaya know, Harris and co. execute those wants and wishes to perfection, to the delight of the singers and the audience.  Each of the proficients (Clayton Thompson on Bass, Henry Mass on Drums) gets instrumental solos, and they were magnificent on the 20th, a pleasure to listen to, but it is Harris himself who is a wizard, one who will leave you gasping for breath, shaking your head in disbelief, or maybe just laughing out loud because you got to be in the room to hear the magic for yourself.  This was this writer's first chance to see Harris in action, but I now have a Google alert for his name so I don't miss anything he is in.  Singers are welcome to bring along their favorite musician, too, because more than once, drummer Henry Moss stepped aside to make way for Chip Fabrizi to hit the skins, and Harris relinquished the piano to Mr. Ward for his number.  The whole thing savored of a neighborhood block party with a jam session happening in the garage, with drinks that flowed throughout the night.   It's fun being in the Brick Room with the house lights up, and people walking around freely.  It's just really neighborly.   

On May 20th, the musical material was as varied as the artists who fill the club rooms of New York.  Frank Dain played “No One Ever Tells You” and Dorian Woodruff sang “Nice and Easy,” both numbers being recreations from their mutual albums, Goldie Dver brought some R&H, while Tanya Moberly delivered some Peggy Lee/Bill Schluger, and the charming Matthew Silver surprised everyone with a little Disney by way of “So This Is Love,”  and everything had a vibe that jived with the artist at the mic.  The band lifted them up and supported the performers, who got to shine in their own individuality, and the audience had a chance to learn someone or something new.  These are just a couple of mentions, of course, but the entire night of entertainment was as charming and comfortable as a person could hope for.  Harris and Wohlford have a really good thing going with Jazz Jam, and everyone should check it out.  Did I mention that the cover is only five dollars?   $5.00.  Even if you don't go to sing, that's five dollars to listen to a bunch of cabaret artists do their thing - live entertainment for five bucks, man.  You can't beat it.  I don't see any reason why Jazz Jam shouldn't be packed every month of its residency.  Of course, on May 20th, it was really full, so maybe it is and I just don't know it.  I may have to go back and see.  Maybe next time I’ll sing.  I wouldn't put a bet down on it, but if anyone were going to get me to sing in public, it would be Kelly Wohlford and Quintin Harris, and in a safe space surrounded by supportive friends and artists.  That's Jazz Jam, to the letter.

JAZZ JAM plays Don’t Tell Mama once a month, usually on the third Monday of the month, but check the Don't Tell Mama website HERE to confirm that.

Kelly Wohlford is online HERE.

Quintin Harris has a website HERE.

Photos by Stephen Mosher

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