Jazz Jamm at the Vinoy

Meet 2 hear the beat st. pete

written by guest SK

Even on a too cool

Wednesday night, St. Pete downtown was the “in” place to be. The new Dali museum setting for a thank you buffet for docents, volunteers, staff and invited guests was a feast for the eyes.

The building mirrors the soaring grace and imagination of Dali; a perfect home for his works. Then on to the Vinoy to see and hear Rick Gee’s newest venue located in the downstairs ballroom with great acoustics and enough seating to hold a few hundred. It was close to full.

Tonite's show on stage, 'The Duke Meets Jobim', with Violinist Rebecca Zapen and renowned bassist John Lamb with solid back ups on sax, drums and piano. They moved smoothly from the breathy rhythms of Bossa Nova to the cool sounds of the Duke; “the Girl from Ipanema” meets “Satin Doll.” John Lamb is a virtuoso performer bassist who performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra for more than ten years. He was, as always, mellow and in the groove, and Rick even joined the group on flute for one number. We found Rebecca’s voice and take on the music a bit too country, or 50’s girl band, without the sexy off-beat of Jobim, but John and the backup group more than held their own. Entree fee was $20 with wine and beer available for purchase.

See Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm website for more details including next month's venue, John Lamb’s CD 'Conversations North of the Border' release party on February 18, 2011.