September 9, 2007 NC's Jazz Tones
I had a big crowd in the studio as the Jazz Tones are comprised of six players. Somehow they all squeezed into the small space - including a full drum set and a double bass. This is a group that is long overdue for going into the studio to birth their first CD. They promise that their time is soon and that they'll return when the CD is finished.

The Jazz Tones are made up of Luciano Suarez on guitar, Lori Oshrain on drums, Stan Levy on tenor sax, Eric Hallman on trumpet, Alice Brower on vocals and keyboard, and Bob Brower on acoustic bass. They meet every Sunday morning to share music and work on old and new songs.



They played live in the studio and during a few breaks, I played some CDs they brought to share. I enjoyed the stories of the drummer, Lori Oshrain, who grew up in a jazz family and had musicians regularly dropping by and playing music in her home. Some of the regulars were Marianne and Jimmy McPartland.

Playlist of songs performed by the Jazz Tones

• Autumn Leaves
• Freddy the Free Loader
• Broadway
• Black Orpheus
• Take a Chance on Love
• East of the Sun and West of the Moon
• Out of Nowhere
• Satin Doll
  

Playlist of songs they brought with them

• Sonny Rollins; Complete Prestige CD; Time on My Hands
• Zoot Sims; Warm Tenor CD; Old Devil Moon
• Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan; Two of a Mind CD;
• Peter Prisco & Peter Scattaretico; Yesterday's Failure CD; You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To

Several of the Jazz Tones play with the Triangle Jazz Orchestra, which is a 18 piece group, and they practice on Wed. nights at Carrboro's ArtsCenter at 7:30. People are welcomed and encouraged to come by and listen or sit in.

My radio show can be heard on 103.5 fm from the WCOM studio in downtown Carrboro, NC or by going to the internet, it can be heard anywhere in the world. Please join me as I feature the sounds of NC jazz musicians.

For opera fans and those who still dream of living their dream - be sure to check out this video of the phone salesman who believes he is meant to sing. It is truly beautiful.