As a musician (jazz saxophonist), I’ve had the opportunity to sit on stage and witness a phenomenon that occurs often at live performances (particularly jazz) all across the country. People from all walks of life come to share in this unique experience. They walk in, peering through smoke-filled (where allowed these days) rooms, looking for a comfortable spot from which to see what exciting musical endeavors will elevate their mind and imagination. Together they sit…some well versed in jazz while others may be new comers. No one speaks much of his or her profession, income, religious beliefs, political affiliations, or anything else outside of the music they’ve come to hear. Sometimes I see people who are complete strangers sitting and laughing or giving each other a high five as they recognize a passage in a song that brings back memories to them. And that is part of what I find so amazing.
You too can experience this unique phenomenon right in your back yard right here in Connecticut, where jazz has deep roots. Yes deep roots. Did you know that many well known artists like Dave Brubeck and Gerry Mulligan called Connecticut home? In fact, Connecticut was once well known as a hotbed of jazz musicians, and that vibe still reverberates through the state today. Yes, that is to say there are quite a number of places where you can (as a veteran or newbie) cozy up to the stage and see first hand, close up, at arm’s length the fresh creation of this true American Art Form. If you are a veteran you may want to catch some of the hot new artists from the Hart School of Music or other well known schools. Even if you are a newbie, have no fear — by the time you walk out you will find it hard to stop your foot from tapping or that song from repeating in your head, that is until you return for more freshly brewed jazz. Below a brief list of places where the music is live and always created new, just for you.
Opium Jazz Lounge: 2716 Fairfield Ave., Black Rock, CT, 331-9669 Friday and Saturday live jazz and blues
Cafe Nine: 250 Sstate Street, New Haven CT., 203-789-8281 Saturdays 4-7pm jazz jam
Tapas Bloomfield 852 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Jazz Brunch Sundays : 11 a.m.
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