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Home , Arbors Records, Bobby Rosengarden, Bob Haggart, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Jazz club

For 41 years, Sarasota has been a mecca for musicians and fans. What does the future hold? BY JO MORELLO

THEY’VE PLAYED WITH THE WORLD’S GREATEST BANDS; PROVIDED MUSIC FOR MOVIES, BROADWAY, THE AND ROYALTY; RECORDED THOU- SANDS OF ALBUMS; WON MYRIAD AWARDS; AND COMPOSED UNFORGETTABLE SONGS. These acclaimed jazz musicians could live anywhere;. Dozens chose here. Why? Because of the Jazz Club of Sarasota. For over 40 years, Sarasota and its environs have been home to legendary musicians at the peak of their careers and not ready to pack up their instruments. We love their music even when we don’t know their names. Their résumés are long, their plaudits plentiful. (The Club, by the way, was to have hosted its 41st Sarasota Jazz Festival, head- lined by The Manhattan Transfer, earlier this month at Nathan Benderson Park, but unfortunately had to cancel due to ongoing pandemic concerns.) Famous musicians began moving here in the 1980s and ’90s because of the Jazz Club “and its reputation for excellence and our Floridian delights,” says National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and Jazz Club honorary member for life , who’s based in Venice. The jazz cats found gigs with other musicians here, and if they had to travel, transportation was convenient. When I joined the Club in 1990 as a volunteer, I met founder Hal Davis, presi- dent-elect Jerry Roucher and his wife Nancy, Hyman and his wife Julia, and many tal- ented musicians. (Full disclosure: I held several positions with the Club until Covid hit last March.) I’ve gotten to know many others involved since then. F

“All in the Family” concert at the 20th anniversary festival, held in a circus tent, 2000. From left: , John and , , Mark Rosengarden, Neil Rosengarden,

Allen Mezquida and Judy Hyman. LORICCO CAROL Facebook WHERE TO Groups Jazz Club of Sarasota Where will we FIND JAZZ go tonight? Many jazz venues Suncoast Jazz are getting back into Happenings the swing, and some Jazz in Sarasota musicians profiled here are excited to play for Jazz in Tampa Bay you again. Here’s what we know at this writing, but call first to be sure. Radio/Audio WSLR 96.5 Visit wslr.org/ music for this organiza- tion’s schedule of pro- Live Venues grams and times. From left: Jerry Roucher and Hal Davis; the first Sarasota Reedman Peter Baren- Jazz Festival in 1981, with , Flip Philips, Bregge plays with the WUSF 89.7 FM, this , , Bobby Rosengarden and Sarasota Jazz Project, a area’s NPR station, pres- Al Grey; John Lamb; performers at the 20th anniversary , every Friday ents “All Night Jazz” from festival; scholarship winner Liston Gregory III. from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cafe 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily. BarBosso, 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle A, Sarasota, Metropics Radio is an on- (941) 922-7999. line medium with a 24/7 program schedule that WSLR/Fogartyville has “helps promote and share teamed with the Jazz Club America’s original art of Sarasota for the monthly form, jazz, with the rest of ost of those early Club pioneers have died, was already here (since 1969) after playing the world’s finest Bridge Series—jazz live- the globe.” Visit metropics- including Jerry Roucher, who built the Club to 2,600 mem- venues with the Orchestra and in a trio with streamed and live radio.org. (to a limited audience) bers during his 10-year presidency. But “musical chameleon” Ellington and Louis Bellson. Lamb taught for decades in St. through May 27. They also Eblasts/ Hyman, 94, and bassist John Lamb, 87, remain active. Last Petersburg schools, including then-St. Petersburg Junior present a lively program of December, for example, the Artists Concert Series of Sarasota College, and continues to share his talents with us. jazz and other events. Visit Newsletters Fogartyville Community Jazzbluesflorida.com of- presented Florida Jazz Masters, a sold-out concert at Marie The Hymans, occasional visitors, were here in 1981 when only partly because older members died, and leadership , Media and Arts Center fers personal subscriptions 525 Kumquat Court, Selby Botanical Gardens with Hyman, newer residents Randy Dick played for the first festival. They had met the Rouchers sought a path toward a broader, younger audience. Some of regional events through Sarasota, (941) 894-6469. Sandke, Peter BarenBregge and Michael Treni; longtime area wanted to redefine the Club’s identity, and personalities its newsletter, “Jazz & in jazz circles and stayed with them in 1989 while their Venice wslr.org. musician Mark Neuenschwander; and Mark Feinman of the home was readied for their relocation. “Dick would sit at our clashed as they tangled over the style of jazz to present. Florida - Florida’s Online Guide to the Best If you’re up for a drive to up-and-coming trio La Lucha. piano every morning, put that When Roucher produced the 2005 festival with smooth in Live Jazz & Blues.” Sign Cape Coral, catch trum- up on the website. The Jazz Club began when advertising genius and Benny day’s New York Times on the jazz star Kenny G, for example, it created dismay in some, peter , who delight in others. Former president Dave Walrath says that plays with trombonist Goodman publicist Hal Davis retired here from New York During Roucher’s music rack, and practice the BandsinTown.com: Herb Bruce and pianist in 1979. He and his wife Evelyn invited friends over to their scales,” Nancy recalls. Jerry many forgot: “It’s all about the music!” Register on this website Bob Page at the restau- 10-year presidency, for weekly notifications of place to listen to their records. By 1980 they’d booked Hal’s asked a painter working there Seymour, now president of the Tampa Jazz Club, says, rant and jazz club the Club often filled Slate’s live shows and tours in the on Saturdays, 6-9 p.m., and friends for their first concert: guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli if he liked the music. “Well, it’s “After such a strong start under Hal and then Jerry, you’re area, along with streamed the auditorium Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Bucky’s 20-year-old son John, on his way to international nice,” he said, “but couldn’t he always going to have ups and downs. But it’s still a remark- performances. of the Van Wezel at 4820 Candia St., Cape stardom. John recalls arriving at the Sarasota airport, which, play a different newspaper?” able success story over 40 years.” Fortunately, memberships Coral, (239) 540-6800. Performing Arts Hall World.jazznearyou.com/ he says, “was a few trailer homes linked together.” He realized The 70-year career of are again rising. welcome.php provides early on that Hal would “stretch the envelope to bring new with enthusiastic Hyman, a pianist, organist, And youth outreach, to keep the jazz coming for future Websites loads of jazz news and and upcoming jazz musicians and music.” audiences. arranger, music director and generations, continues as an important part of the Club’s subscriptions to “All About The Jazz Club of Sarasota, Jazz,” a weekly eblast The volunteer-run Club produced its first Sarasota Jazz composer, has resulted in mission, including the scholarship program begun around jazzclubsarasota.org, is a geared to specific regions. Festival in 1981. Lucille Armstrong attended the second, dedi- film scores Moonstruck( , 11 1983. It has awarded 79 scholarships just since 2013, and eight good place to find events. The website lists Jazz Club Check out the websites cated to her late husband Louis. The bar was set high, and jazz Woody Allen films); compositions for orchestras and ballets; to 10 annually in preceding years. (Sadly, only 2 percent of the activities and you can also and Facebook pages of in- stars from across the country responded, along with more concerts, radio and TV shows; and over 100 albums under his applicants have been female.) subscribe to the club’s Jazz dividual musicians, bands, than 1,000 members in the first few years. name. He has played at the White House and received two Many of these scholarship winners are successful. Take Around Town, a weekly combos and restaurants eblast that lists events for up-to-date informa- Bob Seymour, recently retired after 35 years as WUSF Emmy awards, seven National Academy of Recording Arts pianist Liston Gregory III, 25, who has toured with a two-time throughout the commu- tion—and don’t overlook 89.7’s jazz director, lived here then, working for Sarasota and Sciences awards and two honorary doctorates. Grammy-winning jazz drummer, performed at the Apollo nity, with many listings farmers’ markets, art fairs radio stations. He’d attended early Club meetings, but, at 30, By 1990, the Jazz Club was a powerhouse, with president- Theatre and John F. Kennedy Center, owns Liston G3 Produc- provided by the musicians and other outdoor events. themselves. Request And although guitarist he’d found only one other young person. Now an honorary elect Jerry Roucher poised to replace the retiring Davis. That tions, and is now becoming a worship and arts pastor. “The your free subscription at Diego Figueiredo is unable life member, he credits area audiences in large measure for happened sooner than expected, when Davis died suddenly. scholarship had a huge impact on my future,” he says. “The admin@jazzclubsarasota. to re-enter the U.S. from com. Brazil until Covid subsides, the Club’s phenomenal growth. “Even Hal wouldn’t have had During Roucher’s 10-year presidency, the Club increased Jazz Club gave me a platform to nurture my talent.” jazz lovers can enjoy his such success if he’d lived in, say, Lakeland,” he says. the number of its events to nearly 100 each year and Steve Frumkin, owner of the international JWP Agency, GoTonight: a good free, live-streamed and The Rouchers relocated here in 1986 from Decatur (where expanded the festival to a week, often filling the auditorium has booked his artists here for years because, he says, “The online calendar for all recorded performances on music events, not just jazz. YouTube and Facebook. Jerry had founded the Central Illinois Jazz Festival) and of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with enthusiastic Sarasota Jazz Festival is among the top 25 in North America. gotonight.com.

promptly joined the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Bassist John Lamb audiences. But, over the years, membership gradually fell, (3) LORICCO (2), CAROL OF SARASOTA CLUB JAZZ COURTESY LEFT: FROM FAR They bring significant artists, in significant numbers.” And

80 81 From far left: and Diego Figueiredo; Peter BarenBregge; Dick Hyman; The Old Souls; Bill Charlap, Houston Person, Randy Sandke and Russell Malone.

Rachel Domber, co-founder and president of , and Ken Peplowski, fourth-year festival director and “argu- when a lift dramatically raised musicians from the pit to incredible guest artists like Dizzy Gillespie,” he says. A long- the originator and producer of Clearwater’s March of Jazz ably the greatest living jazz clarinetist,” according to BBC2. the stage (1984); Dick Hyman playing calliope in a tent for a time instrumental jazz editor for Alfred Publishing, he also Party for 17 years and a longtime sponsor of the Sarasota Jazz All these musicians made memories. Drummer Bobby circus-themed festival while the Van Wezel was being reno- teaches online. Festival and the Suncoast Jazz Festival, chimes in, “The Sara- Rosengarden and legend Bob Haggart thrilled vated (2000); saxophonist Kenny G wailing his way through Trumpet and cornet player, composer and arranger Randy sota Club puts on a top-notch festival each year.” audiences at the Van Wezel and smaller venues with the audience (2005); the “Old Souls” concert featuring Sandke moved to Venice in 2018. “Dick [Hyman] had a lot to Performers over the years have included such luminar- Haggart’s “Big Noise from Winnetka” with Bob playing scholarship winners (2016); and 2019, when Houston Person do with it,” he says. Sandke conducted and arranged music for ies as Dave Brubeck, , Lionel Hampton, bass—and straight man—while Bobby scampered around played his mellow sax. And played. And played. Finally, fes- the Carnegie Hall , toured extensively and played Pete Fountain, Chick Corea and the Marsalis family. Among the room, whistling the tune through his teeth, tapping his tival director Peplowski popped onstage to say, “Houston, for films, Broadway and more. frequent returnees: the late pianist Marian McPartland and drumsticks on chairs and Bob’s strings, and never missing a when you’re done, turn out the lights.” Trombonist, educator and composer Michael Treni’s “odd bassist , along with saxophonist Houston Person beat. Other highlights include the tribute, Some jazz musicians here are more recent arrivals. Most career” includes teaching at the University of Miami School say they had regular gigs pre-Covid and hope they’ll resume. of Music and the Berklee School of Music. He also played for (See the sidebar on local jazz venues.) Broadway musicals, wrote for jingles and recordings, and led Pianist, composer and teacher Tommy Goodman, a young his own big band. Inspired by Kathy, his deaf wife and deaf 96, moved to Manatee County in 2010 after a successful musi- education specialist, he also founded a company manufactur- cal career in New York. Among his credits: arranging and ing wireless audio devices. He moved to Venice in 2018. The Late Great Jazz Men (And One Woman) Davis Jr. and ; and with conducting the famous recording of “What Educator and consultant Ed Linehan relocated to Sarasota They’re gone now, but you know their music. Look ’em up! her first husband, operated Lillette’s a Wonderful World” with a 32-piece orchestra. “Louis was a in 2014 to be near his parents and in a jazz-conscious com- Rhythm Club in Nevada—the first African-Americans to do so. pussycat to work with,” he recalls. Brazilian guitarist Diego munity where his wife, Synia Carroll, could rejuvenate her Saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Holiday, Duke Ellington and Benny Clarinetist, saxophonist, composer Figueiredo, 40, whom George Benson called “one of the great- singing career. He met musicians through her, became Jazz and arranger Jerry Jerome, a 1970s Goodman. and educator John LaPorta “retired” est guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life,” has lived here half of Club president in 2018, and reluctantly, oversaw the cancella- resident, played with Glenn Miller, Clarinetist, composer and arranger here in the ’90s after years working in each year for some time and hopes to relocate permanently. tion of the 40th anniversary festival in March 2020 (and the , Benny Goodman and Red Walt Levinsky arrived after playing New York. He performed with Woody Grammy-nominated in 2020 and rave-reviewed in February’s subsequent cancellation in 2021). The Club was dark until a Norvo. He directed the first eight with Benny Goodman and Tommy Herman, , Lester Young, Downbeat, the global performer won the Montreux Guitar February 2021 partnership with WSLR and the Fogartyville Sarasota Jazz Festivals. Dorsey. He also headed his Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich and Miles Competition twice. Community Media and Arts Center brought us the Bridge Drummer Bobby Rosengarden own band, wrote TV show Davis, as well as Leonard Bern- played in TV show bands for Steve themes and played in stein, Igor Stravinsky and the Banjoist and guitarist Ken Salvo moved to Venice in 2017 Music Series with live and livestreamed jazz. Allen, Ernie Kovacs, and more than 5,000 record- Boston Pops. after 12 years with ’s Nighthawks in New Will jazz survive these challenging times and changes in before becoming ing sessions. Saxophonist Kenny Soderb- York. He is known for performances at the Newport Jazz the music industry? “People said jazz was dying 50 years ago. bandleader for The Dick Cavett Show. Lillette Jenkins-Wis- lom toured with Festival and Lincoln Center and for recordings for the HBO It’s evolving,” says Bob Seymour. Domber cites a new festival Bassist Bob Haggart arrived after ner, who moved here in and Louis Bellson, played at drama Boardwalk Empire. The Nighthawks also performed trend: swing dancing. “It’s a big deal for fans and draws a a career as a performer, arranger the early ’90s, had played Carnegie Hall, backed Benny live at several venues for a Turner Classic Movies film festi- younger crowd,” she says. “I recorded a band specializing in and composer of jazz standards Carnegie Hall at 11—a Goodman and Frank Sinatra, and including “South Rampart Street rarity for a Black girl. The played with the Chicago Symphony val in Hollywood. this. It’s big all over Europe, too.” Jazz, Seymour says, “is not Parade” (co-composer) and the classic “Queen of the Keys” (per Duke and Jerry Lewis Telethon with Rosen- Reedman Peter BarenBregge moved to Venice in 2017 after going to die.” “What’s New?.” He played with the Ellington) performed in and music- garden. He directed the Jazz Club’s 35 years in Washington, D.C., primarily as music director of We await the downbeat. No matter what, we’re set to swing. Band and recorded with directed off-Broadway shows, includ- Jazz on the Bayfront for years, as well the Air Force band Airmen of Note, performing for presi- Louis Armstrong, , Billie ing One Mo’ Time; opened for Sammy as several festivals. dential inaugurations, traveling internationally and playing Jo Morello is the author of the play Lil & Satchmo, focusing on

PHOTOS BY CAROL LORICCO LORICCO CAROL BY PHOTOS for royalty. “We had the best musicians I could dream of, and Louis Armstrong’s second wife, pianist Lil Hardin. 82 83