Easthampton Jam Session Report

robertsaunders

Jack Brown hosted a jam in Easthampton, MA, Saturday, Nov. 17th, that was a great success. A number of Django in June alums were present, plus its organizer and founder, Andrew Lawrence, with most people arriving mid-afternoon. The two times I've jammed at Jack's have been high points for me. The mix was rich but uncluttered, and featured the usual bevy of guitarists—who stayed out of each other's way and maintained tight rhythm—plus bass, accordion, and violin.

Craig the accordionist tossed in a version of J' Attendrai with a brain-teasing series of key changes that rivalled Giant Steps and kept me on the edge of my seat. Jack laid down wrist-busting rhythms all day like Nous' che himself. The ambience was excellent with the wood stove burning, candles lit, and Sam the dog expressing himself when the spirit moved him by a nice counterpoint of howls. I felt like I was sitting around around the campfire in the old Parisian "Zone." Things broke up at about 8-ish, at which time I drove back to Boston, spirits soaring, fingers tingling, and ears ringing with gypsy swing.

Much thanks to Jack for the soirée.

-Rob

Jack

Glad you enjoyed it, Rob! I'll probably put together something else after the new year. I just started with a new student today who's pretty good-he's been teaching himself off youtube-so the numbers will probably keep growing. In the meantime, here's some photos from the earlier one (I don't think anyone had time to take any this time around). I really should invest in some sort of digital video soon...maybe next time.

best,
Jack.