It’s been almost four years since I left New York to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston...and this summer, after completing one last course, I graduate!
Anyway, about a year and a half ago by way of a chance meeting in a South End dog park, I was introduced to jazz trumpeter, pianist, and jazz educator Michael Maleson. Mike asked if I would like to sit in with his Tuesday night jazz band, Jazz Report, at Biff’s Lounge in Dorchester. The first Tuesday I attended, I had amplifier trouble and could only listen. The band sounded awesome playing swinging be-bop and horn-driven instrumentals. I had my doubts about being able to play effectively with these cats!! Jazz Report is led by jazz legend/drummer Leo Stevens, and has been playing in and around Boston for the last ten years with various members.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Leo has played with many of the greats in classic jazz: John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, and Charlie Parker to name a few. Leo was on the cutting edge of the famous 1950s and 1960s organ trios, making his bones with Johnny “Hammond” Smith and recording on his vintage issues. Kurtis Rivers, a native of South Carolina, plays saxophone with Jazz Report and is a well- respected and well-known member of Boston’s jazz community. Kurtis also has had a long-term teaching relationship at the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as running a popular Sunday night jazz gig at the Ramsey Post in Dorchester. Kurtis is, himself, a successful band leader. Playing keyboards in Jazz Report is Toby Stein, a walking jazz encyclopedia. Toby also plays a mean tenor sax and is a veteran of the Boston blues and jazz scene.
Mike, Leo, Kurtis and Toby have each spent their lives immersed and dedicated to jazz. Mike is a high school jazz music teacher and, as of late, has been doing the arrangements for the band’s material. Like Kurtis says, “bebop, improvisational music, if played correctly, is the most difficult music of all to play” The material taught at Berklee is what these guys play, for real!! I am very lucky to have met them, and consider myself fortunate to learn from them and to try and contribute to their sound.
Anyway, I also play some restaurant gigs and run some blues/jazz jams for Berklee College of Music – usually with Mike – and try and keep healthy.
Have a great summer!
- Deno
