Jazzville, NJ

“Crazy” Jazz Jam Rocks Skippers Monday Night

Posted by Maria Miaoulis in Angel Williams, Bobby Curtis, Dr. Cliff Howell, Eugene "Goldie" Goldston, Greg Bufford, Joy Foster, Radam Schwartz, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ

November 11th, 2009   1 Comment »

I’ve only recently begun to immerse myself in New Jersey’s lively jazz scene thanks to Jazzville, NJ founder, D.A. Gutierrez. But if this past Monday’s Jazz Jam is an indication of only some of the talent found in this community, then the musical genius of these artists and performers will keep you coming back.

The Monday Night Jazz Jam at Skippers is hosted each week by the very charismatic Eugene “Goldie” Goldston. On this evening, he welcomed everyone to the festivities and guaranteed the crowd would not be disappointed by the end of the night. Boy did he deliver on that promise!

The main band consisted of Gregory Bufford on drums, Dr. Cliff Howell on guitar and Radam Schwartz, who played the Hammond B3 organ.

The three set the mood for a very laid-back atmosphere. It seemed as if the band was jamming in the comfort of home, encouraging each other to take liberties with solos and allowing one another to shine without breaking away from the trio. Each was in his own element, hands gliding across their respective instruments, energizing the crowd with every beat.

Patrons and artists alike drifted in throughout the night and in the spirit of an “open” jam, were invited to step right up and perform. There were several highlights in this show as various dynamic vocalists were featured. Miss Joy Foster performed the classic “My Romance” which quieted the rowdy crowd from the very first note. Eyes alight and a smile at the ready, she swayed gently with the music, her tender gestures drawing out even more emotion from the poignant lyrics.

Bobby Curtis took the stage later with his rendition of the iconic Antonio Carlos Jobim song “The Girl From Ipanema.” You were instantly transported to Brazil as the deep voiced singer danced in sync with the latin vibes, his facial expressions convincing everyone the girl who inspired the song was in the room mesmerizing him. He acted out this fantasy with Jazzville, NJ webmaster, Aditi Tuteja, whirling her around the floor in a slow dance during an instrumental interlude.

But perhaps the most memorable number was Angel Williams crooning “God Bless The Child That’s Got His Own.” The vocal powerhouse captivated the room with her bluesy timbre, making it easy for the audience to picture her alongside famous divas with her sultry, soulful voice.

Throughout the night, various guest drummers, sax players and even a trombone joined in the festivities, jamming back and forth on different tunes – each adding a little of their own spice to the aural stew.

All in all, it was a “crazy jam” as Bufford put it, what with the extensive impromptu lineup. The feeling of community was obvious as jazz lovers of all backgrounds took the stage, bringing along their own unique styles which made for an unforgettable event.

Every Monday at 8pm is Open Jazz Jam at Skippers. Feel free to drop in  – and if you’re a singer or musician, be sure to bring your instrument and see Goldie for a chance to jam.

Skippers is located at:

304 University Avenue
Newark, NJ
973-733-9300