Jazzville, NJ

“Crazy” Jazz Jam Rocks Skippers Monday Night

// November 11th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Angel Williams, Bobby Curtis, Dr. Cliff Howell, Eugene "Goldie" Goldston, Greg Bufford, Joy Foster, Radam Schwartz, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ

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.

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Santi Debriano Trio Heats Up The Night at Skippers

// November 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // Recaps & Reviews, Santi Debriano, Skippers, Newark, NJ

Promoter, Jan Greiner with Santi Debriano (Drummer, Steve Johns in background)

History was made Wednesday, November 4, 2009, although it had nothing to do with the Yankees winning their 27th World Series championship. West of the city and over the roar of baseball fans - heavy, pulsating bass lines and relentless, high energy drumming could be heard at Newark’s landmark pub, Skippers, courtesy of a trio of jazz musicians playing together for the first time.

Bassist Santi Debriano, pianist Glauco Sagebin and drummer Steve Johns are well-known and renowned in their own right. Each has attended prestigious music schools, collaborated with countless jazz greats of past and present and put down roots in the greater NY/NJ area when not touring and performing for audiences across the world. But words cannot begin to describe the magic they created Wednesday night. (more…)

Rising Tap Stars (and some Pros) Heat Things Up At Skippers

// November 2nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Alicia Smith, Dai Oyama, Frank Clemente, Frank Noviello, Greg Bufford, Hillary-Marie, Jazz Events, Jeffry Foote, Justin Ballasy, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ, Tap Events, Yvette Glover

"Tap Mom" Yvette Glover with 13-year-old tap sensation, Justin Ballasy

Tucked away on a street corner in Newark, you certainly don’t expect much when first setting foot in Skippers Plane Street Pub. As you walk in, it’s impossible to believe there will be enough room for the patrons, let alone the tap dancers scheduled to perform in this past Thursday’s Tap Jam. Even the upright bass was bigger than the stage that had been set up.

Taking a seat at the cozy wooden tables, though, you instantly felt at home. The sense of community in the room quickly put you at ease, but with no less anticipation of what good times laid ahead.

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Frank Noviello At Skippers, Thursday, 9/24/2009

// September 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // Frank Noviello, Jazz Events, Skippers, Newark, NJ

Every once in a while, an artist comes along with just the right combination of talent, personality, style, grace and stage presence. Meet Frank Noviello.