Blue Heaven, that is. Vibes player Teddy Charles has definitely earned the title superstar. Teddy played with Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Charles Mingus to name a few. I had to go twice to prepare for this review. Guitarist Tim McAlpine was sick the first week. He was replaced by Ron Rogers. Skipper Kripitz brought along his guest, New Orleans' Richard Fleming, veteran of the Dukes Of Dixieland, among others. The surprise was Jim Wist on bass. I had only heard Jim play steel drums. He told me he played bass in a tuxedo for years, then one day he threw them away and quit. Well, folks, the man plays some bass!
Skipper Kripitz is always perfection, no matter what style of music he's playing. This band is strictly jazz, in fact their name is 'Mostly Be-bop'. This is a collection of musicians who have only played together a few times. They sound like they've been together for years. I truly believe Skipper is psychic. He always knows exactly what the others are going to do and is right on top of the action, making everybody sound wonderful. He is known as a colorist. He can change the feel of a tune in a heartbeat. I was delighted with Richard Fleming's tres cool understated piano styling. His technique is marvelous, and he is so tasteful. Richard lays it right in the pocket, never imposing on someone else's solo, but enhancing it. His trumpet was a welcome addition. The tune was a jumping "Honeysuckle Rose". Jim and Skip solo, both thrilling. This is very, very good jazz. Teddy's lush vibes close it out.
This is happening at the new Watertower bar at Blue Heaven, a delightful tree shaded corner behind the restaurant. A crew of regulars is building. One couple from Chicago is overjoyed to find such good jazz in Key West. They are there every week, claiming there's nothing better in Chicago or New York these days.
It's always a thrill watching the great Teddy Charles play. You only have to listen and watch his mallets once to realize how good he is. "Walking" is superb. Skipper claims to be 'a rumour in his own time'. Time is his business, and he keeps it with supreme artistry. A lovely song, "All the Things You Are" is presented shining like a magnificent jewell. Mr. Fleming steals the show on this one. He too is obviously a star. While Teddy does his vibes magic Richard enhances it with the exact right feel, no grandstanding here, and never a note out of place. This is a light, easy treatment of the beautiful song played at a soft, low volume. This band would rather blow you away with talent than with loudness.
My friends from Chi-town are thrilled that the next offering is "I Can't Get Started", Bunny Berrigan's classic. Richard 's fine trumpet does not copy Berrigan. His interpretation is slow and romantic. Teddy goes easily back and fourth from two to four mallets. No copy band here. folks. They take a chance with a tune they've never played together, "Fine and Dandy". Problema? No way! The fearless five make it a jumping gem. Teddy comes close to warp speed with this one, Skipper lifts it off, and Jim puts it in orbit. I could barely hear Ron Rogers, whose amp was just too low. I heard him just enough to know he can play.
Now we come to weekend two. Ron is playing bass on this gig. The amazing and wonderful Tim McAlpine plays guitar. Tim is undoubtedly one of the best anywhere, innovative beyond anyone else I've ever heard, and children, I've heard most of them. His long solo on "Donna Lee" was way too short. Tim uses all the tricks others became famous for, like octaves, hammers, harmonics and such. He plays divine chordal melodies and inspired single string. He and Teddy make "I'll Remember April" gorgeous. Ron cooks along underneath with Skipper using his awesome cymbal skills. This one is over the top. Next we hear a brand new version of "I Can't Get Started", slow, dreamy, and beautiful. My friends from Chicago promise to meet me next week. Another change is in store. Bass duties will be done by Tommy Mann, a splendid upright bass player you may remember from Doc Payne days.
Join us at Blue Heaven and hear the state of the art in jazz these days without pretenses or attitudes. Friday through Sunday, 4:30 till seven. Have a really happy hour with players whose equals you won't often hear! Stay cool, (and I'm really talking cool!)