Second Saturday Salon

Michael O’Neill Quartet & Suzanna Smith 3/26/11 | April 5, 2011

We loved the concept behind this event. Michael O’Neill, sax player and band leader, wanted to focus on new music written by his band and the guest singer. At least 3 new works from each performer. SSS jumped at the chance to get this powerhouse group back in our space.

I love jazz standards and the myrid of variations creative musicians can invent and improvise upon. For me it is a thrill to know a basic tune; then follow a band as they morph the familiar into a surprising performance. However, for a genre of music to keep moving ahead there must be new musicians working on new composition. That is one of the goals of our Salon Series. New voices, new groups, new creations presented in a space where the listeners are ready for it.

Michael O’Neill is a very talented reed player with a big beautiful tone. He showed his versatility this night with clarinets and saxes. This is a group that regularly play together so their relationship is evident. John R. Burr played keyboard with wit, passion and virtuosity. Drummer Jason Lewis provided the rhythmic backbone for the range of styles. Fred Randolph played upright bass and contributed several great compositions. He has a reputation for writing, teaching and performing, plus a stack of CDs to show for it.

Guest singer, Suzanna Smith brought several of her own compositions too. She commented on how wonderful it was to have such a high caliber band backing her. Each time she plays our place she seems to get better!

We met new people in the audience and welcomed back a bunch of regular supporters. Thanks to everyone for a great event!

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