By Nick Catalano
In recent months, the legions of New York's rarely publicized but highly significant jazz musicians know as "side men" have finally received some attention. With the advent of Warren Leight's successful play "Side Man" and a few articles in the press, the history of these remarkable performers has suddenly poured forth and the jazz world is celebrating. Because the focus has been historical, some of the present day side men residing in Gotham have not been included in the windfall of hype, but their contribution continues to be as important as that of their forebears. Here then, briefly, is a bird's eye view of some of the Big Apples more important side men and their activities.
Saxophonist Jed Levy, a longtime side man with jazz luminaries Cedar Walton, Toots Thielemans, Kevin Mahogany and a host of others is carving out new improvisational territory these days in dual appearances with guitarist Peter Leitch. New opportunities exist for innovative improvisational roles for his instrument because no rhythm players are present. The dual is exciting and the music compelling. Lately, the performers have appeared at Zinno's but they, no doubt, will be visiting other clubs and concert venues in the fall
. First call vibraphonist Mark Josefsberg has just released a new independent CD dubbed "Threedom" featuring drummer Skip Scott and bassist Fred Berman. The session, cleverly combining standards with new compositions by Josefsberg and Berman, puts forth some new improvisational ideas and offers listeners the opportunity to hear three important side men in one excellent outing
. Phil Markowitz, a leading keyboardist/composer has also released a new CD - "Taxi Ride" on Passage records. A leading side man with jazz immortal Chet Baker, Markowitz, has also performed with Toots Thielemans (featured on "Taxi Ride") a host of leading jazz vocalists, and other jazz stars. His composition "Sno' Peas" recorded by Bill Evans was nominated for a Grammy.
On occasion, side men pool their resources, form a recording group and share in whatever critical attention the music receives. "Three Windows" is both the title of a jazz group and Mothlight CD featuring the talents of pianist Tom Kohl, bassist Stephen Roane, and drummer Gerry Fitzgerald. The album contains arrangements of new standards and original pennings by the trio. It features accessible sound with innovative improvisation.
New York City has become the home of dozens of talented musicians and composers from Brazil. Some of the best - Duduka da Fonseca, Guilherme Franco, Cyro Baptista and many others appear with Pe De Boi, a samba band that has performed in New York since 1980. The band has just released a new CD "Pe De Boi: Power Samba Band" for Arkadia records. Here again, listeners can hear leading side men pooling their talent in a session that really cooks
. Saxist Ralph LaLama and drummer Dennis Chambers continue their roles as outstanding side men on a new release "The Greg Hatza ORGANization" starring guitarist Paul Bollenbeck with Greg Hatza on the Hammond B3. LaLama and Chambers have been first call players for years and this session will not disappoint their fans.
We have listed just a few of the hundreds of New York jazz side men and their recent work. In order to really appreciate their efforts, however, you need to catch them in a live performance at a club. That is where the side men are always stars.
