November 2001

Musicians' Ombudsman
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By George Carroll

My question is: Is there anyone who 'live in the flesh' Lennie Sogoloff doesn't know? When I interviewed him, the phone rang. It was world famous tap dancer, "Jimmy Slide." They kibbitz a bit & Lennie tells Slide that he's being interviewed. Slide asks Lennie to tell me: "There's no clubs like Lennie's anymore.'' It's true! Lennie Sogoloff, of "Lennie's On The Turnpike" fame did it all. He booked his club, he served his booze and food, he created ads to enhance the club's momentum. And, he had to be innovative!

The club opened in 1951 and closed in 1972. From 1962 on, the emphasis was jazz and variety. In the interim, he created a club with a special form of intimacy for players to exploit and offer their creative talents. Tens of thousands rallied to the call. From Basie, Duke, Dizzy, Buddy Rich, Kenton, Woody, Cannonball, Zoot, Sonny Stitt, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Roy Eldridge.....and, to those to whom he gave their first start, including Jay Leno, Bette Midler, George Benson, Roberta Flack, Kris Kristofferson, Seatrain, Hugh Masekela and O.C. Smith, Lennie's became the precursor of what we today call a 'jazz club.' During Sogoloff's era, jazz history was certainly created. An affable, relaxed, warm and 'my life is fulfilled' Lennie Sogoloff spoke almost religiously about the musical giants who graced his beloved club. It was inevitable that Sogoloff would become a nightclub impresario, as in his own words: "I acquired the taste for nightclub life early after my tour of service. My stint as a waiter gave me my initiation. Plus, I've always instinctively understood jazz. Jazz may seem complex, but I've always felt it emotionally. I had a minimum of problems relating to artists, managers, agencies, etc. I've never had problems filling my club with legends. I'm not shy.'' (This is a guy who truly loves jazz, while being a club owner.....an anomally indeed!) Sogoloff assured me that jazz is healthier today. "There's more to be heard on radio and TV. We're lucky to have clubs like the Regattabar and Sculler's (Boston).

It's a ray of sunshine that Sculler's is getting even bigger. Berklee College is strong. The whole aura of jazz is as good as it's ever been. I remember going to hear Phil Woods recently at the Regattabar on a thursday night, and it was 98% filled. That was gratifying. However, I've got an ax to grind with clubs who compromise their sight lines. They should elevate their bandstands so that guests can see the musicians from any angle. Another plus might be the use of an MC to intro the acts instead of an impersonal off stage voice. That went out with burlesque. Still, I'm grateful to be able to enjoy venues like this to hear world class music and jazz. Many of the veterans who helped keep my club integral still have viable acts even today, people like Joe Bucci, Dick Creedon, Al Vega, Mae Arnette, Bob Bachelder, etc.'' Lastly, Sogoloff poignantly recalled his deceased alter ego and club manager Joe Baptista. "Joe was a man who understood staging and sound for maximum effect. He cut his teeth at my club and later carved out a lucrative career as site coordinator for such acts as: The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson." Jazz lives on as well as through Lennie Sogoloff, reflecting his effect on the history of jazz past and present. We are so blessed.