By Donald True Van Deusen
Jazz clubs in Philadelphia served up a variety of jazz styles this week
to satisfy almost every taste imaginable and some that are inexplicable.
Some of the finest jazz can be found in the regular gigs that tend to go
unheralded in the major press because they are seemingly ÃÂÃÂÃÂóalways there.ÃÂÃÂÃÂò
The always exciting Bootsie Barnes Organ Trio at Ortlieb's Jazz Haus,
847 N. Third St., Philadelphia (215.922.1035) creates jam session joy from
8:30 p.m. to Midnight Wednesdays that has fans standing on their feet and
cheering wildly. Just two weeks ago, Bootsie (with organist Lucas Brown and
drummer Dan Monaghan, two of the young lions in local jazz) demonstrated
once again what a master of the tenor sax he is. He covered it all, going
everywhere from bop to blues and ballads such as a truly touching rendition
of "More Than You Know." Just a few of those cheering fans at that steaming
session included the beautiful blond vocalist Barbara Montgomery, handsome
song stylist Lou Lanza and first class alto sax man-band leader Tony
Williams.
Mr. Williams will be leading his own loyal crew through their paces at
Monday night;s regular session at LakeyÃÂÃÂÃÂùs Restaurant (215.247.5354) 8215
Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia from 5:30-9 p.m. for a $5 cover. This group
keeps jazz alive under the inspired guidance of Williams who has worked with
everyone from Dakota Staton to Wild Bill Davis.
Smooth jazz fans can stop in at Zanzibar Blue at Broad and Walnut
Streets, Philadelphia (214.732.4500), easily the most sophisticated jazz
supper club in town Friday and Saturday night had Kim Waters and Maysa at 9
and 11 p.m. for a $30 cover. Waters soprano silky-smooth soprano sax
renderings have been making their mark since 1989. Maysa, out of Baltimore,
Maryland, has worked her distinctive blues-felt stylings with such stars as
Stevie Wonder. Both have CDs that sold in the thousands to their many fans.
