One thing I am learning about the joy of adventures, they are a mystery. You definitely do not know how they are going to turn out. In fact, anything good or bad can happen, and it’s usually the last thing you would expect.
As part of my birthday celebration week, Sherry booked a group of friends to hear some jazz at Patrick’s Place on 151st Street in Harlem. It’s a small, intimate venue, known for really top notch music. We had never been this far north in Harlem, and the neighborhood had its own unique energy, with a bit of a friendly vibe.
You can tell how much I enjoy this music genre from the sheer number of entries in this blog that mention it. We were all excited to get together and hear some talented musicians backing up Grace Young. For this performance Norm Pors was on the keyboards, Gene Torres was on the bass guitar, Kirk Driscoll handled the drums, and the young (only 23) but talented Joshua Jennings was playing the horns. Grace’s special guest was Stephen Thomas from Trinidad (and Florida).
We had been advised that the lounge opens at 6PM and so we all arrived early to catch up before the music started, eat some food and enjoy some beverages. We were the first group to arrive, but could not go in. Grace likes to be in charge and wanted to rehearse with her musicians just a little bit more. It was a beautiful day so we did not mind standing outside and catching up. While we were out there, the entire audience arrived.
They let us in shortly after 6:30 and it turns out, there was only one server, Omar, who needed to attend to every table, deliver every drink and take every order. Instead of being first to place our orders, we were dead last.
The music began. And it was great! The night started with several instrumental sessions, lively and fun. We marveled at Gene playing his six string bass, and the amazing sounds from Joshua. Then Grace introduced Stephen who sang a couple of tunes with his “Marvin Gaye” voice before she took center stage. Grace filled the room with her presence, and it was delightful. Jazz, Soul, they played it all.
Before we knew it, the first set was over. Our conversation resumed. But our energy was less lively than before. Although we ordered appetizers and our mains over an hour ago, neither had appeared. Some of us received our drinks, but all of us were getting hungry.
The second set began with another few instrumental songs. Stephen amazed us with his version of “What You Won’t do for Love.” Grace picked up the tempo with some funk. But it is now after 8 o’clock and we’re all officially “Hangry”. Scott and I bolt out in the middle of a song to get a slice of pizza. While we are out, Grace asks where the birthday guy is, and for the second time, I am not in the room (I was in the bathroom for a moment in the first set!) She’s clearly frustrated. But she’s a professional. Our appetizers finally appear at 8:30 (more than 2 hours after we wanted them) and everyone gobbles them down. Grace comes over to flirt, and does eventually sing Happy Birthday, with a beautiful “Marilyn Monroe” smokiness. I simply loved it.
Dissonance is defined as “lack of harmony among musical notes.” That is not the discordance I am referring to. There was no musical moire that night. Only love and harmony, beautiful sounds and wonderful friends. But the late entry, which led to our delayed experience with the food – did not align with timing of the music, and became a barrier to our enjoyment. Chalk this one up to a learning experience. Next time, I’ll eat something first!