Larry Nozero Meets Matt Michaels Trio
BY LARS BJORN
I had the good fortune to find the time to drop by Ron's Fireside
Inn on Wednesday, January 9th, to catch two sets of Larry Nozero
with Matt Michaels Trio. The Fireside Inn has featured Michaels'
trio with various guest artists for over two years, and prior to that
the same program was held at the Botsford Inn. The Fireside is an almost
ideal location for this group. The stage is in the back of a full service
restaurant, far enough from the bar in front of the house to create
a quiet and intimate space for listening. Those who sit in the back
are there to listen to the music, and that is different from many restaurants
where jazz is presented. The food and unobtrusive service adds to the
enjoyment.
As far as the music goes, what more can I say about
Larry Nozero? His playing is always at a very high level and I never
go away disappointed. This night he played some wonderful ballads, but
"Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" was simply marvelous
in his soulful and lyrical rendition. Michaels is the quintessential
accompanist; he anticipates where the soloist is going, and there are
very few places where he has not been. His solos are fluid and his trio
very tight. Dan Jordan provides a rock-steady bass, while Jim Ryan plays
his cymbals and snare very tastefully. Each week features a different
guest with the trio. Frequent guests are George Benson, Marcus Belgrave,
Johnny Trudell, Ron Kischuk, and a number of vocalists.
The Fireside Inn is located at 28 937 W. Warren
(east of Middlebelt) in Garden City. Things get under way at 8 p.m.
on Wednesdays. Please call (734) 762-7756 for more information.
I N - T H I S - I S S U E :
1. RECORD REVIEWS 2. U-M
JAZZ FEST
3. WEMU PROGRAMMING 4. NEW
YEARS EVE
5. NOZERO / MICHAELS 6. SEMJA
CHRISTMAS
7. BOPO CUTS 8. BARRY
HARRIS
-HOME
