By Sarah
November 21, 2008
Jazz by definition: has a "special relationship to time, defined as swing," "a spontaneity and vitality of musical production in which improvisation plays a role." Orgy by definition: any actions or proceedings marked by unbridled indulgence of passions. This, in very brief terms, describes what you experience when you listen to Jazz Orgy perform. When I walked into the lounge, at Nakashima that night, I immediately got the sense that I'd walked into a hip Chicago blues bar or swank nightclub. The atmosphere was warm with perfect lighting and plenty of comfortable booths. There was a nice buzz among the crowd, but it was definitely the music that tied it all together. These three ultra-talented professional musicians, Mike Underwood, drums, Andy Mertens, bass, and special guest member, Sly Joe Syzelia, keyboard/lead vocals, played sets effortlessly weaving in and out of musical genres all under the guise of "jazz." We couldn't have been more delighted hearing songs from Alicia Keyes, Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, and oh yes, even some Journey. There was silly fun too with "Wipe Out," the theme from Charlie Brown and random show tunes. Sly Joe has a vocal sound all his own, but I would venture to say he has some likeness to Jack Johnson, Harry Connick Jr. and even a little Burt Bacharach. Taking all this in, Jazz Orgy puts together a show that truly lives up to it's "definition," improvisational, unbridled musical passion and just a whole lot of fun. So, when you go to hear Jazz Orgy, check your pre-conceived notions about jazz at the door, they just don't apply.
