Chuck Tumlinson, reporter

The second night of the Jam session was hosted by Mike Vax and was again at the Landmark Americana Tap & Grille just down the street from the campus. Vax was first well known for his years as lead and “scream” trumpet for the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1970s. After that, he has been a fixture in San Francisco Bay area and a highly regarded jazz artist. The Rowan Faculty Combo: George Genna - piano, Douglas Mapp - bass, and Jim Miller - drums again performed most of the night. The first tune was Duke Ellington's In a Mellotone followed by Kenny Dorham's Blue Bossa. Both were exciting, energized renditions which were typical of a trumpet jam session and characterized most of the night.
The first guest was Nathan Botts, a former student of Mr. Vax and past winner of both the ITG Solo and Jazz Improvisation competitions. Botts displayed a strong command of the instrument and a jazz vocabulary in a post Miles Davis vein. Paul Tynan and Gregory Rivken followed Botts with solos showing strong modern mainstream abilities. A good collection of guests followed performing jam session staples such as I Hear a Rhapsody, Caravan, and Softly as in a Morning Sunrise. It was exciting and energizing for the audience to hear many powerful trumpet players display high register, volume, and velocity. A couple of highlights, Ceora (with board member Pat Harbison and Jim Ketch) and All The Things You Are (with a host of players including a baritone saxophonist) offered a welcome contrast. The playing and atmosphere was about relaxed tempos, a strong melodic sense, and harmonic command.

Once again, the Late Night Jam Session offered a rousing conclusion to the second day of the conference. It was a great experience for performers and audience alike.