Episode #58
Episode #58
Recording Date: July 28, 2013
Location: SubCat Studios
Musicians:
John Viavattine – Bass
Dave Hanlon – Drums
Donald Robinson – Keyboards
Michael Wolff – Piano
Wendell Sewell – Guitar
Gil Parris – Guitar
Songs:
Open Jam
Sugar
Mister Magic
Night and Day
Little Sunflower
Joe’s Strut
Little Suede Shoes
This episode brought us once again to beautiful Subcat Studios in Syracuse, NY…one of my favorite studios. Not only are all the guys there such a joy to work with, they consistently go the extra mile to support musicians in every way possible. No real surprise though, as they are all musicians themselves.
Musicians in this session included most who have been on the show before – along with a single, fresh new face. It also was a bit unusual in that it features various musicians playing on different tracks. Only two of them played on every track… drummer Dave Hanlon and pianist Michael Wolff. Both of them have appeared on the show multiple times in the past. Joining them were Donald Robinson on keyboards, Gil Parris on guitar, Wendell “PoPs” Sewell on guitar, and (the fresh new face) John Viavattine on bass. This is John’s first appearance on Studio Jams.
The session began with everyone simply participating in a lengthy “Open Jam” in the key of F. This allowed everyone to get used to one another musically. Michael then suggested the song “Sugar,” which came together quite nicely. Next, Donald Robinson suggested the Grover Washington classic “Mister Magic.” It was a natural suggestion coming from Donald I guess, as Donald worked closely with Grover for many, many years. While at first I thought it was a bit unusual because there was no sax in the group, guitarist Wendell Sewell covered it brilliantly.
The next two songs in the session featured Donald on acoustic piano with Michael Wolff on Fender Rhodes. First, it was Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” followed by “Little Sunflower.” Both of these were beautifully played by everyone in the studio.
The last two songs in the session featured Michael Wolff on piano, Dave Hanlon on drums and John Viavattine on bass working in a classic jazz trio format. First, they played an original blues tune of Michael’s called “Joe’s Strut.” They then closed the session with an outstanding take on Charlie Parker’s “Little Suede Shoes,” with great solos from all three of the musicians.
Another fun day at the office, for sure!
– Tom Emmi / Producer
