Quincy’s good taste

So a lot has happened since my last entry. It’s quite ironic, though, that there is a direct connection between that one and this one.

I’m back in Shanghai again (it’s Saturday morning) and have been exploring the jazz scene every time I come here. This month I had two layovers, both on Friday nights. Last Friday night I went to JZ Club.  I had been there before (in fact, I played there one Monday night with a bunch of French guys), but never on a Friday night.  It turns out, Friday night is Salsa night.

The first thing that struck me was how packed the place was.  Then I noticed a whole clique of people speaking Spanish (which turned out to be the band).  Then, I spotted the bass player – the Brazilian guy I had played with back in February at the House of Blues and Jazz.  We recognized each other and talked a bit.  Naturally, he plays this gig every Friday night.  Having heard him play before, I knew I’d be in for a treat…

I had no idea they’d be that good, though.  I’ve heard some of the best salsa bands / musicians in the whole world, both on recordings and live.  We’re not talking pseudo ‘latin jazz’ / bossa / Mexican pop / whatever.  This is the genuine article and these guys are, no kidding, world class.  I suppose, though, you might expect them to be world class given where they’re from:  Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chili, Columbia…  What you wouldn’t expect is that they’d all be here in Shanghai playing their tails off every Friday night at the local jazz club.

Needless to say, I had to come back last night for a second helping of these guys.  I got there a little earlier so I could get a table.  As packed as it was last week, it was even more packed this week.  After the first set, I think I found out why.  The Bass player (who, by now, I’ve spent a bit of time talking with) came to me and asked me if I knew who Quincy Jones is.  Yes, the Quincy Jones.  “Of course,”  I replied.  He tells me he’s coming to the club.  I don’t believe him.

So I go to the restroom (it’s a break between sets) and when I come out, there’s a little extra buzz by the bar and some bright lights by the front door.  Sure enough, here comes Quincy Jones, followed by lights, cameras, the whole thing.  So we ran into each other right about halfway down the bar (I said hi, he smiled and nodded) and I went back and sat down.  For yet another episode of ‘it’s a small world’, a different band gets up to play a couple of tunes (I’m not quite sure why, but whatever).  Anyway, turns out the drummer was the Aussie guy I mentioned in my last post (yes, three months ago).  Needless to say, after they were done, I went and said hi to him and congratulated him on getting a chance to play for Quincy. 

A few other entertaining things happened last night (the details of which might just stay in my head where they belong), but the whole evening was just amazing.  The world-class salsa band, the new friends I’ve made, Quincy…  It was a pretty surreal night here in Shanghai…

V-