July 11th, 2009
The day was gorgeous – sun was shining and blazing for a change and rightfully so. With the jazzy sounds emanating from the speakers in Sucre Jazz Café’s backyard luring you in, it was hard to pass by the quaint café without feeding your curiosity. Once you walk through the doors, you realize there is more that unfolds beyond the first step. The front is the café, where food is sold and you can sit and enjoy. The middle is more like a lounge, where you can sit and relax on sofas and the backyard, is a comfortable oasis in the middle of Brooklyn. The festivities today took place in the backyard, with the succulent BBQ ribs on grill. According to one patron, “this is the most succulent tasting BBQ I have had since I left Oklahoma!” We were apparently in the spot to be. And the bonus: the jazz seeped into everyone’s soul with every note from Scotty Barnhart’s albumSay It Plain.
It wouldn’t be over the top to say, listening to anything else would have taken away from the magic of the day. Scotty Barnhart is not only an amazing artist, but he is also a Professor of Jazz at Florida State University. Not to mention, he has performed with a diverse set of artists from Frank Sinatra to Wynton Marsalis. Say It Plainis a lush album with jazz favorites such as Coltrane’s easily identifiable “Giant Steps” and the memorable track “Young At Heart.” Scotty’s tracks, such as “Say It Plain” and “Con Alma” featuring Wynton Marsalis, blend in seamlessly with the recognized tracks. He makes them his own, meticulously handling each composition the only way he knows how. Encompassing the passion and verve of jazz greats like the aforementioned John Coltrane and Freddie Hubbard, Scotty Barnhart’s album is a testament for true jazz aficionados.
Nothing makes the whole experience even sweeter, than when the artist is down to earth and willing to answer questions. Scotty talked about his love for LA, the different guest contributors to the album and his show Saturday night that took place at The Blue Note. The other exciting aspect of the day was the amazing turn out and the who’s who, that came through. From producer extraordinaire Keith Shocklee, author of Put Your Dreams First Thembisa S. Mshaka and DJ Domewrecka – there was a mélange of DJ’s, VP’s and producers who came through to show their support. It was a beautiful jazzy day that was celebrated in Brooklyn today. Bill Cosby’s quote in the inside of Scotty’s album says it all: “Scotty Barnhart’s soulful work combines a mastery of tradition with vibrant originality. I love it.” I do too Bill, I do too.
