Jazz Vermont - In the Groove

...It's a beautiful night, and the weather helps ease things. The temperature is a perfect 72 degrees, and as dusk falls, a sliver of sunlight lines the peak of Mt. Killington like a halo. About 300 people are gathered on the lawn, watching the stage with aniticipation... "Ladies and gentlemen" booms the emcee over the sound system. "Give a warm welcome to the Jazz Vermont octet plus one." The band members nervously take the stage and launch into their opening number, "Nice 'N Easy" which they've rehearsed some twenty-odd times during the week...

By the time Dick stands for his tenor solo, it's obvious that he's in a groove. His eyes are closed, eyebrows wrinkled like a worried hound's, but a smooth, silky note resonates throughout his performance, revealing a confident style. He really leans back and wails. The audience responds with a burst of applause and the rest of the set is a "a piece of cake."

Afterward, the band gathers triumphantly on the patio, toasting each other's slick virtuousity. "Man, we were cooking tonight," Dick says, flushed with excitement and relief. "That last number - whoaaa baby!" A band member walks over, puts an arm around Dick's shoulder and flashes a grin. "Hey man - that was beautiful," he says. "I dig your style."




		Dick Levine is totally in the groove during the JV live show!

Dick Lavine in real life is an attorney in a 356 member Washington law firm. If you're a closet big band enthusiast, jazz lover, hepcat or a scat daddy, join the hundreds of bankers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, systems analysts, admen, teachers, dentists, architects, research scientists... who come each year to slide into a big band, nonet or septet directed and supported by professional musicians for a magical 5 1/2 days of rehearsal and clinics capped by a public concert.

For more information about Jazz Vermont, click on the About Jazz Vermont icon below.

Celebrating our 29th year!