100 South Mill Avenue

The latest from Woody, Roy and Stu:

Hi, Friends of JAMN Jazz:
Our last show with Margo Reed and the Joel Robins Quartet was exceptional, to say the least. This was Margo’s third appearance at Monti’s Back Door since she opened the room in July, and it’s always inspiring to witness the joyful, musical connection this diminutive woman makes with the people who adore her. The jazz last Monday night was literally world class; a moment in time when you just shake your head and marvel at the remarkable musicianship we are blessed in the Valley. Joel Robins, Ted Sistrunk, Todd Chuba and Jerry Donato were in awesome form. Jerry Donato’s sax play was eye-popping; people simply couldn’t believe what they were seeing and hearing. And at the end of the evening, everyone was on their feet applauding, shouting, whistling and imploring for one last tune from this band of incredible musicians. Thank you, Margo, et al for one of our best shows yet!
We have several new bookings in November and December, including Alice Tatum (Nov. 19th) and Blaise Lantana (Dec. 10). As many of you know, seeing Alice Tatum perform these days is a rare event. We are extremely fortunate that she has agreed to play the Back Door with her Quintet, which includes husband and drummer ,Todd Chuba. And we have KJZZ’s jazz diva, Blaise Lantana and her quartet, coming in December for a Celebration of KJZZ. We should note here that we will NOT be doing shows on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which both fall on a Monday this year.
Our next show will be the Carole Pellatt Quintet, which will include Dom Moio on drums, percussionist, Joe Garcia, Bob Lashier on bass and the inimitable Jerry Donato on reeds. This is Carole’s first appearance at the Back Door, so come out, bring a friend and make her feel welcome.
Here’s the complete lineup for the rest of the year. Mark your calendars and support jazz on Mill Avenue.

Oct. 15 — Carole Pellatt Quintet
A colorful blend of music that allows guitarist Carole Pellatt’s groups to play many different venues from The Phoenix Art Museum to the blues/rock of the The Rhythm Room. Carole’s career has been a diverse tapestry of guitar styles and playing situations. From rock lead guitar to fingerstyle solo guitar, she’s traveled all over the U.S.playing with various artists. In Phoenix she’s been involved in studio recording, backing up touring acts, broadway shows, concerts and club dates. Joining her will be Dom Moio on drums, Joe Garcia, percussionist, Bob Lashier on bass and Jerry Donato on reeds.

Oct. 22 — The Charles Lewis Quintet
A jazz pianist extraordinaire who has entertained jazz audiences in the Valley since the ’60s. Charles and his quintet have been recipients of many grants to perform throughout Arizona and the United States. He has served on the Musical Advisory Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Arizona Commission on the arts. One of the Valley’s great jazz treasures and a member of the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Oct. 29 — CD Release Party for the Jeff Libman Trio
This will be a fabulous show featuring Jeff Libman on guitar, Shaun Lowecki on drums and ASU’s Mike Kocour on Hammond B-3. This is a show not to be missed simply to see Mike Kocour the HB3 (if we can get it through the door). Michael Kocour is an Associate Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies at ASU. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz”, Kocour has performed at venues around the world. Among the many artists and ensembles with whom he has appeared are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana, Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin and the Chicago Symphony.

Nov. 5 — Armand Boatman & The Bebop Revolution
What an amazing group this is! Their last show was the buzz on Mill Avenue for days afterwards. The Bebop Revolution is Fred Forney on trumpet, Jerry Donato, tenor sax, and drummer Dom Moio. Simply world class jazz…don’t miss it.

Nov. 12 — The Sherry Roberson Trio
Well-known Valley chanteuse Sherry Roberson will appear with her acclaimed trio. This is her first appearance at the Back Door and we expect SRO. Sherry, along with Margo Reed, Delphine Cortez and Nancy Gee, are the Valley’s Famous Four Divas of Jazz.

Nov. 19 — The Alice Tatum Quintet
Many of us recall when Alice Tatum and her band was a fixture on the Valley nightlife scene. To see and hear her with some of the Valley’s best musicians was unforgettable. Like a UFO sighting, she can occassionally be seen around the Valley, but not for long. We wanted our JAMN fans to get a taste of what jazz on Mill Avenue used to be when Alice Tatum was the queen of Tempe nightlife and Chuy’s was our primo venue. Don’t miss this one!

Nov. 26 — Nancy Gee Trio
If you missed Nancy’s appearance this summer, here’s your chance to catch her again. She packed the house last time and gave a truly inspiring performance. Arrive a little early; this is an SRO show.

Dec. 3 — ASU Jazz Nite/ASU Concert Jazz Band and others
If you like Big Band charts, this will be the show for you. Mike Kocour, world reknown keyboardist and ASU jazz guru is pulling out the stops to bring the best the brightest of his ASU jazz program to the Back Door. This will be a swingin’ night!

Dec. 10 — Blaise Lantana Quartet KJZZ Party
KJZZ jazz diva, Blaise Lantana and her quartet will debut at the Back Door for a show billed as a Celebration of the Valley’s Jazz Station — KJZZ. More to come on this date later. And, if you haven’t made your contribution to KJZZ during pledge week (Oct. 11-16), do it now…call 480. 834.5627.

Dec. 17 — The Phoenix Jazz Workshop/Holiday Party
This will be our last show of the year at Monti’s Back Door and we intend to make it a grand holiday finale. Phoenix Jazz Workshop consists of Bryon Ruth, tenor sax, Scott Zimmer, alto and soprano saxes, Rachel Eckroth, keyboards, Rob Moore on rums and Ted Sistrunk on upright bass. More to come on this event in November.

As always, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our JAMN Jazz Series at Monti’s Back Door…KJZZ, Monti’s, the Downtown Tempe Community, Jazz in AZ, the Arizona Republic, the Tempe Town News and EV Tribune. Thanks to all for getting the word out and supporting jazz in the Mill Avenue District.
One of the things we have tried to do is listen to you, our customers, about what you want. So, we have a new, improved menu for the Back Door, which has more items. Monti’s has been good enough to provide the appetizers and we are asking you to support Monti’s by having a bite to eat from our new menu. Every salad or sandwich you order goes to perpetuating the art of jazz in Tempe.
Shows start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Monti’s Back Door is in the rear of Monti’s Case Vieja, 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. For information on dates, call 480.345.2392.

Best Regards,
Stu, Roy and Woody
JAMN