“Some nights are sold out, some are lighter, but the audiences is finding us,” Leonard says. Some shows have sold out the 40 or so seats. There is even a concert dedicated to the often-underestimated work of Joe Raposo, best known for his Sesame Street songs. The offerings are eclectic, though-a sizzling set of Chick Corea’s music (plus some surprises) one week, Joni Mitchell’s jazz-tinged pop another. Patton with frequent collaborator Peter Sprague and guitar virtuoso Pat Metheny. Since the Lounge is not attached to any other purpose, it is blessedly free of the clanking of food prep or the competition of noisy blenders. Having music clubs within other existing venues like hotels or restaurants brings its own headaches: music lovers will no doubt remember the harsh whirring of a Margarita being made during a ballad, or the steam of a café latte just when things were at their emotional peak in the music set. Dizzy’s, kept alive by the sheer will of musician Chuck Perrin, has lived through it all, although it’s changed venues many times, sharing space with a graphic arts studio, a culinary school, and, currently, the Musician’s Union Hall. Some that were dedicated jazz venues, like 98 Bottles, Donovan’s Circle of Fifths, Elario’s, The Crossroads, and Croce’s, evaporated. Players still find places to play, but they’re not always consistent, and they are usually tucked into hotels, restaurants, or venues with other purposes. It’s about making the communities in San Diego thrive with music and art.”įor those who were here in the ’80s, San Diego used to be a jazz town, although a lot of it at the time was fusion or smooth jazz. I’m hoping that people get inspired and do what I’m doing. “Something that people can really call home, musicians and people who support music and a listening place. “I want to try and make it long lasting,” Leonard said in a phone interview. Leonard Patton, owner and curator of the Jazz Lounge. On the night I attended with two friends in tow, Leonard showed us to our seats, made sure we had water, and ran the sound board as well as took a few turns as vocalist with a band created to pay tribute to keyboard legend Chick Corea. His wife, Jerusha, and his three kids are part of this endeavor too, so it’s definitely a family affair. What’s inside is the dream of San Diego jazz legend and world-renowned vocalist Leonard Patton, but it’s not just his dream. Once inside, you’ll be amazed, so find the courage. The large picture window is cloaked in black velvet curtains it’s tough to peer through the door, so you have to muster some courage and just open it. If you’re not determined and confident, you may think it’s closed. You’ve stumbled upon a secret world of rare beauty and other-worldly tunes. And you’ve come to just the right place, traveler. It’s tucked between small restaurants and salons in an urban college neighborhood better known for auto repair shops and liquor stores.But if you are a jazz lover or a seeker of such earthly delights as virtuoso piano notes or filigreed percussion work spiced with the low-bass bowing of a wooden upright bass, you may hear it before you see it. Like the lantern, the club is a golden glow in the dark. The Jazz Looking for the Jazz Lounge is a bit like looking for the lantern at the back of the wardrobe in Narnia-you’re not sure if it’s really there or you dreamed it.
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