TexasHotJazz.com

Sometimes magic just happens. For instance, at the Tons Of Fun Jazz Jam last week, there was a new face sitting with some of the regulars fans. During a lull in the festivities, one of the fans motioned me over and indicated the new face - “She sings and she’s good!”

 

I didn’t know what to expect, but one of the main purposes of the Jam is for musicians to have fun and meet other musicians. After a bit of discussion about tunes and keys the new face was up with the band and we kicked off a tune.

 

I want to tell you, there is good, and there is GOOD. This gal was even better than that! She is a pro from the word go. Before the evening was over she was trading scat licks with the band on every tune. All we had to do was toss the mike to her and the music kicked up two or three notches.

 

Afterwards we talked a bit. Her name is Mary Baker and she recently moved here from Phoenix where she had her own group. There are lots of “chick singers” but Mary is a musician in CAPITAL LETTERS.

 

Tom Griffith has arranged for several of us to play at the Trinity Lutheran nursing home the following Sunday. Obie Jones was a musician in Austin and Tom had played with his band years ago. Every now and again Obie comes to the jam session to listen. His health is not the best so Tom arranged for us to play a special concert at the nursing home where Obie resides.

 

I called Tom and told him about Mary, and after a short discussion, called Mary and asked if she would like to join us at the nursing home. She agreed. Let me tell you, this was a hot gig! When you put talent like Tom and Mary together on the same bandstand – watch out.  I wish that all of you had been there to hear what happened.

 

I don’t know where or when we will get together again, but when we do I will let you know. Believe me; you do not want to miss a chance to hear Mary Baker sing.

 

THJ