Please join us on Wednesday, September 29th at 7:30PM when acclaimed musician and composer, Jerry Weldon brings his swinging saxophone to Wilfs! (Jerry is also playing the night before at the Schnitz with Harry Connick, Jr. as part of his West Coast tour.)
“A thoughtful soloist whose subtle swing has plenty of fiber” is how Ira Gitler described tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz. A native New Yorker, the tenorman is a veteran of the New York Jazz Scene, his résumé reading like a virtual “Who’s Who of Jazz.”
Jerry has worked and recorded with organists Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, Bobby Forrester, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Mel Rhyne, trombone great Al Grey, piano giantsGeorge Cables and Cedar Walton, drum legends Roy Haynes and Jimmy Cobb as well as guitarist/singer George Benson, guitarist Earl Klugh, bassist Keter Betts and singer Mel Tormé.
Weldon is a bandleader in his own right, leading ensembles at many of New York’s jazz clubs and at jazz festivals around the U.S. He has recorded several albums under his own name, among them, “Head To Head,” a swinging two-tenor date with Michael Karn on the Criss Cross Jazz label “Midtown Blues,” a rousing quintet with long time collaborator Joe Mags (Magnarelli) recorded live at Fat Tuesdays in NYC, and two hard-swinging dates with the late, great organist, Jerry’s long-time pal, Bobby Forrester.
Learn more at his website: www.jerryweldon.com
Jerry was in great form.. melodic and driving and Ron Steen’s trio played especially well. Ron was gracious in calling Dick Berk to sit at the drum kit for several spirited numbers. During another part of the program, Ron had a woman sing a Gershwin tune for the first time publicly. The young woman faltered, but Ron and Jerry couldn’t have been more supportive in helping her get through “Someone to Watch Over Me.” A lovely night and great entertainment.