Le Cozy for Jazz

Jamming at Le Cozy

I finally accomplished my mission to get Jerry a gig in Carcassonne.  There is a little place right around the corner that has a jam session on Thursday nights.  This morning, as Diane and I were out running errands, I stopped by there to double check the time.  As it happened, although they weren't open then, the owner was there and invited us to step inside.  I explained that I had a friend visiting who was un pianist extraordinare....and he told me that there were some guys playing tonight and that Jerry could play when they finished. 

I got there late; Diane and Jerry were already there by 8:00 and had scoped out the place and were already on a first-name basis with Joseph, the owner.  The keyboard player is a professor, although he doesn't look a day over 14.  He was leading the guys through a lesson upstairs when I arrived.  They carted their instruments downstairs and set up--keyboard, bass,and a drum.  A guy sitting next to me at the bar, Adam, was a guitarist who had also come for the jam session.  

The group played and played well.  Some of the standards I knew; some Jerry had to tell me about.  I thought the group really gelled the further they got into the set.  Finally, they took a break.  Jerry had already talked to the keyboard player, who gave permission to use the keyboard.  

Bless Jerry's cotton-picking heart--he played Michel Legrand's What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,  maybe my favorite song ever....It was a big hit with the tiny little crowd that was there, but they recognized Michel Legrand.  Jerry earned beaucoup goodwill by choosing to play a song written by a Frenchman.

Next thing I knew, the bass player and Jerry were leafing through the "book" looking for things they both knew.  The guitarist had set up, and pretty soon the drummer was playing and it was as if Jerry belonged there. It made my heart so happy to hear him play, and to play with other good musicians.  The keyboard player/professor never did get his seat back.  

Adam, keyboard player, bass player, drummer (sigh) and Jerry

The musicians in the group spoke very, very little English.  Jerry spoke almost no French.  But there was communication going on there, believe me.  Music connects us on a visceral level.  We had a wonderful time.  That little combo will never have a more appreciative audience.

On a side note, Diane and I were so wishing that we were 25 once again.  I am completely smitten with the drummer. 

Same group as above, with Joseph, the owner, who makes it all happen