Last night I stopped by Watel's World Piece Cafe for the Big Band Jazz Dinner, an affair that's become a tradition every last Sunday of the month. I didn't know what to expect and to be honest, most of my being was preparing for a clumsy mishmash of instruments. Let's just say when I hear "sixteen piece band", my piano lesson years as a child flash back and earsplitting duets begin to go on repeat in my head.
Suddenly, the music began and I was transported into the towering twenties. The front door opened and a breeze waltzed through the restaurant. The warm spring air swept me into The Great Gatsby and I half imagined my dapper daddy, Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby, decked out in a cream suit, walking toward me with a mint julep. It was the cat's meow.
A long, narrow table in the center of the restaurant was filled with one large party - all laughing, clanking wine glasses over otherworldly delights amidst the soothing, buttery sound of music. Other tables were filled with feelgood foursomes and tender twosomes. There wasn't an empty seat in the house.
The overall experience was highly unique. The sixteen piece band sits in three rows along the front wall of the small restaurant which used to be the garage door of an automotive shop, now nearly all windows. The sound, as you can hear from the below audio clip, is not overwhelming. I can think of more than a handful of dining with live music experiences where you can throw speaking to your companions out the door. I'm happy to say that this is not one of those.
Now that you've got a healthy dose of what it's like, go try it out for yourself Sunday, April 28th. Next up? April 10th at World Piece Cafe is the ROLLING BEATLES unplugged aka an acoustic trio plays jazz arrangements of Beatles and Stones featuring the marvelous guitarist Sam Walker. Reservations required (214.720.0323)! Music starts at 8:30pm with dinner at your choice of time. And how!
The Shelly Carroll Brad Leali Big Band featuring Sandra Kaye on vocals!
