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The following story on a popular Fort Worth nightclub appeared in the
June 2005 issue of Fort Worth Texas Magazine, p. 43-46
Story by DANIEL C. BARTEL
Photography by JEREMY ENLOW
A brisk music jumps out of an underground club in downtown Fort Worth,
a hurried rhythm that seems to trip over itself and land with grace.
Note by note, it draws you in closer: the organic sound of jazz.
Sunday night at the Black Dog Tavern, 903 Throckmorton St., creates
a spell all it own through the talk, the laughter, the perfume, the smoke,
the beer and sweat all simmering like a stew on a restaurant range brought
to a sustained moment of bliss through the tenders and accents of musical
instruments.
Musicians who play there never rehearse. Often times,
they’ve
never met prior to playing. Music just comes as it comes – in the
moment, on the spot.
“There’s always that element of risk involved, which is
nice,” Joey Carter, vibraphone player said.
Since 1997, musicians have gathered for jam sessions
at the Black Dog to kick back, improvise and have fun. This gig isn’t about the
money – it’s about freedom, it’s about risk and reward,
about finding a common ground.
“It’s the one gig a week where we’re not taking anyone’s
orders. It’s our chance to relax,” Dave Carnes, a jazz drummer,
said.
It seemed odd to hold a late night jazz line up on Sunday evenings when
most people are interested in getting to bed early. Michael Pellechia,
who founded the group, knew the audience was out there. They, as much
as the musicians, just needed a place to congregate and socialize, he
said
And audiences have responded. Each Sunday evening, the tavern is filled
to capacity with college kids, downtown professionals and live music
fans who bring their friends, roommates and significant others along
to listen.
“People always need one last place to have fun before their week
starts,” Pellechia said.
Pellechia, like most of the jam session regulars, was classically trained
and has worked as a freelance musician and instructor around the Metroplex
for decades. Several session members are University of North Texas jazz
school graduates. Others are products of East coast music conservatories.
This past spring, however, Pellechia, who plays clarinet and flute,
stepped down as session leader and appointed Carnes to take over. Pellechia
said he was leaving Fort Worth to be closer to family in his home state
of New Hampshire.
In those eight years, jam sessions survived for consecutive
Sundays without very much direction, led mostly by the musicians’ love
for the music and desire to show up, Pellechia said.
“Sometimes I scratch my head and wonder how it’s lasted
so long,” he said, jokingly.
Jam sessions occurred through a chance encounter
between Pellechia and Black Dog’s owner, Tad Gaither, in mid-1997.
Gaither had bought the site of the old Blarney Stone, which had vacated
the space and moved to another location. Gaither intended to create
a cozy neighborhood pub but had no intention of featuring live music.
Gaither liked the idea of a jam session and in October 1997 Pellechia
and other musicians moved in and setup for Sunday nights. Starting out
was tough at first. For the first six months, session members played
to a tavern that was mostly empty.
Eventually, word of the group began to spread among downtown locals
looking for a classy, late nightspot to chill. The notion of musicians
giving away jazz for free also attracted the local college scene. The
venue has since turned into a nest for Fort Worth night owls. Even now,
some patrons stay up for jam sessions that go past 2 a.m.
“It tends to draw a wide variety of people,” said
Dana Sudborough, who also sits in on vibes.
As part of the freewheeling musical line-up, session members allow musical
passersby to sit in.
But for those Charlie Parker try-hards out there,
be warned. This is no open mike night. Black Dog members are pit bulls
when it comes to quality control. Session members play the classics
of the swing and be-bop eras. Those who don’t know the essentials usually don’t
get to play.
“If a guy walks up and say he ‘just wants to jam’ and
doesn’t know any specific tunes, that usually sends up a flag,” Carnes
said.
Musicians who play the Black Dog weekly said they’ve seen their
own abilities improve. Playing week after week strengthens one’s “jazz
chops,” helping his or her skills stay strong and the art form
stay vibrant and alive, Carter said.
“You only learn what works when you do it in front of people,” he
said.
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