The best music in New York City today happens in small clubs when the world’s greatest musicians take a night off from their big ticket gigs and jam for fun. I’ve written several times before about the P&G Bar on 78th and Columbus Ave. in NYC, where on most Tuesdays Jonny Rosch assembles a group of his musical friends. Last night, however, was truly exceptional.
As a non-musician, I’m always amazed when a group of people who have never played together walk into a room and, completely unrehearsed, do a set that almost lights the place on fire. Last night, Oz Noy, one of the world’s great guitarists, joined Robby Ameen on drums, Ron Jenkins on bass and Dan Cipriano on sax in Rosch’s ensemble. It was explosive—one of the best jam sessions I’ve ever witnessed.
Oz Noy is a top flight guitarist who has played with musicians ranging from Cyndi Lauper to Harry Belafonte. He is among the very best. Everyone should hear him. Enough said.
Robby Ameen is an aggressive drummer that cannot be ignored. At the P&G, he destroyed a drum head and another was sought late at night. It didn’t slow him down for a second. Ameen has played with Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Simon, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Grusion and on and on. He’s one of the best I’ve ever witnessed.
Ron Jenkins is a killer bass player. At the P&G, he played electric, taking over the stage when he and Ameen did a bass-drums duet. He has worked with Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Cher, Anita Baker, Cyndi Lauper and a whole lot more.
Dan Cipriano was Wilson Pickett’s sax player for seven years. He does a killer solo in D.A. Pennebaker’s “Only the Strong Survive.” One of the world’s best sax players, bar none.
