Karen Ponzio Photos
George Baker and Willie Moore.
After New Haven-based jazz and blues legend George Baker and Willie Moore finished the last notes of a soft and sultry version of “Never Can Say Goodbye,” Baker looked at Moore.
“Is that library music?” Baker asked. It definitely was on Wednesday, as the duo played for two hours as part of the High Noon Jazz Series at the New Haven Free Public Library.
Put together in conjunction with Blue Plate Radio Entertainment, the series has been running in the G Café part of the library on Elm Street since March 6 and will be there every Wednesday from noon until 2 p.m. through May 29.
“It’s all jazz, both duos and solo artists” said Ed Tankus, Blue Plate’s self-described “head honcho.” Tankus also books shows in New Haven at Harvest, South Bay, The Blake Hotel, and The Stack, but this was his first time booking there, though he says it has already been well received.
Librarian Colleen Lynch, who works in the Ives Squared area right outside of the café, spoke enthusiastically about the shows thus far — “it’s created a comfy vibe,” she said — as well as Ives Squared itself. Opening about 10 months ago, she said it was an “exciting new space” that featured two sections: a maker space, where patrons can use 3D printers, laser cutters, and free designer programs; and a small business section, where help with websites, marketing and business plans can be found.
“People come in, they see the café and events like this one, and they like it,” Lynch said. She also mentioned that the patio just outside the café would soon be open and they were hoping music could be listened to out there. “You’ll also be able to hear it if you’re out on the Green,” she said.
Wednesday was a glorious sunny spring day, with both the Green and the streets surrounding it filled with people making their way to and from their destinations. The library had a fairly steady crowd of people coming in and out. The sounds of Baker’s guitar and Moore’s bass could be heard even before I entered the light-filled and spacious room. There were people already there, some reading papers, some working on laptops and some there specifically to answer the call of the music. Reverend J.P. Morgan of North Haven was one of them.
George Baker
“I just happened to be here doing paperwork, and they were warming up. I heard them and knew I was in for a treat,” he said. He put his work away and came back to enjoy the show. He noted that he was a classically trained musician and also a “big jazz fan.” He had never heard either musician play before, but was instantly impressed by them.
“I play a little guitar,” he said, “but I am just amazed by the finger work going on here.”
It was hard to take your eyes off of the duo, their playing seemingly effortless yet obviously intricate, both soft and powerful. Even the children in the room took to the music, a couple of them nodding their heads along and even bouncing and dancing a bit, causing Baker and Moore as well as many in the audience to smile. When one song finished and many clapped, Baker raised his finger to his lips in a shush motion, which caused many to laugh, but then told one of the children, “yes, you can clap,” which also garnered laughs.
Willie Moore
“It’s a library, so you’re supposed to be quiet,” Moore told me with a smile during a short break. “It’s kind of challenging, but I’m enjoying it. I’m trying to mindful of somebody reading or studying.”
Moore said he had been playing with Baker in the George Baker Experience for around 17 years and with him as a duo for two years. The duo has been playing in the city regularly the past few months, including a recent set at The Blake Hotel, and also monthly at Harvest Wine Bar, where they will be playing again on May 2.
“You are not gonna find a better music scene than New Haven,” said Moore. “It’s where my heart is.”
And speaking of hearts, it is hard not to feel yours thumping just a bit harder when Baker and Moore play, from deeper bluesy takes on songs such as “House of the Rising Sun” and “Stand by Me” to their soul-stirring version of “What a Wonderful World,” which caused many to stop what they were doing and pay closer attention, and even some, including this reporter, to sing along. Even the trees on the Green seemed to be swaying along with the music. It was much different than your late evening jazz and blues blowout (which you can readily find in this city pretty much every week and weekend), but it suited the space and the springtime scene outside just perfectly. Baker said afterward that he would be playing at Cafe Nine’s jazz jam this Saturday, April 27, from 4 to 7 p.m.
“Come hear us when we can stretch out, too,” he said with a smile as he was leaving. Everyone in the café that day seemed to leave it with a smile as well.
Gina Bingham, manager of Ives Squared, summed it up nicely.
“I love it. People love it. I hope we do it forever.”
For more info on the High Noon Jazz Series please go to the Blue Plate website or the NHFPL website. For more info on George Baker and Willie Moore’s shows please visit their Facebook pages.