For the first time since March 2020, Flushing Town Hall will present its wildly popular, monthly Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong once again in person at the historic building on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). Learn more about some of the house jazz band members and their excitement about the return to Flushing Town Hall.
Carol Sudhalter, House Jazz Band Leader
When and how did you first get started in music?
I started playing flute in college, in my 3rd year as a biology major. I was born into a jazz family, so the notes were already inside me.
Who inspired you to become a musician? Which instruments do you play?
A lightbulb went off in my brain after a few months of therapy during college. I picked up flute, adding the saxophone some 12 years later!
Who is your favorite jazz musician?
At this moment, I will say guitarist Django Reinhart. I might change this tomorrow. So much inspiration.
When and how did you get involved with Flushing Town Hall’s Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam?
I was hired by Gabrielle Hamilton five years ago, on the recommendation of bassist/historian Clyde Bullard. in October 2016, I began leading the jam, and have been thrilled to be part of this great event ever since.
How did the pandemic impact you and your work?
This situation has expanded my mind in directions I never imagined. I acquired some skill at teaching virtually. Playing-wise, I learned how to work with sound files rather than live bands, I also got a start on some very rudimentary arranging.
What does it feel like to once again Jazz Jam in person?
It seems like an exciting prospect, but like most things these days, it’s hard to predict the rainbow of emotions until I get there!
Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I am celebrating five decades as a house to house music teacher, and have started working on a book of memories and anecdotes about this very colorful profession.
Joe Vincent Tranchina, House Jazz Band Pianist
When and how did you first get started in music?
Due to neighborhood canvassing, I had a choice between the Boy Scouts or Accordion lessons when I was 9 years old. I chose Accordion lessons. I already loved music. My 1st professional gigs started when I was 17 years old.
Who inspired you to become a musician? Which instruments do you play?
My inspiration to become a musician, specifically a jazz musician, came at 16 years old, looking for something to listen to on the radio, I came across Ella Fitzgerald, followed by John Coltrane. That experience changed my life. Piano is my main instrument. I play other keyboards as well.
Who is your favorite jazz musician
Impossible to say. Every great musician has so much to offer. As a pianist, I gravitate towards those who are both players and composers, and cross classical and jazz boundaries. Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Roger Kellaway & Clare Fischer to name a few. There are many others I love to listen to!
When and how did you get involved with Flushing Town Hall’s Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam?
I’ve been playing the Flushing Town Hall Jazz Jam since September of 2016. Carol Sudhalter asked me to be the pianist for this. It has been an amazing experience.
How did the pandemic impact you and your work?
The bottom fell out of my gigging schedule in March of 2020! Flushing Town Hall started the virtual jazz jam in April of 2020. That has been a wonderful experience. So many talented musicians have participated. I have done other virtual gigs, and video submission gigs, live streams, and both indoor and outdoor gigs as time has passed. I have also delved deeper into my recording software, and video software, learning new skills and honing others. I am eternally grateful for being able to continue working in whatever capacity necessary!
What does it feel like to once again Jazz Jam in person?
I am looking forward to once again being live at Flushing Town Hall! Can’t wait for the excitement and dynamic of live performance. Nothing can replace that!
Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I recently performed two concerts at the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival. I am about to perform at the Pershing Square Sounds series on August 17th, with my trio, and the 24th., with my wife, Gabriele Tranchina’s quartet. I have a live house concert, August 29th, with the great bassist Earl Sauls and Rick Savage on trumpet. I’ll be at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, PA, September 1st, with bassist Robert Kopec. And, back at Flushing Town Hall in person on September 8th!
Scott Newmann, House Jazz Band Drummer
When and how did you first get started in music?
I was blessed as I first started playing professionally at the age of fifteen with a guitar, bass and drums trio, playing venues and country clubs around Northeastern Oklahoma. I gained such valued experience learning songs, styles and various aspects of the music business playing for both dancers and the listening audience.
Who inspired you to become a musician? Which instruments do you play?
I always had a strong attraction to the drum set. My first drum teacher and junior high band director Kermit Tanzey was my first major influence to become a professional musician.
Who is your favorite jazz musician?
Oooo, that’s a hard one! One of my favorite jazz musicians is Thelonius Monk. I have always loved his unique style of playing and composition. His music and playing is such a beautiful meld of strong melodic and harmonic angularity and percussiveness.
When and how did you get involved with Flushing Town Hall’s Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam?
I became involved with the Flushing Town Hall Jazz Jam a couple of years ago, filling in for the original drummer Sylvia Cuenca. My treasured musical relationship with Carol Sudhalter goes back over thirty years with both big band and small group jazz playing, most of which has occurred in Queens.
How did the pandemic impact you and your work?
The pandemic did negatively affect my work load, but , like so many musicians, I also changed course and purchased recording gear and got involved with remote audio and video recording. The Flushing Town Hall Virtual Jazz Jams were a great monthly outlet to work on some of those skills.
What does it feel like to once again Jazz Jam in person?
It is going to feel great to play in person with Carol, Eric and Joe and all of the talented jam session participants again.The Jazz Jam has developed into such a community, and there is no better place to share the communal bond of music and the arts than Flushing Town Hall!
Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
One thing I am excited about is that Saxophonist Tom Christensen and I co-lead our band Spin Cycle (2014-) and we are currently putting the final touches on the band’s upcoming third release Spin Cycle III which will be getting released in early 2022.
