The Musical Legacy of the Monday Nite Texas Jazz Jam

The Musical Legacy of the
Monday Nite Texas Jazz Jam
The Original Monday Nite Jazz Jam has a sixty (60) year tradition on the
Houston music scene. Originally set in motion by Vi and Johnny Williams, jazz
legend and bassist, at the J & V Lounge” in the heart of old 3rd Ward ,
Houston. Jazz artists like vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, Texas tenor Arnett
Cobb, pianist Sammy Price, sax men David "Fathead" Newman, Don
Wilkerson, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, vocalist Lil' Esther Phillips, drummer
Ben "Scatman" Turner and many others joined in these weekly musical affairs.
Monday night was the night that Barbers, Beauticians…. …Waiters and
Musicians were off from work, it was know as "Industry Nite"and they would all
meet up to experience this phenomenal jazz happening. Groups of musicians
would gather to do jam sessions, that later became know as “Cutting
Sessions”!!! Of course the exciting performances drew crowds from all around.
In later years saxophonist Sylvester ”Stank” LeBlanc and the group “5th Ward
Express” continued the tradition at a small nite spot on the the northside called
Pecko's. Pecko's was owned & managed by record producer and music mogul,
Don Roby of the famous Duke/Peacock Records. This band included legendary
guitarist Clarence Holliman, trumpeter Pat Williams and trombonist Al
Jones. Monday became the nite that musicians came out to polish their chops
and just be a part of some of the best live music in Houston.
Many times musicians would compete in solos to see who could blow the other
musician off the stage!!! Competitions became so great and the music so good
that audiences and musicians began to flock to the club to experience these
dynamic affairs. The Monday Nite Jazz Jam quickly became the place to be!
The 5th Ward Express’s fame, soon outgrew the club and the Monday Nite Jam
session moved to Mingo's. It was then taken over 3 years later by Cornetist and
Vocalist Leo “The Voice” Polk, who enlisted bassist Adrian Clark, Drummer
Tracey Shivers, Pianist John Torres and one of the early Monday Nite Band
members, trombonist Al Jones, who can still be seen at the Jam sessions
today. This beautiful collaboration continued for thirteen (13) years with Leo at
the helm. Over the years the band included Bass players Jelando Johnson,
David Craig, Pianists Liz Mendez “The Salsa Queen”, the great Charles
Rhineheart and Phil Blackman, Drummers Carl Lott Jr. & Father Dr. Carl Lott,
Sr. along with Sam Dinkins, a New York transplant who was a big part of the
growth in the 90s. Many of those musicians have gone on with major Acts
and/or created their own ensembles.
The Monday Nite Jazz Jam has drawn musicians from around the city and many
legendary giants of the industry from around the world. Artists like Jazz vocalist
Betty Carter, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Ronnie Laws, Randy Weston,
Johnny O'Neal have all made the trek to Houston to participate in these Jam
sessions. Even, The Houston Ballet’s principal Dancer, Lauren Anderson has
displayed her wares on Monday Nite. Along with other Houston greats, vocalist
Anita Moore of the Duke Elllington Orchestra, trumpeter Jay Berg( who
replaced Miles Davis in the Charlie Parker band in 1946), “Texas Tenor” Arnett
Cobb, saxophonist Jimmy Ford, Down Beat Magazine's "Musician of the Year"
drummer G.T. Hogan, vibraphonist Harry Sheppard (of Billie Holiday fame),
music professor Conrad Johnson and many other legendary musicians have all
been a part of this famous “Houston Music Tradition”.
One very positive aspect of these Jam sessions brings music students and young
horn players out to test their skills. Being in such a strong musical environment
has encouraged many of them to continue their careers in the music
industry. The Monday Nite Jazz Jam is not only an event to enjoy, but also a
place to learn. These Jam sessions had been held at “The Ebony”, “Sonoma”,
"Cezannes", "The Red Cat" but have showcased at other venues with great
reviews and is now being played out weekly at Phil and Derek's Restaurant &
Wine Bar, in the River Oaks area.
With the lost of most recent show host, Jazz vocalist, Carol Sanders, who carried
the show for many of its recent years with veteran trumpeter, Nelson Mills, III,
the Jam sessions continue to attract the best of the best. Carol's phenomenal
“Straight No Chaser” Jazz Ensemble features the incredible Robert Sanders on
piano and bloch flute, Houston Symphony’s upright string bassist Dr. Lex Valk,
Dr. Carl Lott on drums, percussionist Doc Como and "Special" guest artists
each week from around the world.
Carol Sanders added a new element to these performances by enlisting the aid of
entertainment photographer T.R. Reed to showcase rare and classic film footage
with photos and films from the "Golden Era of Jazz & Tap" at the jam
session!!!
You can experience this sensational musical affair every Monday Nite, at Phil &
Derek's Restaurant with guest artists and audiences literally from around
the world. Where even today the fantastic music competitions will continue to
bring the hottest musicians from everywhere to shine in the light of………….
Monday Nite!!!”
"Phil & Derek's Jazz Cafe" has a great music room that creates the perfect
atmosphere for this dynamic music and film showcase that is a Houston Music
Tradition!!!

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