Jon Cleary Brings the Flavor of New Orleans to Annapolis

When I was growing up in the 60’s it was common for many African-American families to have at least one person in the household learn to play the piano. It was a longstanding tradition that probably dates back to the days of slavery.  Our family was no different.  All of my older brothers and sisters were forced to take piano lessons.  But by the time I came along, that tradition had become a luxury reserved only for those of greater means.  And greater means was not one of our luxuries. I’ve since dabbled here and there on my little keyboard at home, but I know that I will forever be a novice, never to come anywhere close to the caliber of player that I witnessed this past Saturday night at the Ram’s Head Tavern.

Jon Cleary took the stage with his new band “Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew” and gave the audience an in-depth clinic about what New Orleans jazz is all about.  Cleary dazzled the crowd with his mastery of the blues and jazz piano, combining traditional ragtime and stride styles with updated and jazzier chord structures, elevating his style to an uncategorized place of its own.  So passionate and engaging is Cleary about his love affair with the origin of New Orleans music, he occasionally spent a few moments between songs to give the audience an engaging history lesson regarding the evolution of jazz in America, and why jazz is the great American treasure that it is.  This also gave him the opportunity to introduce his new CD, Occopella, which features the songs of Allen Toussaint, whom I consider to be one of the most underrated and under-recognized songwriters in the history of jazz/ R&B/pop music.  (Toussaint’s music has been performed and covered by scores of musical giants dating back to the early 60’s.  Google Allen Toussaint yourself and be amazed).

As impressive as his piano skills are, Jon Cleary’s ability as a vocalist is nothing to sneeze at either. Cleary delivers each song with all the versatility that jazz and blues requires. As is everything else about his music, Cleary’s voice is also what I would describe as a blend – a natural concoction of styles that somehow combines the rawness of an Otis Redding, the sensitivity of a Boz Scaggs, and the spontaneity and authenticity of a Van Morrison  - all done while not ever using the song as a prop for his voice, thereby keeping the essence of the music authentic and truly soulful.

For those of you who are familiar with the annual event in New Orleans known as Jazzfest, Jon Cleary is as well known as seafood gumbo and po' boy sandwiches.  But if you love the blues, and want to experience what truly defines the soul of New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a must-see upon making your first visit. It assuredly won’t be your last. 

G.