Our man in NYC 5b

CJ Intern's NYC Adventures Part 5a, as we reach an end (for this visit)

By Jeremy Tsuei

Tuesday again - Neal Caine and friends at Bemelman's Bar

And here's a little epilogue - my own "Scouring of the Shire," if you will. And just as necessary for the real fans out there. I'd been missing Neal's gigs in towns due to various reasons - including a double booking at the venue, clashes with other gigs, and then a clash with my flight out of town. But Neal told me about this one after our last lesson, noting the caveats of its venue, Bemelman's Bar, being on the other side of town and not being a real "jazz club" per se. But, still buzzed after the McBride gig, and for my last night in New York City, I thought "what the heck," and made the trip over.

A software engineer, an old friend from out town, a finance worker, and aspiring jazz musician from Australia walk into a bar... sounds like the beginning of a potentially overcomplicated joke. Nonetheless, this was the start of this portion of the night, when three drinking buddies floated the idea to me that waiting in line for table for four would be easier than waiting for a table for three. Now, I would generally advise being cautious of strangers, but with these fellows the vibe ended up being very wholesome. They only interacted with me in public spaces, didn't deliver my drinks (they did buy them though!), and all left the venue well before I did. So a party of three drinking buddies became a party of four drinking buddies, and I learnt a bit about the venue (located in the historic Carlyle Hotel, which came straight out of half a century ago or more), learnt some drinking tips and even received some snippets of general life advice. What a way to go for a triumphant hurrah!

The music, featuring Neal on bass alongside a pianist/vocalist and guitarist, was intended to be background music, and the venue was crowded and noisy. But the feel was swinging and the arrangements were solid. Having learned from Neal over the course of a few lessons, I've been able to pick up on key aspects of his approach and philosophy: Be self-aware. Outline the sound of the chord. Play good notes and don't settle for being a good imitation of someone else. These aspects, despite the din of the bar, were well on display. Good music insists on itself, even when surrounding noise otherwise conspires to drown it out. 

NYC - Some closing reflections 

Things I'd like less of:

• Taking the wrong train when getting to lessons (sorry once again for being late, Matt!)
• Sharing the same hostel with an assassin making national and international headlines (yes, I was staying at the HI Hostel on 103rd and Amsterdam Ave, the same place that Luigi Mangione was allegedly staying at during his time in NYC)
• Playing tunes I don't know (learn your lesson, Tsuei!)

Things I'd like more of:

• Seeing my heroes (I missed Ron Carter, Brad Mehldau, Jack DeJohnette...)
• Trading Instagram handles (this platform's currency over here!)
• Ear and piano app skills (so I can consistently practice without my bass) 

Things I'm satisfied with:

• Making music 
• Making friends
• Being part of this city for three weeks

And, for now, Jeremy the CJ Intern - signing out. 

Jeremy, thanks for the reports and pics.  Well done.  A fabulous and enviable jazz trip.  Brings back memories for me and many of us.  Eric