When Peter Walters gave me vague directions to The Jazz Club so I could interview James Dean Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys, ("CD release marks milestone on band's journey," East Oregonian, March 19) I felt a slight tick begin in my shoulder — but I just kind of went with it.
As I drove into the general area, I found nothing that remotely resembled a "jazz club." Luckily I had Peter's cell number with me and called him. He drove up and I followed him one block over (which, by the way was "his bad" for telling me the wrong street). As we approached The Jazz Club, I thought, "It's just an obscure door at the back end of a building."
My eyes darted around the dimly lit room, which included a black grand piano and a beautiful stand-up bass. I imagined old musicians sitting around in the dank atmosphere shooting the breeze. Peter and I talked for a little bit and then he offered to show me around.
The kitchen area was like walking into a time capsule. Small personal cabinets partially graced one wall. Some had names on them. Peter opened some of the unlocked ones to reveal bottles of various spirits, bags with items and papers.
On a bulletin board were placards announcing concerts from decades ago, newspaper clippings and photos. I leaned forward and read one that came from the police blotter indicating a guitar had been stolen from The Jazz Club. I laughed as I visualized the musicians kicking back with a drink and saying something about the bastard who stole their guitar as he affixed the clipping to the board.
Sometimes when I do stories I conduct phone interviews. Had I done this for this story I would have missed the experience.
When Kathy Aney, EO senior reporter, called yesterday to ask if I knew about any events she could cover over the weekend, I told her about the band's CD release concert. Then I told her about my experience beyond the obscure door. I suggested a story about The Jazz Club would be quite fascinating.
No comments:
Post a Comment