Melissa Morgan with Gerald Clayton, Joe Sanders and Kevin Kanner © Glenn Mitchell

A fresh new and invigorating young talent appeared at Steamers on April 11^th. Her name is Melissa Morgan. She is a very competent vocalist with an ongoing ability to deliver her material (many tunes from the Great American Songbook) in a statuesque style, not to be equaled by some in quite a long while. She hails from New York City. Among her many studies and early career credits, in September 2004 she was named a semifinalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in Washington, DC. Judges of this event are major notable jazz luminaries.

Gerald Clayton’s trio was a marvelous backing for her wonderful show. He has steadily moved his productive career upwards and is now making his mark permanently in the jazz world. Of many accomplishments, he recently took second place in the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition. See his exciting website, one of the best I have seen: www.geraldclayton.com . Two strong sidemen rounded out the trio: Joe Sanders at the bass and Kevin Kanner on the drums.

Lauren Koval and Llew Matthews © Glenn Mitchell

Superb pianist Llew Matthews accompanies her on many of these performances as he did this particular evening of Thursday, March 15^th. Koval represents the American Popular Songbook very well and has literally hundreds of songs in her book to do – many as requests when customers ask for them. Her voice is clear, persuasive and easy to listen to. Matthews’ piano has a soft touch, and also a refreshing radiant style. He also still tours periodically with recent Grammy winner Nancy Wilson, with whom he has worked for many years.

“More and more it is obvious that the drummer is one of the era’s most imaginative jazz figures.”---Village Voice

Arts and Crafts © Andrea Canter

Matt Wilson has been collecting more than percussion instruments: His accolades include four consecutive titles as DownBeat critics’ “rising star” drummer”; “Best New Artist” by the New York Jazz Critics Circle; winner of the 2004 Modern Drummers reader’s poll; nomination as 2004 and 2006 Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Similar accolades have been heaped upon his ensembles, the Matt Wilson Quartet and his other foursome, Arts and Crafts. Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts is currently touring in support of their latest release, Scenic Route (Palmetto), including five nights at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, May 2-6. Wilson's two earlier recordings with Arts and Crafts were incendiary, and the new tour and recording only fan those flames.