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Breaking into our local jazz scene is not an easy task for anyone. There are already dozens of veteran artists based here, many of whom have established reputations not only in the Twin Cities but nationally and internationally as well. For Tommy Bruce, add to the challenge that he is starting out at an age (58) when many are considering less taxing second careers or early retirement. Further, consider the expectations that are likely to follow the brother of the late Roberta Davis and uncle of Moore By Four’s Yolanda Bruce. Yet, if his recent performance in the small bar of Three Fish in St. Louis Park is any indication, Tommy Bruce is up to the challenge.
Despite encouragement to pursue music “all my life,” it was less than a year ago that Bruce sought some training at the McPhail School for the Arts. After a performance at The Times in March, he was offered a standing gig on Friday nights at Three Fish, a couple doors down from his “day job”at Salon Intrigue. It’s not the Dakota or the Times, but it’s a golden opportunity for everyone—for Bruce to refine his craft in a low-demand, comfortable setting, and for the local TGIF crowd to become acquainted with a level of jazz seldom heard in a strip mall bar.
On a recent Friday night, Bruce provided two lush sets of mostly ballads, accompanied by Brian Fleming on keyboards. And for the most part, the playlist was not the usual barfare of overdone standards, aural wallpaper, or pop glitz, but sophisticated jazz repertoire, highlighted by several turns of Jobim, the seldom heard vocal of “Alone Together,” and stunning renditions of “All The Things You Are” and “Angel Eyes.” Boldly, given his experience, Bruce took a number of requests in his second set, with distinct echoes of Chet Baker shining through on “My Ship,” “Bewitched, ” and the inevitable “My Funny Valentine.”
Three Fish has an easily accessed location near Lake Calhoun, fresh seafood at reasonable prices, and a promising new talent in the bar every Friday night. Check out Tommy Bruce, for free—for now.
Tommy Bruce performs Friday nights from 8:30-11 pm in the bar at Three Fish, 3070 Excelsior Bvld, St. Louis Park; 612-920-2800.
News Flash! Tommy Bruce will perform at the Times Bar and Cafe, 201 E. Hennepin, at 3 PM on Sunday, May 30th. No cover.
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Monday, 13 October 2008
