Hope you didn’t miss the Miles Tribute last week. James Suggs and the band played to a sold-out Side Door

Trumpeter James Suggs brought his Miles Davis tribute to the Side Door last week. The show sold-out and the audience and the band appeared to have a great time.

 

I love Miles’ music, but I didn’t know we had so many Miles Davis fans out there.  What we do know is that after last week’s show, there are a lot more James Suggs fans around. I was lucky enough to do a song with James and Nate at the Studio Honors last Saturday night and he blew the roof off the Coliseum with his solos. The guy is making an impression in the few months he’s been in town.

 

In case you missed it, the Side Door show featured Mark Feinman, on drums, John Lamb, on bass, John O’Leary at the piano and saxman Jeremy Carter. Nate Najar sat in during the second act.

 

Suggs will be back as part of Nate’s Christmas show on Dec. 18, along with NYC sax master Harry Allen and vocalist Theo Valentine.

 

Here’s a Q & A I did with James in advance of last week’s show:

 

PalladiumPaul:  I understand you are new to the area and moved here from Argentina? Could you tell us where you are from and how your path led you to St. Petersburg?

 

James Suggs:  Yes, I was living in Argentina for the past 8 years. I returned to the States permanently about 4 months ago. The  reason I chose St. Petersburg is because many of my family members live here now. But we are originally from up north. I went to high school and college in Ohio and was born in Rochester, New York.

 

PPaul: Doing a tribute to Miles is an ambitious project for any trumpeter. Tell us a little about your inspiration for this show. Have you done it before?

 

JS: It is a challenge, but one that I love to take on. I began doing a tribute to Miles years ago in Argentina, because of my deep appreciation and respect for his music and approach. Many people have asked me if I try to copy him. First of all that would be impossible, though I would love to be able to. Secondly, I try to pay homage to his genius through my own interpretation of how his music has touched me throughout my life. Like a story that’s been passed down but made more personal with each presentation.

 

PPaul: Miles had such an amazing and varied career. What aspects are you focusing on in this show?

 

JS: In this show we will focus on his recordings with the classic quintets, mainly from the 1950’s and early 60’s. Such as Kind of Blue, Someday My Prince Will Come and Live at the Blackhawk. Some of the tunes off those albums are jazz standards, for instance by Gershwin or Berlin but we focus on his distinct approach to these, which set him apart. I think that’s important to showcase.

 

PPaul: Tell us your impressions of the St. Petersburg area jazz scene so far.

 

JS: I am very impressed by the jazz scene here. Not knowing what to expect, I thought that places like Miami or Orlando would be the only cities in Florida with this kind of talent. But I was and continue to be, blown away not only by the musicians but also the culture. The jazz legends here like John Lamb and Buster Cooper, the Al Downing Jazz Society, jam sessions, diehard audiences, great venues and great respective radio shows. Incredible. I’m looking forward to the future here.