Master jazz guitarist Jay Messer, on right, orchestrates a Youth Jazz Connection at E.B’s Restaurant in Agawam, featuring local young people. Pictured with Messer are Gus Köhlin and Gavin Kelso on Thursday night. (Photo by Lori Szepelak)
By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
AGAWAM – Jay Messer is on a crusade.
“The idea for a youth jazz workshop is something I’ve been thinking about for some time,” he said prior to the start of Thursday evening’s gig at E.B’s Restaurant on Walnut Street Extension.
Messer, a professional jazz guitarist for close to 40 years, is “saddened” by the lack of interest young people have with jazz.
“As years go by, there’s less and less interest in what I’ve spent my whole life studying and performing, especially among young people,” he said. “Jazz is one of the only art forms truly born in America.”
It is Messer’s hope with the youth jazz workshop that he can spark “some excitement” in area high school jazz band students and their friends.
Gavin Kelso, a sophomore at Westfield High School, is one of those jazz band students who was “excited” to share the stage with Messer. While Kelso played tenor saxophone, Gus Köhlin, playing an upright bass, rounded out the ensemble. Köhlin is a student at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Public Charter School in South Hadley.
“Music is my passion,” said Kelso, adding, “jazz is upbeat, fun, and changes, and you can make it your own.”
Köhlin echoed those sentiments.
“I love jazz and enjoy any opportunity to play,” he said.
E.B’s patrons were treated to songs from the Great American Songbook throughout the early evening, and shared their enthusiasm for the young people by their applause.
Among those in the audience having dinner with friends was Scott Haber, a 1985 graduate of Westfield High who also honed his musical skills on horns as part of the school band.
“Westfield High’s band is a great program,” said Haber, adding that now under the leadership of Patrick Kennedy, the program continues to excel.
“Pat knows how to teach and connects with the kids,” said Haber, adding, “he makes learning fun and challenges them on their level.”
Area high school music directors like Kennedy are encouraged to contact Messer via email at [email protected] for information on booking their musical students for the Youth Jazz Connection at E.B’s sessions.
“The connection is open to all local high schools which currently have any type of jazz element as part of its music curriculum,” said Messer.
Messer noted that students will learn more about the genre, interpreting melody and improvisation.
“They’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to play in front of a small, intimate gathering, which jazz often is,” he said.
Messer has performed Thursday nights for eight years at E.B’s. He approached Ed Borgatti, owner of the restaurant, to propose the original connection project.
“Eddie has always been a big sponsor of givebacks and community programs, especially for youth,” said Messer. “We thought this was a great way to boost awareness and interest, while teaching students and providing performance opportunities they wouldn’t ordinarily have.”
For both Köhlin and Kelso, Thursday evening was a special outing.
“I’m looking forward to a new setting and playing with new people,” said Köhlin, adding, he was interested in seeing how it would affect his playing.
For Kelso, he welcomed the chance to “improvise” with his fellow musicians.
Both Köhlin and Kelso noted that music will play a pivotal role in their future endeavors. While Köhlin has set his sights on working on a cruise ship with its house band after high school, Kelso is considering a career as a musical educator.
For Messer, both of these young men are exactly who he hopes will participate in future connection sessions and also encourage their peers.
“I hope it not only instills in them the desire to continue forward with jazz, but to persuade others to join them.”
For more information on Messer, visit www.jaymesser.com.
