In “Farm Fresh Jazz (notes from a saxophonist)” Penelope Keep ’28 offers readers a bi-weekly backstage pass to the Stanford jazz scene. Each edition gives readers her take on the latest jazz events she’s attended or participated in, plus a preview of what’s coming up next.
Before we dive in, here’s a little bit about me as a columnist: first off, I love jazz. Be it listening, performing, jamming or even practicing, I’m always up for anything jazz-related. As a saxophonist, I’m involved with the Stanford Jazz Orchestra (SJO), a few student bands (including Marmalade) and jazz combos. You’ll often find me at jam sessions around campus as well. I see this column as my soapbox for sharing something I love, while also keeping you in the loop on the latest jazz-related happenings here at Stanford. Without further ado, here’s this week’s article!
Looking Back: Jazz Night at Kairos
As some of you may know, the Kairos hosted an installation of its Jazz Night tradition last Friday, Feb. 7. The event kicked off at 8:30 p.m. with a jazz-pop fusion set by Marmalade, followed by an open jam session that lasted until well past midnight.
The evening’s atmosphere was warm and inviting, setting a lovely tone for the music ahead. Faux candles flickered on cloth-covered tables, while purple and red lights cast a moody glow about the room, conjuring up the feel of an underground jazz club. The event was well-attended yet still maintained an intimate feel, and while there was no official dress code, many guests opted for cocktail-inspired attire. As the music began, a charcuterie spread was set up at the back of the common area, featuring an assortment of crackers, cheese, meats, drinks and of course, “jams of all kinds,” as the Kairos advertisement quipped.
By around 9 p.m., the jam session was in full swing. Groups of varying styles and instrumentations took the stage to play everything from a spontaneously harmonized vocal duet rendition of “Dream A Little Dream of Me” to Roy Hargrove’s jam session classic, “Strasbourg St Denis.” At one point, we even took a detour from jazz with a cover of “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.” It was less a performance and more a vibrant, off-the cuff exchange of creativity and remarkable originality, despite the familiarity of the repertoire — honestly, one of the better jam sessions I’ve been part of in a while.
For anyone who loves playing jazz, enjoys the unpredictability of an open jam or simply appreciates live music with a side of blueberry goat cheese, Jazz Night at Kairos was a welcome reminder that all three are alive and well on campus. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next one!
Coming Soon: Jamie Davis and Clairdee appear with SJO
Next week on Friday, Feb. 21, SJO will host our quarterly concert at Bing Auditorium, joined by the renowned jazz vocalists Jamie Davis and Clairdee. You won’t want to miss it.
Jamie Davis, a two-time Grammy nominee, is known for his rich baritone voice and his work with the Count Basie Orchestra on the albums “Live at Birdland” and “All About Basie.” Based in Northern California, he’s performed at top venues such as Yoshi’s, SF Jazz and the San Jose Jazz Festival, and has also appeared on stages around the world, including London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Lincoln Center.
Clairdee, also from the Bay Area, says her mission is “to engage, uplift and build community through music — creating a narrative that inspires beyond the stage.” Her performances at venues like Dizzy’s NYC and the Monterey Jazz Festival have earned her widespread acclaim. She’s also dedicated to preserving the jazz legacy, serving as an educator and mentor for the next generation of musicians.
I and the rest of SJO are looking forward to sharing the stage with both of these extraordinary artists! I hope you’ll come and invite your friends — and families, since Family Weekend will just be kicking off. You can purchase tickets here.
If you do attend, I’d love to hear which pieces you enjoy most. And if not, don’t worry — I’ll be sure to fill you in on all the highlights in two weeks.
Until then,
Penelope