Jazz Group Performs Weekly at Local Bar
Poughkeepsie Jazz Project (PKJP) bassist Ben Basile founded the group in 2012 alongside pianist John Scanlon and drummer Kesai Riddick with the goal of maintaining jazz culture in Poughkeepsie, NY.
“Jazz jam sessions have been a part of jazz culture for a very long time,” he said. “My friend and original founding member John Scanlon saw the need for [a jazz jam session] in Poughkeepsie back in 2012.”
Ten and a half years later, Basile is the PKJP’s only remaining original member.
“Nowadays, it’s just me running the show,” he said. “I will hire a rotation of other musicians to be in the house band with me each week.”
Basile, a pianist, and a drummer, account for the house band weekly. Basile and other musicians accept tips, sell CDs and stickers to pay themselves for their work. Additionally, the house band is compensated every Tuesday.
Ten to 15 musicians join the PKJP’s weekly jam sessions. “Over a given year, we probably get close to 100 different musicians,” Basile said.
There are many regulars who frequent the PKJP’s Tuesday jam sessions at Mahoney’s Irish Pub and Steakhouse in Poughkeepsie.
Whenever he is on break from college, local saxophone player Eric Waters joins the PKJP at Mahoney’s. Alongside two college friends, Waters, a student at the Crane School of Music, joined the PKJP on Tuesday, March 7. He pointed out many of the jam sessions’ regular attendees.
On Tuesday night, many so-called jazz lovers filled the Irish pub — most of them being regulars who come weekly. Mahoney’s casual and homey atmosphere fosters a welcoming environment for jazz lovers and non-jazz-lovers alike.
“There is a style of jazz for everyone to enjoy,” Basile said regarding claims that jazz music is chaotic and complex. “Jazz is a very broad genre. Keep digging in, and you’ll find something you like.”
Those who haven’t attended a Tuesday jam session are encouraged to witness PKJP’s world-class musicians perform.
“We’ve been here for ten years, if you haven’t visited us yet, please do,” Basile said.
After ten and a half years, Basile and the PKJP plan to stick around for a while longer. Basile hopes to keep playing at Mahoney’s every Tuesday night.
For more than a decade, the PKJP has maintained the goal of promoting jazz culture in Poughkeepsie. Basile says the most fulfilling part of the PKJP is witnessing musicians grow and learn.
Basile and other top-notch PKJP musicians play every Tuesday at Mahoney’s from 7 to 10 p.m. All fans of live music are invited to attend. For more information, visit the Poughkeepsie Jazz Project Facebook page or visit Ben Basile’s website.
