Heavily tattooed and pierced, Jones stands out in the conservative jazz world for more than his talent. Last year I wrote a cover story on Jones for Las Vegas Weekly (where I am on staff). In the story I asked renowned jazz critic, author and radio personality Neil Tesser about Jones skills. Tesser told me: "There are very few people who have ever been able to play with that virtuosity at that level. It is spectacular, awe-inspiring."  Yet, because of his regular gig at the Penn & Teller show, unlike such peers as Monty Alexander, Jones doesn't get out of town to play often on the jazz circuit. So, I mention all this because tonight Jones will be playing in the LA area at Jazz Bakery in Culver City doing two shows at 8:00 and 9:30. I gave Jones a call yesterday to ask him to give a little preview of the show. It seems he is expecting a couple guest stars less known for their jazz accomplishments. Anyway, I wish I could be there:

 

Richard Abowitz: Will it be you alone?

 

Mike Jones: Mostly, but I am expecting a couple of guests. There is a good chance Penn will come play a song or two on the bass. And, because the crowd demands it, I will be playing a duet with David SIlverman who is a tuba player.

 

Q: Did you say David Silverman? The director?

 

A: Yes, I know he has a movie coming out next week. He is a fine tuba player. But since there isn't a lot of jazz tuba he passes the time with the whole Simpsons thing.

 

Q: Have you done this with him before?

 

A: No. But he is a dear friend. I have seen him play the tuba before, and it is going to be fun.  I don't want to give too much away but we are going to do "Basin Street Blues." That seems to be ideal for piano and tuba. 

 

For those of you who can't make it to the show, and love piano jazz, I highly recommend Mike Jones' disc Stretches Out.

(photo by Sarah Gerke)