On Monday evening, Miami music fans were treated to a surprise taste of collaborative fireworks at outdoor entertainment hub Oak Garden.
The show, presented by GMP Live, was billed as a gig by keyboard/organ wizard John Medeski, Galactic drummer Stanton Moore, and eclectic saxophonist Skerik.
While that trio would have been enough to make this a memorable weeknight in Miami, Medeski, Stanton, and Skerik had a few extra tricks up their sleeves courtesy of a pair of notable Florida locals.
After about 45 minutes of jazz improvisation, bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company) jumped onstage to join them. Oteil was followed shortly after by steel guitar master Roosevelt Collier to round out an all-star quintet.
From avant garde readings of Sun Ra‘s “Space is the Place” and DRKWAV‘s “Count Chokulous” to untethered musical interactions between the five master instrumentalists onstage, the Oak Garden Miami jam evoked the feelings we had all missed throughout the past year.
Concerts in 2020 were few and far between, and the ones that went forward did so with necessarily strict regulations and planning. Now, as we round the corner of the pandemic and live music begins to return in earnest, the spontaneous spirit at its core is alive and well—even on a Monday in Miami. Get out there and catch yourself some magic.
Below, listen to a full audio recording of the Monday night jazz jam at Miami, FL’s Oak Garden featuring Medeski, Moore, Skerik, Burbridge, and Collier. Scroll down to check out a gallery of photos from the show courtesy of photographer Maxx McInerny (DubEra).
John Medeski, Stanton Moore, & Skerik w/ Oteil Burbridge & Roosevelt Collier – Oak Garden – Miami, FL – 5/24/21 – Full Show
[Audio: CHeeSeHeaDPRoDuCTioNS]
