Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Fame - Phil Baker

Last Friday night, Jimmy Maks was the venue for the annual Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Fame concert honoring the musical accomplishments of Phil Baker.  Phil's accomplishments are highlighted in a recent OregonLive article:(www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2011/10/portland_bassist_phil_baker_ea.html)

The show opened with a set from the West Linn High School jazz ensemble; the current holders of the Jeff Cumpston trophy won in last springs competition.  The following students brought their "A" game to the same stage where they won the right to defend the trophy next spring (more to be revealed in a future entry):

Tony Glausi, trumpet

Joonas Lemetyinen, trombone

Jenna Tatiyatrairong, piano

Austin Stofiel, bass

Alex Koehler, bass

Connor Betterman, drums

The main event was a quartet led by Phil Baker with Greg Goebel, Ron Steen and Rick Greene.  We were treated to two solid sets that both concluded with some very nice tunes sung by the lovely Toni Lincoln.  One particularly moving tune was an instrumental piece by Greg Goebel, "Oolitic" - I'm sure I missed the spelling.  A member of my table wrote the following note describing this tune:

"That song made me feel like I knew all of the contentment and all of the melancholy the songwriter had ever felt".  I can't put it any better than that.  Listening to these 4 excellent musicians and one fine singer again made me grateful to be in Portland, where I am treated to such inspired musical excellence every time I go to one of our local clubs.  Thanks for this memory!!!!!

Presentation of Hall of Fame Award from Jazz Society President Bill Powers 

2011 JSO Hall of Fame member Phil Baker

Ron Steen (JSO Hall of Fame member)

Greg Goebel

Rick Greene

with Toni Lincoln