Jazz guitarist Steve Hilger has launched a twice-monthly series at Noto’s with hopes of getting up-and-coming young players to sit in with veteran musicians.
Pianist Steve Talaga, bassist Charlie Hoats, guitarist Steve Hilger and drummer Evan Hyde performing at Noto’s.
Steve Hilger remembers what a rare thrill it was when, as a high school jazz student in New Jersey, he was able to sit in with experienced musicians.
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“That’s how you really learn,” said Hilger, a Grand Rapids lawyer and guitarist, who fronts jazz and blues bands.
Hilger is aiming to provide that opportunity for today’s nascent jazzists. During his every-other-Thursday gigs at the lounge at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th St. SE, high school students, accompanied by their parents, and college students are welcome to join Hilger and his fellow musicians on stage. There’s no sign up, no charge — just show up with an adult in tow. The next high school improv jazz event is 7-10 p.m. Thursday.
Hilger said he benefited from the connections developed by his Mount Lakes High School band director, who played trombone with jazz ensembles in New York City. He said she was able to corral some high-level talent into presenting clinics for her students, including Hilger, who switched from trumpet to guitar in college.
“I remember (playing music with older musicians) myself in high school, and I remember it being very intimidating,” Hilger said. “We can provide a safe environment for them to do that. We’re not asking for perfection. You’ve got to be willing to step up and make mistakes, and push through the fear and get out and do it.”
A drum kit, keyboard and amplifiers are already in place, he said, and students can bring their own guitar, bass or horns. The well-known and experienced Grand Rapids trio that usually plays Thursdays at Noto’s — Hilger, Steve Talaga on keyboard and Randy Marsh on drums as TrioJazz– will play back-up for the improvisational sessions. Between the trio’s combined jazz wisdom and “The Real Book” of jazz lead sheets, Hilger is confident the musicians will be able to handle anything the students throw at them.
Hilger said he is especially interested in reaching out to high school jazz band directors and students because they have fewer choices than college students do in finding jam sessions with experienced musicians.
Tommy Hagen Trio
“I thought it would be a fun place to bring in some students to sit in with the professionals,” he said. “I remember when I was a kid in the jazz band at high school, we had all kinds of jazz musicians come in give clinics. I realize now how cool that was.
“There’s no place around here for students to get a chance for improvisational jazz. Come out, bring your parents, bring your horn or whatever it is you play, and tell us what to play. Just show up and just play some tunes.”
In addition to Noto’s, Hilger and his pals also play regularly at the JW Marriott and at The B.O.B., morphing into a quartet as the occasion requires.
Noto’s has long featured live jazz on Wednesday nights with the Tommy Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther. That continues from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The TrioJazz nights resume on Thursday, and continue on Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 14 and March 28.
— By Elizabeth Slowik, Spins on Music
