Mining the bluesy side of jazz

June Garber and Tom Ellison

Toronto's loss is Southwest Florida's gain. That's become very apparent very quickly since last month's arrival of singer June Garber, who moved to Sarasota with her husband, Bob Doherty.
Two weeks ago at the South County Jazz Club's Tuesday night jam session at Allegro Bistro in Venice, she wowed the crowd, including yours truly, with one of the bluesiest renditions of "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" I've ever heard.


Tonight, she offered "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in a way rarely heard anymore in any setting - starting with the introductory verses. Then she dug back into her bluesy side on "The Birth of the Blues." This sub-genre is where Garber excels. She has found a terrific musical partner in tenor saxophonist Tom Ellison, who provided fine, understanding support at both jam sessions.

Already, they've booked some gigs with Ellison's quartet, Hip Pocket,  including next April 28 at a South County Jazz Club-sponsored matinee performance at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' spring music series in Sarasota.