Review: Jazzin' Up Memorial Day in Westhampton
We scooped about it, we said, “hot,” . . .the Memorial Day Bash sponsored by Jazz on the Island at the Oceanbleu Room in The Ocean Resort at Bath & Tennis in Westhampton Beach was very hot and more.
The pre-dinner show held under the tent was absolutely delicious. From the crunchy and tasty salad of frisee with walnuts, gorgonzola and toast to the miso glazed salmon and the finale of rich, dense and very chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream, the price-fixe $25 meal was satisfying, yummy and very affordable. Kudos to Culin’Art for the delicious fare.
The evening’s offerings only started there. The move from under the tent to the beautiful ballroom—the Oceanbleu Room—preceded the jazz concert headlined by Swiss-born jazz pianist and composer, Alex Bugnon and contemporary jazz guitarist, Matt Marchak. The two renowned East End jazz masters were part of a foursome that included the amazing Kenny Harris on bass guitar, and drum veteran Bernard Davis.
Together, the esteemed and multitalented musicians played extraordinarily classy tunes with tributes to their favorites like Burt Bacharach, Teddy Pendergrass and Isaac Hayes. They played “The World is a Ghetto,” “Harlem on my Mind” and “Funkology,” to name a few.
Video by Janet Kaplan
Though more than 100 people attended the festivities, it felt like a very intimate jazz club with the twinkling candlelit chandeliers hanging above blue and white striped surroundings, all overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Even on a rainy night, the Hamptons atmosphere washed away the workweek grind and transported listeners and diners to a more relaxing place on the East End.
A meet and greet with the musicians concluded the evening.
Look for Matt Marchak and Alex Bugnon performing throughout the season at Raphael Vineyards. Check out jazzontheisland.com for upcoming gigs you’ll want to hear.