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| Gary Berg (2006) |
© Andrea Canter
As Pamela Espeland continues her series of commentaries from
the musicians and friends of the Artists Quarter, one name pops up over and
over -- Gary Berg. Swinging for decades on tenor, alto and soprano sax as well
as the chromatic harmonica, nearly everyone who frequented the Artists Quarter
over the past 30 years recalls Gary
as one of the club's icons, a source of inspiration to young musicians and awe
to fans of all ages. He was a standing member of the Tuesday Night Band when
organist Billly Holloman headed B-3 Organ Night; he was a sought-after sideman
to vocalists like Prudence Johnson, Lucia Newell and Carole Martin, partnered
with Clay Moore at Fireside Pizza, and was frequently on the bandstand for such
celebrations as New Year's Eve and AQ Birthday gigs-- including his own 70th
birthday bash about 5 years ago.
Soulful and hard-bopping, Berg has brought his magic touch
to local recordings--Pieces of Dreams by Carole Maritn, This is
Organ Night by Billy Holloman, Blanket of Blue by Paula Lammers, Deja
Vu by Francine Roche, and The Highest Mountain by George
Avaloz. Notes Jazz Police Chief Don Berryman, “He lets the bop
riffs ride on the groove in a way that’s true to the music and the feeling.”
Gary's
still around but we seldom hear that he's playing. His last gigs at the Artists
Quarter were 2-3 years ago, but we can still hear his horns echoing across the
stage.
