(6-27-2011) Typically in Miami, nothing happens on a Monday night. Except on this particular Monday night, June 27th at The Stage, Jazzy sparks where flying high.

As the second installment of the Jazz Rent Party presented by the Miami Jazz Cooperative got into high gear, many of South Florida’s top players where on the stage included vocalist Nicole Yarling, also joined by pianist Mike Orta, Carlomagno Araya on drums, Nicky Orta on electric bass, and the great sounds of saxophonist Tom McCormick. The audience was also treated to renowned vocalist Nicole Henry adding her unique style that had everyone mesmerized.

But on this night, the saxophone would take centerstage as three of the area’s legendary heavyweight performers, Jesse Jones Jr., Joe Donato, and Turk Mauro would embark on a battle for Bebop supremacy reminiscent of the Golden Age of Jazz.

First it was Turk Mauro on the Tenor Saxophone who would play a set of great Bebop standards from the great American songbook. Mauro is clearly a master craftsman on the saxophone: producing the most amazing Bebop authenticity reminiscent of the legendary masters like John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, and Ben Webster.

Next, Joe Donato and Jesse Jones Jr. would take the stage. The featured tune was Charlie Parker’s “Yard Bird Suite.” With intense emotion, both saxophonists Donato and Jones Jr sprang from the gate with amazing musical audacity and purpose!

Jones Jr would take the first solo jumping in front with fierce intensity, swinging like a mad man showcasing his Hard Bop style that has a unique graceful Bluesy characteristic which never fails to captivate his audience. There’s no doubt, Jesse Jones Jr is one of the most prolific and intense Bebop players in the history of South Florida Jazz, reminiscent of the great saxman “Cannoball” Adderley.

Next it was time for Joe to play his solo. Like a powerful locomotion, Donato quickly established his commanding style taking control of the situation. With his fantastic sound and technical prowess, Donato’s music was flying high. Sparks seemed to be emanating out of his saxophone as he maneuvered with great intensity through the chord changes. A truly marvelous improviser, Donato once again proved why he’s considered a local Jazz legend of South Florida.

The mission of the Miami Jazz Cooperative is one of good will and altruistic service to Jazz. Thus, it has attracted many Jazz fans and is spearheaded by a collection of “Founders” which include many great local Jazz musicians. Hopefully, more people will levitate to its great mission as they continue to harvest the seeds of this labor of love for Jazz in South Florida. More information about the Miami Jazz Cooperative at www.miamijazz.org