Jul 28th 2007, 12:50pm By Andrew Mitchell

The Frank E. Merriweather Jr. branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library unveiled “Jazz on the Avenue” this past weekend with a lively performance from area musicians Rey Scott & Co.

This special event, held in the library auditorium, occurs on Saturday afternoon from 4-5 pm and continues each week through August 23, 2007.

Band leader and saxophonist, Rey Scott took listeners on an educational musical journey which paid homage to major label artists and hometown heroes alike. The audience was treated to a seven song set of jazz perennials that sparked conversation of earlier times and legendary area jazz clubs.

Scott, an adjunct professor of African-American studies at the University of Buffalo, has previously composed music for the Ode to the Niagara Movement, a commemoration of the 90th anniversary conference in Buffalo, New York.

Scott’s set opened with Pine Grill Blues, a local classic composed by the legendary late tenor saxophonist Marvin Patterson. Robert Garrett‘s tight snare work on drums, and Ron Peterson’s soulful approach on organ (guitarist Greg Millar was absent) provide bedrock accompaniment, as Scott’s big bluesy sound first engages the listener and then inspires emotional release.

This is feel good music! The result was a sixty minute artistic expression far more valuable than the price of free admission. The audience, though smaller than these artists deserved, were seen with heads bobbing and toes tapping throughout the performance.

The library auditorium, a soothing combination of concrete and ceramic tile, seats 150 individuals and easily lends itself to professional performance levels. In fact, the acoustics defy expectation as each note clearly resonates throughout the hall and into the adjoining areas. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to mingle throughout as part of the learning process.

Natural and red brick walls are highlighted with tiles of black, beige and white continuing the interconnected African village motif. Sandra Williams Bush, Branch Manager, hopes these events will attract new visitors and reestablish the library as a viable community center. “It’s an experiment, I wanted something free that the community could enjoy,” says Williams Bush. “We have pockets of activity elsewhere, but I thought we could use something here.”

The free series continues this week with the Bryan Pullins Quartet and each Saturday (with a different act) through August 23rd. If you have been waiting for a reason to visit the new Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Branch Library, then tell a friend and heed the call as live jazz flows on Jefferson Avenue.

Jazz on the Avenue, Saturdays 4-5PM (thru August 23rd)
Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Branch Library
1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, 14208
716.883.4418
www.buffalolib.org