First Summer Jazz Gig Attracts Big Crowd to Green

The Branford Jazz on the Green Series kicked off Thursday night, featuring a band known as ​“The Recess Bureau,” a group of nine talented musicians who play jazz their way. All attended Western Connecticut State University in Danbury where they pursued their interest in jazz.

Before an audience of about 700 on the town green, the group opened up their first set with their own tune, one named ​“Bad Actor,” followed by ​“Vermin Supreme.” Four other songs from the first set were from their 2016 self-titled album — “‘Grab the Hotsauce,” ​“The Great Moose,” ​“Council of the Pigs” and ​“Nocturn.” They performed two sets of nine songs, ending their performance at about 8:30 p.m.

Committee member Charlotte Mattei welcomed everyone to an evening of jazz. 

Founded in July 2015 by bassist Jeff Moro (pictured) the group refers to themselves as, ​“a collective of musicians who strive to continue on the ever evolving path of music and explore possibilities of improvisation.”

They aim “to go against the standard of jazz,”  playing “a distinctive blend of Jazz, Funk, Rock, R&b/Soul and Hip-hop,” they say.

Other members of The Recess Bureau include drummer Willie Bruno, keys Rosemary Minkler, guitarist Gannon Ferrell, saxophonist Tim Lewis, trumpet player Keenan Asbridge (pictured), vocalist Fernanda Franco, saxophonist Dakota Austin and percussionist Chris Thomas.

Their bio says the group was ​“inspired by the curiosity of founder Moro, who wanted to go against the grain and take a step aside from the traditional jazz writing style and offer music that was accessible to all who were, or are, willing to listen.”

It wasn’t quite what the audience expected but in general they seemed to be ​“getting into it.” 

Here the audience gives The Recess Bureau a round of applause.

Branford Police Captain Geoff Morgan and Amy Hewitt with her daughter Molly Sullivan and her husband Ryan enjoyed the music.

So did Tevis Bronson of Branford and his son T. Beau Bronson, age 11 months.

Here the Minotti brothers from North Haven enjoy the ice cream.

“They were different at the start,” said Mario Ruggiero of East Haven. ​“I got into it a little more when they played some of the more traditional sounds. Here group members Rosemary Minkler, Gannon Ferrell and Chris Thomas perform.

Overall I thought they were pretty good and I liked them. I hadn’t heard of them but I’m glad I came.”

Hula Hoops Make Their Debut in Force

An unusual number of hula hoops made it to the green and various youngsters, teens and various youngsters, teens and young adults gave it their best effort, reminiscent of the late 50’s and early 60’s when the hula hoop rage first began.

“Maybe we should add a hula hoop contest to our list of programs this summer,” said Victor Amatori, program supervisor for the town’s Recreation Department, while looking over the active participants. ​“It might be fun.”

###