A Choir of Jazz

Nimble fingers and on-the-fly creativity have earned upright bassist Jamie Ousley first-call status among South Florida's jazz elite. Last year, Ira Sullivan paid him the ultimate compliment: Sullivan took the bassist with him to Chicago for a week at the Jazz Showcase. And then, there's Ousley’s four-year musical partnership with...

By Bob Weinberg

September 17, 2009

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Nimble fingers and on-the-fly creativity have earned upright bassist Jamie Ousley first-call status among South Florida's jazz elite. Last year, Ira Sullivan paid him the ultimate compliment: Sullivan took the bassist with him to Chicago for a week at the Jazz Showcase. And then, there's Ousley’s four-year musical partnership with vocalist SAMM, the two perform together on Friday nights at Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach. Last year, Ousley collected a doctorate from the University of Miami (where he also earned his undergrad) and released the superb piano-trio recording O Sorriso Dela. The disc comprises mostly originals but references chamber music, Latin jazz and bluesy hardbop along the way, as Ousley eloquently converses with pianist Phil Strange and drummer Larry Marshall. For a series of shows this week, the bassist called on Nashville-based pianist Joe Davidian and Boston-based drummer Austin McMahon, former UM classmates with whom he's toured as far as Ireland and Germany. Find them 4 p.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 7701 SW 76th Avenue, Miami. Tickets cost $15. Call 305-667-3697, or visit Uumia.org. For other shows, visit jamieousley.com.
Sun., Sept. 20, 4 p.m., 2009

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