Best of Tucson 1996: Best Local Band--Jazz

Best Local Band--Jazz

Jazzberry Jam

READERS' PICK: Well, this certainly flies in the face of the theory that Dixieland jazz isn't for everyone. We may be a little surprised, but we're certainly pleased to know the resurgent popularity of this peppy tradition is alive and well in our midst. And if tenor sax, brassy trumpet and the doodle-det of the clarinet are the sounds that get your heart a-thumpin', this is the five-piece band you've been looking for. Jazzberry Jam spreads it on thick, with a sweet marmalade of tradition and innovation. When trumpeter/vocalist Walt St. Pierre warms up those vocal chords, there's not a tapping toe within a one-mile radius that doesn't get the urge to whistle Dixie--well, you know which Dixie we mean.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Greasy Chicken tends more toward funk than jazz, but with their cool, hypnotic set of jazz originals based on standards like Herbie Hancock and Charles Mingus, who can deny them their place in this town? Driven by original rock/funk energy, it doesn't take a musical genius to see these guys are a tough act to follow. The Chicken rears its greasy head at a number of mid-town spots, but you can catch the band at a bargain price most Wednesday nights at Pizza City, 1145 E. Sixth St. They're finger-picking good.