By: Rudy Lu
Alias Coffee’s Troy location was temporarily closed for live entertainment for the last year or so.
Although the look of the space was essentially the same. Improvements were made to the sound system, seating and the green room to make it more accomodating and versatile.
It was brought back to life through the efforts by owner Hernan and musician entrepreneur Joe Barna.
They were not alone in these efforts. They enlisted the help of many local businesses including contractors, local businesses and family all with the thoughts of community in mind. Local restaurants provided the food for the event. Wine, beer and other beverages were supplied by Alias Coffee. The sold out concert was a treat which featured many of the finest local musicians along with a large group of musicians from metro NY.
This initial concert was dedicated to the memory of Tim Coakley, the Jazz DJ and drummer who was on the scene for close to 40 years.There were 3 bands that played for the evening:
1.Luke Franco Trio -Luke Franco(guitar), Tarik Shah(bass), Joe Barna (drums)
2.Kelly Green Trio-Kelly Green(piano, vocals), James Robbins (bass),Orion Turre(drums)
3.Alias Coffee Big Band-
Sax Section:
Keith Pray
Ralph Lalama
Matt Steckler
Gary Smulyan
Jeremy Gold
Trumpet Section:
Greg Glassman
Dylan Canterbury-arrangement
Chris Alsdorf
Jon Bronk
Trombone Section:
Amadis Dunkel-musical director,arrangement
Ken Olsen
Rick Rosoff
Taylor Peterson-(tuba/trombone)
Rhythm Section:
Hyuna Parks(piano)
Evan Jagels(bass)
Joe Barna(drums)
Luke Franco Trio
The guitar trio opened with the familiar standard Bye Bye Blackbird. Then proceeded to play two of Luke’s compositions inspired by life on his farm in Columbia County; “Trillium” and “Arrowhead”. A song from the big band era followed ” I am glad There Is You”. The closer was a nonsensical “Boop Bop Bean Bag”. The music was pleasant and in an almost mystical time and place.
Kelly Green Trio
Kelly Green is an accomplished pianist/vocalist/composer. Based out of NYC, she has recorded with many of the leading musicians in the area. Her trio is acted out by longtime friend James Robbins and drummer Orrin Turre. The music was accessible and mostly light hearted. The music was mostly from her 2 most recent releases “Eat Your Greens” and “Corner Of My Dreams”, The former was a collection dedicated to memory of Kelly’s mother. There was a song saying farewell that moved many in the audience.
Alias Big Band
This one time project has 17 musicians in it including full trumpet, saxophone and trombone sections. Musical director Amadis Dunkel, as well as Keith Pray led the band through originals “Wes Is More” and studies such as “Body & Soul”. Due to the difficulties of getting such a large and geographically diverse band to rehearse in person, many details to the arrangments were shared again with the band. Barna half humorously announced ” This is not a live rehearsal, its a performance ” to those attending.
Special thanks to Troy Jazz Videos, who filmed the event and performed additional still photography . Follow them for additional coverage.
Jazz will not be the only that this space will accomodate. Other genres are planned. Champagne Hangover and the Blues Feast will be appearing on 10/12. Other bands will be announced as the season rolls along.
Alias Big Band Gallery
