Paul Fleischer
Jazz

"Cool, smooth and blue"-that's how sax/flute player Paul Fleisher likes to describe his brand of jazz. Fleisher, a native New Yorker who lives in Osaka, is the featured performer at the June 28 edition of Saturday Night Live, along with his group, the Tokyo Jazz Essentials. They comprise Koji Yamashita on bass, Nariyoshi Miki on piano and Ko Kanza on drums.

Born in 1944, Fleisher is a graduate of New York's now defunct High School of Music and Art and the Manhattan School of Music. His impressive resume includes Broadway shows such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," and touring and recording with a wide variety of artists, including Johnny Maestro and the Crests, Elliott Randall, John Mayall, the Doobie Brothers, Lou Reed ("Sally Can't Dance"), David Bromberg and Steeplechase.

Leading jazz publications such as Swing Journal have complimented Fleisher for his "warm, rich sound," as evidenced on his two albums, "Let Me Tell You a Story" (2006) and "Nature Boy" (2007).

Fleisher's mellow sax stylings are the perfect antidote for the rainy-season blues, so be sure to head down to the Club this Saturday evening for some truly fine jazz.

The Entertainment Committee

For those who plan ahead:
July 5: Ami and Her Guitar (soft rock covers)
July 12: Sugar Quartet (smooth Jazz)
July 19: Helen Star (Jazz vocalist)
July 26: Jonathan Katz (jazz)