Philly favorites: Ortlieb’s Jazz Jam
Inside an intimately lit, cozy jazz club, four musicians step up the short staircase to begin playing while music-hungry patrons eagerly watch their every move, unsure of what sounds will emerge from the men on stage. Moments later, a few notes erupt from the saxophone, donned by Pete Souders, sparking fellow musicians to join. Around the room, satisfied customers look on, tapping their feet, watching new musicians filter in and write their names on the list to take the stage next. The year is 1987, the venue: Ortlieb's.
Fast-forward 26 years into the future, and not much has changed, including the musicians. Pete Souders, original owner of Ortlieb's, plays on Tuesday nights during the celebrated Jazz Jam. An avid lover of jazz for over 30 years, Souders purchased the venue in 1987, starting the Tuesday Jazz Jam only one week later. Years later, though he is not the current owner, Souders returns as the host and a performing musician for the weekly jam. "It's an environment for really unpretentious jazz," said Souders of the role of the lounge in Philadelphia jazz culture. "Every week I see someone that was here 25 years ago, and also new faces."
The Jazz Jam is an open-mic event that invites musicians of all skill levels to share the stage and perform a variety of jazz songs. Whether swing, be-bop, or contemporary jazz, fans of all types will experience a variety of styles depending on who happens to walk in and take the stage. Though the musicians are in and out of the venue throughout the evening, Ortlieb's is completely packed, providing both an intimate and energized ambiance. Around the room, everyone is laughing and having fun, tapping their feet, and cheering for the performers on stage. This may sound slightly typical of an open-mic night, however there is nothing like the varied crowd of the Jazz Jam, as it houses jazz lovers both young and old.
Over the years, Ortlieb's has had its fair share of individuals stroll in to play a few tunes during the jams, including Philadelphia native Bootsie Barnes, skilled drummer Mickey Roker and a mysterious woman going only by the name Sonia. There are regulars, Souders said, such as Bill Schilling on piano, Craig Thomas playing the bass and Duck Scott behind the drums, in addition to himself. The musicians are typically up-and-coming jazz artists seeking a place to perform and practice with other lovers of the genre, something for which Ortlieb's provides a welcoming home. Needless to say, there is always a diverse group at Ortlieb's on Tuesday evenings.
Despite its weekly recurrence, there is no way to know who may arrive at Ortlieb's ready to play. This surrounds each week with the same curiosity patrons have been exposed to for the past 26 years; the mystery, the energy and the anticipation all serve to supplement the talented musicians on stage. Once it reaches 8:30 PM every Tuesday inside the candle-lit, cozy lounge, groups of musicians will take turns sharing the stage, and in turn providing the same enjoyable, sultry jazz Ortlieb's has been known for, for nearly 30 years.
