The Jeff Platz Quartet at The Lilypad

Jazz is an especially rewarding art to be able to experience during this pandemic. While the public has been forced to embrace Zoom and the digital world, the live improvisational music performed by The Jeff Platz Quartet at the Lilypad was a profoundly comforting change of pace from these platforms. Provided, this “comfort” isn’t as much the songs themselves, but the natural progression of the music’s energy. After all, Jazz is not a musical genre that is synonymous with choruses to bop your head too or sing along with. Besides being the ultimate test for a first date, I highly recommend coming to the venue or catching live jazz whenever and wherever you can. 

The Lilypad, located in Inman Square, is a welcoming space. The owner sits right next to the door with a jar for cash (much preferred over a card). His perch is only a couple feet away from the back row of seats that are located about 20 feet from the stage. If you like beer, they can get you some, and as you’re drinking one you might get lost in the murals painted on the walls to your sides. Or, like me, you might get caught up in trying to get the venue’s elderly dog to let you pet them for a minute before they find someone new to get affection from. The Lilypad’s intimate nature mitigates the inconveniences of a much larger event, resulting in a casual, spontaneous relationship between the band, the audience, and the adorable dog.

As casual as the venue may be, the music was enthralling and vivid. The experience and skill of each member was indicative, as each musician had moments to showcase their technical prowess. Jeff Platz’s mercurial guitar tones floated throughout the set, occasionally bursting to prominence but maintaining a consistent atmosphere. Joe Morris was doing wacky stuff and laying down quick grooves with his bass, and Stephen Haynes’ dynamic phrasing on the cornet was a great sonic addition to the group. Finally, drummer Matt Crane was on fire during the entire session, as his incredible ability to alternate sticks, sounds, and rhythms constantly drove the group forward.

Besides their individual prowess, what most excited me was how organic the group was in creating their music. Silence was as significant as intense highs of noise, and each of the band members understood how to work both with each other and how to approach that spectrum of volume.  To someone like myself who is both familiar with and enjoys this style of music, the comfort of a free jazz concert is this conversation between the musicians. How they interact and play off each other is fascinating and rewarding, and to hear that kind of dialogue at such a superb level is an absolute treat.

I would highly recommend seeing a show at the Lilypad. Only a half-hour couple of bus rides from Tufts, it’s an instantly-nostalgic venue that puts on all kinds of great performances all the time. I mean, what’s not to love about a place that has great music, great atmosphere, and an adorable dog? Do yourself a favor and check out the Lilypad in the near future!