Columbus Jazz Society
COLUMBUS MUSIC SCENE: Alien’s Perspective
By Miguel Juarez
I have often heard that there is no such thing as a “music scene” in Columbus, and I strongly disagree. In my short time living here, I have witnessed and have been lucky enough to participate in some amazing musical experiences, including jazz, blues, rock, gospel, R&B, country, hip-hop, and everything in between. Although I have considered Columbus my home for the past decade, I did not grow up here, or in the South at all for that matter. I am heavily involved with reviving jazz in our city as president of the Columbus Jazz Society, but I never meant to become a jazz musician, much less an advocate and community leader. Most of my contributions happened by accident, and I have honestly just been going with the flow. Sometimes it flows freely, sometimes there are blockages. One thing is constant: the flow is always unpredictable. But with all the people I’ve met and all the experiences I’ve had (and the lessons they’ve taught me), I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was born in Los Angeles, grew up in The Philippines, and was stationed in Ft. Benning after I quit music and joined the Army. I had been playing guitar since I was 10 years old and was always bad at quitting. It didn’t take long for an army buddy to invite me to my first open mic and jump start my love for music again. I believe it was fall of 2011, and we went to what became my favorite bar at the time, Soho Bar & Grill (5751 Milgen Rd.). It was one of the few establishments where you could still smoke inside. Although it had a grim appearance and was dimly lit, the bar was spacious and lively. The regulars seemed to all know each other and had tough appearances, but were all very welcoming.
The open mic host, Tripp Wriggley, was kind enough to let me borrow his guitar. As soon as I started playing, I was addicted again. After that, I went to every open mic I could find in town, which included Fountain City Coffee hosted by Brian Mallard and Julian Hernandez, The Del Ranch hosted by The Conley Brothers and Gene Woolfolk, The Vault, Max’s, and a few others I don’t remember. I met some amazing people, artists, and musicians during these open mics, including Alabama Best Blues Artist awardee Skyler Saufley, NPR’s Tiny Desk winner and Fender Artist Naia Izumi, and Stan Edwards of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Clearly, immense musical talent is not rare in this city.
When I finally went to Everything Musical to look for a guitar to purchase, I got invited by Larry Rose to accompany Peggy Jenkins at The Loft. Performing alongside a cohesive unit with a setlist as opposed to jamming at open mics awakened another spark. I immediately went on social media and even Craigslist to advertise my services and availability as a guitar-for-hire. I performed with R&B groups Lyfe Unltd, The Chemistry Project, and SMS Band; country artist Dustin Castellow; rock bands Dagger One, Slufoot, and Seven Dollar Mule, jazz groups Uncommon, David Banks Gospel, and Debi United; and collaborated with beat producers like Drumdummie and Yung Tago. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of names, but my memory isn’t that sharp. I eventually started my own R&B group, The Movement Band, rock group Doom Baby, hip-hop group ATM, and jazz group Bolera. While performing with these groups, I was lucky enough to meet other amazing bands and artists in the city like Neal Lucas, The Shelby Brothers, Avian Theory, Siantz/Sibl, Big Saxxy, Stereomonster, The Cavaliers Orchestra, Solar Quintet, Fuscia Lei, Jamysa Lytes, and countless others.
As I establish myself more in the music scene, especially since becoming involved with the Columbus Jazz Society, I often meet younger musicians and am even blessed with the opportunity to mentor a few. From everything I see, the future of Columbus music is in capable hands. The talent and drive in these younger musicians is incredible. Music educators and fellow members of the CJS like Chris Helms, Roger Redden, and Luca Lombardi are heralding new generations of musicians every day. Let’s keep the momentum going.
CJS Musician of The Month: Luca Lombardi
CJS: What got you into jazz/music?
LL: Growing up surrounded by music was like breathing air in my household. Both my dad and brother are musicians, so I was immersed in various genres from a young age, including jazz. I picked up the violin at five, then ventured into bass at eleven, primarily focusing on rock but never neglecting classical studies. Moving to Milan in my early twenties opened up a whole new world as I delved into the vibrant jazz and fusion scene in the city.
CJS: What makes you excited about playing jazz in Columbus?
LL: I’m thrilled about the opportunity to dive deeper into my music journey, connect with fellow musicians, and explore the rich tapestry of genres here in town. The supportive music community is incredibly encouraging, and I can’t wait to contribute my own voice to it.
CJS: Where can people hear you play?
LL: As a faculty member at Columbus State University, you’ll often find me sharing my passion for music through various ensembles at the Schwob School of Music. However, I also make it a point to engage with the local music scene by performing regularly at The Loft and the vibrant atmosphere of the Living Room.
CJS: 3 jazz artists you’d recommend for beginner, intermediate, and advanced listeners.
LL: As a passionate advocate for musical exploration, I believe in the power of exposing oneself to a wide range of sounds and styles. For both me and my students, cultivating a spirit of curiosity is paramount. When it comes to jazz, three artists immediately come to mind as exemplars of innovation and mastery: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Shai Maestro. By introducing young musicians to [these works], I hope to inspire them to embrace the vast landscape of jazz and to approach their own musical journeys with open minds and boundless curiosity. These artists serve as beacons of creativity and innovation, reminding us of the transformative power of music.
CJS: Favorite local musician and why?
LL: One of the local musicians I hold in high regard is percussionist Paul Vaillancourt. Not only is he an incredibly talented musician to collaborate with, but he also brings a vibrant energy to any musical setting. Paul’s positivity and kindness create a welcoming atmosphere, making every musical interaction a joyous experience. Playing alongside him is not only musically enriching but also personally rewarding, as his infectious enthusiasm uplifts everyone around him. Paul embodies the essence of what it means to be a great musician and a wonderful human being.
CJS: Advice for aspiring musicians?
LL: For young musicians embarking on their musical journey, my advice is to embrace curiosity, openness, and authenticity. It’s essential to cultivate a sense of wonder and exploration, delving into new genres, sounds, and musical expressions. By venturing beyond familiar territory, we not only expand our artistic palette but also discover new facets of ourselves as musicians.
Curiosity is our compass, openness is our ally, and authenticity is our greatest strength. Embrace these principles, and let your musical journey unfold with boundless creativity and self expression.
CJS: Favorite quote or saying
LL: “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time,” from Leonard Bernstein.
To check out more from Luca and learn about upcoming gigs, follow him @luca_lomb on Instagram and @lucalombardi85 on Facebook.