SU Jazz Night at The Fitz transports audiences to jazz clubs of the past

On Thursday, a student-led jazz quartet performed at The Fitz, a speakeasy located underneath Syracuse’s downtown restaurant Oh My Darling, as a part of a free monthly series.

The dim lighting, red leather booths, dark brick and gold tin ceilings created the ideal setting for a jazz performance. 

The monthly series, called “The Scene,” features a new group of jazz musicians, followed by a jam session open to the public. Thursday night’s quartet was led by Syracuse University senior Mason Manteau on alto saxophone. Manteau was accompanied by fellow students Damian Doyle on piano, Robert Wilhelm on bass and Gavin Casey on drums. Much to the audience’s surprise, this talented group only had one rehearsal prior to the show, marking their first show together. 

Photo by Asia Lising

Mason Manteau on alto saxophone, Damian Doyle on piano, Robert Wilhelm on bass and Gavin Casey on drums at SU Jazz Night at The Fitz.

Starting at 8 p.m., the quartet’s hour-long performance convinced the audience they were in a dark, hazy jazz club in New York City instead of Syracuse. Recognizable jazz pieces like “Naima” and “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes” by John Coltrane delighted jazz fans and new jazz listeners. A half hour later, every seat was filled and the only sounds between songs came from the bartender’s shaker and the audience’s applause. 

During all seven songs of the set, each member of the quartet had the opportunity to showcase their individual talent while also playing a vital role in the group’s collective sound. Excluding “Naima,” the majority of the pieces were lively and upbeat, like “Little Giggles” by John Ellis. The quartet’s final song began with a slow saxophone solo and was later joined by the piano, bass and drums in an energetic tune.

After a short break, the stage opened for the jam session. Anyone who wanted to play an instrument or sing within the jazz genre was encouraged to participate. Some Syracuse students sang songs like “Can’t We Be Friends,” while other audience members stepped in on drums and piano. Another student played a jazz guitar piece before a three-part saxophone trio took over for a song. Finishing out the night, two student saxophone players, accompanied by piano, drums and bass played a cover of “Feels So Good” by Chuck Mangione, which had the crowd swaying in their seats and tapping their feet on the worn hardwood floor.

The quartet performance, followed by the jam session, provided an opportunity for jazz fans and musicians to enjoy the music genre and showcase their own musical talents. Every month, students and locals can continue to look forward to The Scene’s free admission performances at The Fitz.