The towering flour mill loomed over the parking lot.  Were it not for the lights shining out from the basement, it could easily have been the haunt of ghosts rather than the haunt of locals.  As I walked in, I passed a sign that said "Jazz Every Wednesday."  I asked the hostess to seat me near the band, which was just getting ready to start playing.  There were only two tables left that were anywhere close to the makeshift bandstand.  (The waitress later told me that it was a "slow" night).  As I waited for my photographer, I perused the extensive menu and even bigger wine list.  When the waitress showed up, I asked her to bring me a pint of Star Hill's Amber Ale.  I have always had a love of wine, but my wallet doesn't quite share my appreciation. 

The band had begun, playing old standards like "Night and Day" and "The Girl from Ipanema."  It was a rather interesting group comprised of a trombone player who doubled on keyboard, a drummer who was using djembes and other African percussion, a guitarist who was using a hollow-body and a classical nylon string (for the Latin tunes) as well as doubling on the conga, and an upright bassist.  It was a very unique sound.  The djembes gave a very warm feeling to the combo. 

When Sherry came, we placed our orders and by the end of the set, they had arrived.  I had ordered a salad, trying to detox a bit from the weekend before.  It was the biggest salad I have ever seen, and it was delicious.  During the set break, the manager on duty came over and gave us some history on the restaurant and introduced us to "Lou." 

Lou Morrison is both the bassist and the brains behind this ongoing event.  He is the only one of the group who is there every week.  Everyone else in the band changes, giving it different feels and sounds - keeping it fresh.  According to Mr. Morrison, jazz at the Grill has been going on every Wednesday for the past fifteen years!  That says a lot about both the loyalty of the establishment and the dedication of Lou Morrison. 

After the set break, the band went back to playing and brought out some more classics:  "Black Orpheus," "All the Things You Are," "All of Me."  It was the first time since I've moved here that I have heard straight-ahead jazz, or jazz at all for that matter (unless you count some kids from JMU trying to keep each other afloat at the Artful Dodger).  It was so refreshing.  I never would have found out about it unless a guitarist friend of mine hadn't mentioned it to me last week.  Is this some kind of exclusive secret, or is jazz just that dead in the valley that no one thinks it worth mentioning?  How has it been over six months since I've moved here and I only just heard about this great venue and this amazing weekly event?  As frustrating as these questions are, I know about it now, and I can assure you that The Mill Street Grill will be seeing a lot more of me over the next couple of months, providing my credit card doesn't get maxed out .

The Mill Street Grill is located right off Rt. 250 in Stauton

Jazz at The Grill happens every Wednesday starting at 7 pm

 

By Author: Adam Price

Born into a musical family in middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania, Adam began to actively pursue a career in music after he heard a high school pep band in fourth grade.   He began studying classical clarinet, but quickly discovered his passion for jazz, and adopted the saxophone as his love.  He has been blessed to pursue his art in the cultural hubs of New York City and Florence, Italy.  Currently residing in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Adam continues to play jazz and classical gigs as a freelance musician as well as break out the keyboard for the occasional rock or indie project.  When he is not playing music, Adam enjoys hanging with friends and family, traveling, and exploring good food, drink, and the culinary arts. 

 

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