JazzPDX.org is liveblogging from the Someday Lounge tonight during Ben Darwish’s first Sunday-night jam session.

7:35: The house rhythm section (Jason Palmer on drums, Sam Howard on bass) is setting up.  Ben gets to play a piano left here from a previous show - a nice change from the normal Someday Lounge piano.

7:45: Audience is already large for a Sunday night at the Someday.  Musicians showing up to jam include trumpeter Russ Liquid (March Fourth, Luminous Fog) and vocalist Michael Angela (Oregon Jazz Orchestra).

8:00: 8 PM and the 7:30 show looks like it’s about to begin…

8:08: NYC-transplant Sam Howard is playing a great solo on one of Ben’s original compositions from the 2006 Diatic Records release “Industrial Hero.”  Howard has only been in Portland a month or two, but I’m sure he’ll quickly become a top-call player.  Great sound on both upright and electric basses.

8:20: First two tunes are originals of Ben’s: “Dirty Harry” and “The Number Five”.  During the talk announcing the tunes, he reminds the people looking to sit in that they encourage original compositions and free improvisation over the “same old standards.”  Refreshing.

8:41: Ben’s trio finishes their opening set with his arrangement of “Killing Me Softly.”  The next set opens up the jam session portion.

9:35: Just finished sitting in with a great group of musicians.  David Irela joined in, Andrew Oliver on piano, and Russ Liquid on trumpet.  Played compositions of mine, David’s, and a tune Andrew brought in from another composer.

9:40: Vocalist Michael Angela sits in.

9:45: More musicians joining in… Chris Mosley, Willie Mathias, Matt Wong, Matt Weiers, Lilla D’Mone, and Troy Robey (new to Portland from Washington)

9:50: JazzPDX.org is taking.  Multnomah County demands that I show up for jury duty early tomorrow morning.  Look for this session happening again next Sunday (6/29), lead by Chris Mosley.