Normally if you said you had a good time in an alley in Lawrence, people would look at you funny and start backing away. The Merrimac River mill city is struggling. But over by the Essex Art Center last night, a small crowd was swinging without violating any statutes. Our friend Bruce Ferrara's Factory Jazz Project offered two hours of fine tunes from two bands, on a near-perfect summer evening. Trumpeter Phil Grenadier played in trio format wearing flipflops and cargo shorts; later Ferrara led a quintet with his fluid guitar tones on "Equinox," "Naima" and other favorites. And the sound was, surprisingly, terrific. This alley is just like a lot of jazz clubs - long, narrow, with exposed brick walls - but no roof. (Click the pic for a better view.)
Ferrara is making this an every-other Thursday gig through the summer, moving indoors if it rains. On Aug. 11, his scheduled guest is Berklee bassist and composer Bruno Raberg. Suggested donation is usually $5 and offstreet parking is free. You can bring a bottle in a bag if you're so inclined. And if you want to make a night of it, start with a cheap and terrific Mexican meal at nearby Cafe Azteca. You'll thank me.
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