By Mike Allen

Please note that the following show was performed at Clarissa’s:

Session 1:  November 26, 2008

Troup Street: Greg Wachala (g), Dave Arenius (b), Jeff McLeod (p), Jahmill Ponder (d)   Musical Guests : Tom Lange (electric violin) (b), Mark Malsegna (g), Chris Potter (g), Sylvia Hart (vocal), Joe Nemeth (d), Harry Allen (harmonica and vocal)

Session Highlights :  There were many great moments, yet what will be most memorable to me is the impact that “Northfield Music” (NM) had on the jam.  Greg teaches guitar there and Mark Malsegna is one of Greg’s students at Northfield.  Before Mark had finished performing, Greg had Mark acting as Troup Street’s bandleader.  At fourteen, and having studied guitar for only three years, Mark’s playing is a testament that something special is brewing here.  Chris Potter teaches at Northfield also, and kudos to Joe Chiappone (who stopped by) the founder of Northfield, who created a work place for music educators and a breeding ground for players like Mark.