From the Jazz Notes Vault

October 2026 marks the 30 Years of Jazz in the Library – truly cause
for Celebration! The original, historic event that inspired San Ramon Library 's Jazz program
was the premier Smithsonian traveling exhibition, “Beyond Category: The Musical Genius of
Duke Ellington. Initiated by Joyce Gunn, the exhibit’s only West Coast stop featured starstudded
concerts with legendary Ellington band alumni hosted at Library, educational
programs, and marquee events presented throughout the Town – a six-week blitz from
October 17 through November 28, 1996.
High Notes: October 17, 1954: Legendary trombonists J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding
recorded their very first album together as co-leaders live at Birdland. This
landmark session established them as one of the most famous, influential,
and enduring two-trombone partnerships in Jazz history.
October 17, 1996: Legendary bassist Ray Brown brought a monumental
triple-bass trio configuration to Boston to record a celebrated live album at
Sculler's Jazz Club. Backed by fellow bass titans John Clayton Jr. and
Christian McBride, the tracks recorded live on this night.