Atlanta Jazz Reunion this Sunday

Jay Norem knows from experience that it’s difficult to play original material in the loose conglomeration of restaurants and clubs that make up the Atlanta jazz scene. Determined to spread his music and give fellow composers a hand, the drummer has helped organize the Atlanta Jazz Reunion, which takes place Sunday night at Studio 281 (directions). Performances by Norem’s band and Solid State will serve as the launching pad for what Norem sees as an Atlanta jazz collective. The music starts at 4:00 with a jam session; pianist Jez Graham performs at 5:00.

“For a long time now, I’ve had this idea that Atlanta jazz musicians would be better off if we were doing stuff for each other rather than everyone working on their own,” Norem says. He envisions an organized web of musicians that work as a support system for original music. “This has been done in New York and Chicago,” he adds, citing the Art Ensemble of Chicago. “I don’t think we’ve ever had anything happen like that in Atlanta.”

Norem pitches Sunday’s concert as a membership drive for his idea, a chance to find out if there really is demand for a jazz collective in Atlanta. “It’s open to all people who like jazz and like music, and the focus on this is original material. We’re not going to get together to analyze the changes to ‘All the Things You Are,’” Norem says. “I would really like to see everybody involved in this, bringing their ideas and their tunes.” 4:00.