Rachel Herman

Melvin Mathurin

This week's installment of the Melting Point's weekly jazz series will feature a special performance by Jazzenigma. The local band will record the entire show to release as its debut full-length record.

Alto sax player and bandleader Melvin Mathurin says the inspiration for the live recording came from one of his idols, jazz musician Joshua Redman. Redman's Live at the Village Vanguard is one of Mathurin's all time favorites. "That recording has been a part of my life ever since the first time I heard it," he says. "[Redman] played at the Melting Point in September, and at that point I had the idea to record [our album] there." The folks at the Melting Point have been more than accommodating, and Mathurin is thrilled with how easily it has all come together. "The thing about the Melting Point which is really cool is they have everything you need to do a high-quality recording there." For Mathurin, recording live is the best way to capture the true energy of jazz music. The full title of Redman's live record is Spirit of the Moment - Live at the Village Vanguard, and Mathurin says it's hard not to steal that first part of the title because it captures the magic and spontaneity of a jazz show so well. "That live experience - feeding off the audience and feeding off the moment - is part of the music."

For a mere $3, jazz fans can witness the talented collaboration of Mathurin along with bassist Robby Handly and drummer Darren Stanley, playing originals and paying homage to the greats of yesteryear. Ideally, Mathurin hopes the live album will be mastered and pressed by the end of the month - just in time to put it in the hands of hero Redman when he appears at the upcoming Athens Twilight Jazz Festival.

Michelle Gilzenrat