Live Music – Nuthin’ But Jazz Trio

Nuthin’ But Jazz Trio

We play the standards from the body of music known as the “Great American Songbook” and the “Real Book” series better known and used by jazz musicians. The material we perform lends itself to improvisation and has withstood the test of time. We perform in a mainstream, straight forward jazz idiom evoking fond memories of smoke filled jazz clubs and cocktail lounges. For the last 3 1/2 years we’ve been jamming for our own enjoyment at the La Baguette Hardware Café in Ashland on alternative Saturday mornings. A growing audience of listeners has added to our enjoyment.

Thor Polson – Piano

Thor has performed and recorded music at dozens of Twin Cities venues in Minnesota and relocated to Ashland in 2010 in order to study classical piano with Dr. Alexander Tutunov, an artist in residence at SOU. Thor maintains his jazz “chops” by gigging regularly with the best jazzers in the valley. If that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he teaches German and Latin at St. Mary’s School in Medford.
Clem Novak – Bass

While climbing the ladder as a corporate executive in San Francisco financial district, Clem’s after dark bass playing continued to flourish. He studied with Ron Crotty, Dave Brubeck’s first bassist and played weekend gigs around the city and earned first call status in Santa Rosa. He took early retirement from the corporate world and lives in Ashland. He currently limits his playing to the “Nuthin’ But Jazz Trio” and the “Bread and Jam” sessions on Wednesday mornings – both at La Baguette.
Gary “Chicken” Hirsh – Drums

Gary “Chicken” Hirsh was born in Chicago in 1940. He is best known as the drummer or the rock group Country Joe & the Fish. Although he’s on the Wikipedia list of “American Rock Drummers” with signed drumsticks appearing in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he has always considered himself, first and foremost, a jazz musician. During his career he has played in bands and jammed with such talents as Pharaoh Sanders, Lightning Hopkins, Jerry Garcia, Steve Miller and Eric Clapton to name just a few. He presently performs with the “Ed Dunsavage Trio”, the “Blue Notes” and the “Nuthin’ But Jazz Trio”.