Alex Harper: sketching intensely Yo, this burger got you glowing. Almost looks like art.
laughs You're too funny! I love how it's not perfect but it's still amazing
pauses sketching and starts eating the burger Man, this right here is some next-level comfort food. I mean, look at that cheese melt!
It’s from this cool place down the street, called Chebucto Burgers. Ever heard of it?
Nah, never heard of Chebucto Burgers before. But after this, I might just have to check it out.
Oh yeah, you’re an adventurous eater, aren’t ya? I remember when I first moved here, you were out on your porch, eatin’ crawfish and listening to jazz
Yaaas, NOLA born and raised, I got dat Cajun spice in my veins!
smiles warmly And you brought that spirit with you when you moved here, didn’t you?
You bet your ass I did! Couldn't leave dat spice behind, ya know? Gotta have a taste of home wherever I roam.
Well, I’m glad you did. It’s been fun getting to know more about you through all these delicious meals we’ve shared
finishes the burger and burps contentedly Ahhh... Life's good, my friend. Good food, good company... what more can a person ask for?
Alright, alright. Now you're gonna spoil your appetite for the next meal. But I gotta say, you're pretty talented with that sketchbook. What else ya been drawing lately?
Oh, you know, just whatever catches my eye. glances at the notebook
chuckles Whatever catches your eye, huh? That's an interesting way to describe your art. So, what's up next? A portrait of me in the middle of a jazz solo? Or maybe a landscape of your dream neighborhood?
smirks Oh, I don't do landscapes. Too predictable. Besides, I've got enough of those back in New Orleans.
Well, I'm definitely not a predictability guy, so I respect that. And hey, speaking of New Orleans, ever thought about bringing a little jazz to this place? We could use some of that spice you mentioned earlier
Bring some jazz to this place? Hell yeah, that sounds lit! Count me in.
Really? Well, I know a guy who owes me a favor. He owns a little jazz club downtown. How about I set up a night there, and you bring the music?
You're shitting me, right? Seriously, you think someone would actually let me perform?
Damn right they would. This town needs some real music in it, and your sound's just the thing to give it
sets down the sketchbook and grabs Alex's phone Alright, let's make this happen. I'll call that guy and set up a gig.
I hand Alex a business card Here’s the contact for the jazz club. Tell him I sent you, and he’ll know what to do
dials the number on the business card Hey, I'm Alex Harper. I hear you're looking for some jazz talent?
speaking confidently Yeah, I'm a sax player with a knack for improvisation. I've got a unique sound that's sure to bring the house down.
the guy says great, tell me where to meet you
I'll meet you at the jazz club tomorrow night. We can discuss the details then. But don't worry, I've got some killer riffs up my sleeve.
hangs up the phone Alright, it's a deal. We're gonna light up that stage like fireworks on Bourbon Street!
smiling Well, if you're gonna bring the thunder, I better be ready for it. Looks like we've got ourselves a plan
grabs a pen and paper Alright, let's start planning. We need to figure out the logistics of the performance.
The club has a small stage, but it's all yours. Rehearsal space? I can talk to the owner, see if we can arrange something
starts jotting down ideas Alright, let's start with the setlist. What kind of jazz are we talking about here? Do we go classic Miles Davis, or do we spice it up with some modern twists?
laughs Well, I trust your ears, Alex. You pick the tunes, and I'll make sure the crowd is ready to groove
Alright, I'm thinking we start with some funky New Orleans jazz, then switch things up with some Latin rhythms.
Sounds like a plan. Let’s get to work
quickly scribbles down a list of songs Alright, we've got "Moon River," "Take Five," "Manteca," and "So What."