A Musical delicacy at Chez Josephine
By HERB BOYD
Special to the Amsterdam News
June 26th, 2003

It was not until Sarah McLawler began to sing did diners at Chez Josephine in the Theater District acknowledge her and trumpeter Ken Swindell. Either they recognized the song “It’s a Wonderful World” or they considered her cheerful forays at the keyboard and Swindell’s muted horn on previous tunes no more than appetizers as they awaited the musical entrée.

This would be the pattern throughout the evening, but applause was just as warranted by the duo’s medley of Duke Ellington classics, particularly “Caravan.” Without a bass, McLawler had the twin tasks of supplying harmonic and rhythmic texture, which she did with her usual flair, now and then offering sprints of tinkling arpeggios.

“She is the only pianist who plays standing up,” proprietor Jean Claude Baker announced when introducing the performance. He also praised her hat, and McLawler, like the late Hedda Hopper of another generation, is seldom without one in public.

The hat never lost its balance as she swung gaily through a diverse repertoire of songs, and they struck a delightful stride and mood on “Delilah,”a timeless chestnut that began as a theme in the movie “Samson and Delilah.” Again Swindell’s muted trumpet was very reminiscent of Clifford Brown’s with its smooth, melodic tempo and sweet lyricism.

“He’s been with me awhile, since the death of my former trumpet partner,” McLawler said of Swindell during a break. Each Friday and Saturday evening they are here to establish a pleasant tone for many of the patrons bound for the theater. Earlier, before McLawler took her place at the piano, Harry Belafonte was among the celebrities in the club.

“Quite a few come through,” she said, ticking off the names of David Rockefeller, Maya Angelou and a string  of notables. McLawler is a longtime veteran of show business, and she has traveled far and wide, performing in venues as a cocktail pianist or leading her own ensemble, sometimes at the organ.

“I’m originally from Indianapolis,” she told two visitors from Detroit. And, yes, Motown has been among her stints. “I played there at the Frolic Bar in Paradise Valley, which was near the Flame Show Bar.” All this was added after she cited the world-class musicians from her hometown, including J.J. Johnson, Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard.
Back behind the piano, a mellow ballad followed a bouncy blues number, and then the two settled into a format that was perfect for the sound of silverware against china and the endless chatter that leaped  from table to table. Soon they were oblivious to the conversation, happy with their subtle musical exchanges, content to speak to one another as only consummate musicians can.

Of course, there was the occasional vocal rendition, to let the customers know they were there.