In June of this year, Jazz Alley underwent extensive remodeling, adding 100 seats, a vastly improved sound system, and an expanded performance stage. They also gave the room a new, nonsmoking identity--a change that undoubtedly pleases many patrons, and drives others (such as myself) completely crazy. Even if I can't smoke, I can still get a superb cocktail from brazen and beautiful bartender Maureen Karr, a loyal club regular who recently became an employee.

Since you were a regular before the changes, how do you feel the remodeling has impacted the audience's perspective?

"It's exactly what it needed. And every seat in the house is so much cozier now with the nice, swank booths."

And how are the customers reacting to the nonsmoking rule? I would think that could really freak some people out. Jazz with no smoking!?

"Oh, I know. But hey, it's one less dirty ashtray for me to clean. Those things are nasty! And really, I think for a lot of people it's just out of sight, out of mind. We do a lot more food here now too--the menu is really strong now--so that's a factor too."

So how do you handle noise levels and drink-making? I would imagine it's hard to shake a margarita during someone's set...

"It's true. You just do what you can. Try and be respectful and don't dump ice during a set, that kind of thing. And also, you just have to pick up some rhythm [giggles]!"

What do you mean? Shaking martinis along with the percussion?

"Totally--I've already had that happen. Karrin Allyson was here one night, and I was shaking something and trying to watch her and follow along so that [the sound of the cocktail shaker] would be hidden. But I fucked up and she looked right at me. It was so great, though, because she just made it part of her act, saying, "That [drink] sure looks good!"--and it ended up blending in anyway."

What shows are you looking forward to this fall?

"McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. Elvin is actually one of the first people I saw at the club. Really, though, it's not one particular artist, it's the variety. It's night and day how it changes around here. We had Latino jazz last week--some of the Tito Puente guys were here. And before that, Bobby Hutchinson--he plays the vibraphone and had this amazing pianist with him. I just love getting exposed to so many

different genres."

Interview by Hannah Levin