Scott Gertner, one of the crucial outstanding figures in Houston’s music and nightlife scenes, has unexpectedly handed away.
A quick assertion by the musician’s household didn’t share a reason behind dying. It thanked individuals for his or her condolences, requested for privateness, and acknowledged that funeral particulars could be shared quickly.
Gertner was, with out hyperbole, the best of cats. As a multi-talented, thrice-Grammy-nominated musician and singer, nobody might resist his soulful stylings. As a nightclub proprietor, he knew the best way to open up the appropriate spots on the proper time. Earlier than its closure in 2010, Scott Gertner’s Skybar was Montrose’s jazz temple within the sky, the place individuals might try reside music whereas gazing on the stars. (Skybar additionally attracted celebs like Luther Vandross, Steve Harvey, and Shaquille O’Neal, so the celebrities weren’t simply within the sky.) A decade later, he opened up Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room on Memorial Dr., luring individuals in with reside grooves and a mouth-watering menu.
In my earlier life as a nightlife reporter, Gertner was the particular person I normally contacted each time I wanted intel on jazz golf equipment within the metropolis. (I additionally imagine that, throughout one in all these sitdowns, I stunned him in the future with a 12-inch single he recorded within the late ‘80s for CBS Data, a misplaced merchandise I picked up at a close-by report retailer.)
However I do know I’m not the one one that has glowing recollections that includes Gertner. I reached out to a couple buddies and requested them what they’ll bear in mind probably the most concerning the late, nice, swaggerific impresario:
T.J. Callahan, movie critic/radio persona: “We had many incredible CBS Radio Houston Christmas events on the Skybar. Scott was all the time probably the most gracious host and enjoyable performer.
“Additionally, two of my shut buddies went to highschool at HSPVA with Scott. They’re all musicians. Throughout our faculty years, Scott was taking part in on the previous Ruggles on decrease Westheimer, again when everybody cruised that space on the weekends. Each time we handed by the restaurant, my buddies and I’d scream ‘Gertner’ out the automotive window, like he was going to listen to us and are available out and say hello. Hey, we have been 18. The boys have been so excited Scott had an actual gig.”
Russell V. Guess, music producer/former Skybar bartender: “After I let you know I wouldn’t know half the individuals I do know — I wouldn’t have made a great deal of the cash I’ve made in my life — and never have had lots of the experiences (too many!) that made me who I’m if not for this man, it isn’t an exaggeration in any respect.
“However there’s a lot extra to recollect concerning the man. A real artist, bandleader, music lover, and businessman. I soaked up a lot sport about music and nightlife, a course extra helpful than any class I might’ve taken. To know him personally was a privilege to not be taken flippantly; he’d hit you with that smile that all the time mentioned all the things his phrases didn’t. At all times the encourager, he supported me in and out of doors the nightlife. Even after I ended working for him, we’d nonetheless textual content one another on our birthdays since they have been 11 days aside. I used to be all the time welcome wherever his venue was situated and, if he was there, that smile and a hug was quickly to comply with.”
Mark Cities, jazz guitarist: “One of many first occasions I heard Scott play was again within the heyday of Cody’s, when he was on bass and vocals with Paul English’s unimaginable band. That group was one thing particular — Paul on piano, Kirk Whalum and Johnny Torres on saxophones, and Scott bringing his distinctive power and voice to the combination. The vibe was electrical at these exhibits.
“Later, Scott held down Wednesday nights at Cody’s within the Village, and people nights turned legendary. It was the most popular evening of the week, and, because the story goes, Scott was making more cash that one evening than the membership proprietor was making all week. That’s the type of draw and charisma he had.
“From there, Scott opened the Skybar on the authentic Cody’s location on Montrose, and I used to be honored when he employed my Flamenco Jazz trio to play a Wednesday evening sequence there, sponsored by The Wave radio station. We alternated Wednesdays with Joe Carmouche’s wonderful trio — nice occasions. He additionally was the gracious host for the CD launch celebration for my first album, Flamenco Jazz Latino, at Skybar.
“Again within the late Nineteen Eighties, manner earlier than Skybar and people Village Cody’s Wednesdays, Scott and I performed collectively on the legendary Blues Jam with Ardis Turner (RIP) at Dwell Bait on Greenbriar — me on guitar and Scott on bass. Too unhealthy there aren’t any recordings of that. We had some wild jams.
“There was a bizarre type of synchronicity with Scott — I’d run into him throughout Houston, in any respect hours, in probably the most random locations. It occurred usually. The final time I noticed Scott was on the Rhythm Room final yr. We ended up speaking for a protracted whereas. He was extraordinarily fascinated about listening to particulars about some well being points that I had firsthand information about.
“Scott was an amazing singer, an amazing guitarist, an amazing bassist, and a strong presence on stage and off. As a performer, a businessman, a pacesetter, and a cultural power, Scott Gertner enriched Houston’s music world. I’m grateful our paths crossed.”
