Every Jazz Jam a First Take

Rick Metz has made sharing his love of music with Northern Nevadans the cornerstone of his career.

While his biography reads like a "Who's Who," of the music industry, Metz came to Reno in the late 1980s to play the casino circuit and in 1999, became a "freelance bandleader," incorporating his love of jazz into play.

"At that time, jazz had fallen out of favor and I decided to give it a big kick in the (butt)," he said.

What has grown from that decision, is that Metz now has the oldest, established, permanent jazz jam in the area, playing venues in both Carson City and Reno, and has lately expanded into producing blues jams and shows as well.

His band, First Take, is an ever-changing line-up of the area's best musicians.

"We keep it very fluid, so that if someone gets a better paying gig, they can do that," Metz said. "First Take was named for the first band I was in and it's fitting, because each time we play, the songs are literally presented on a first take. We have no rehearsals."

This ability to improvise is a cornerstone of jazz and is in part, what gives it such an energetic, unique feel. Each musician brings his or her own interpretation to the music, which means even though a song may be the same, the interpretation and presentation changes each time.

"Our jazz jams focus on presenting the Great American Songbook-style of jazz, with songs (made popular) by Ella (Fitzgerald), Frank (Sinatra) and others with a smattering of blues," he said. "Jazz is the only genuine, American music and in a time when we're about buying American and supporting America, we need to realize (jazz) was born and bred in the U.S., it's a true American art form and ask that our community support it, so our musicians can work."

So far, the audiences are getting that message.

"We find and play music that is familiar to and resonates with our audiences and pays homage to jazz in a way that can be recognized and heard," Metz said. "While I notice any specific age demographic over another as being our audience, what I do see are younger people discovering music beyond what they're being force-fed by commercial radio, which is awesome."

The popularity of the jazz jams has grown through the years and, today, Metz is the official entertainer at the Firkin & Wolf, located at The Summit Mall in Reno.

The Carson City jazz jam takes place every Wednesday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

During the winter months, the jam is housed at Plan:b Micro Lounge at 318 N. Carson St. and moves to Firkin & Fox during spring, summer and fall.

"It's been amazing to see how the businesses have worked together to provide us wonderful places to play year around in a way that gives us a seamless transition when the weather changes," Metz said. "People always know where to find us, so we've been able to grow our repeat business."

The blues jam takes place every Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight at High Sierra Brewing Company, 302 N. Carson St., Carson City.

Tim Barnes, of Stoneground and Mick Martin & The Blues Rockers, is the special guest musician and vocalist Friday and Feb. 4 at the blues jam.

Musicians of all skill level are invited to sit in at the jams.

"We welcome all skill levels and we have some musicians with great technical skill but haven't had a chance to learn how to improvise," Metz said. "We will tailor our playing to the various skill levels, but to those who want to play, I say 'get your butt up there and try it.'

"I see this as passing the torch from one generation to the next and I am passing on the same things that were given to me; it all works its way back around the circle."

For a complete schedule of events or to learn more about Metz, visit rickmetz.com.