The Jazzman of Larchmont

Anthony Peralta lives in Yonkers and works in Elmsford, but he’s the “jazz man” of Larchmont. Almost every evening when there’s a jazz combo playing at the Watercolor Cafe, he occupies his usual seat at the end of the bar.

If he’s not there, either there’s folk music playing on the small makeshift stage or he’s taking care of his elderly grandmother. Sometimes he brings her to a show.

Being so close to New York City, Westchester County is home to just a handful of places that feature jazz on a regular basis, including a Wednesday night happening at the Red Hat on the River in Irvington, Thursday nights at The Pizza Place in Yonkers, a few afternoons at Grace Church in White Plains and regular offerings at the Bean Runner Café in Peekskill.

But for the last 11 years, the Watercolor Café’s extensive jazz schedule has remained one of Westchester’s best-kept secrets, except to a handful of locals and the county’s community of jazz musicians. 

When Bruce Carroll opened the place in 1997 he didn’t offer music, but being a folk singer himself, he decided to install a sound and lighting system and offer music, “not because I needed to, since music is generally considered to be a financial liability, but because I wanted to,” he said.

He started with jazz a couple of times a week, then expanded to folk and has presented some of the top acts in the singer-songwriter circuit, including Livingston Taylor, Steve Forbert and Lucy Kaplansky, shows that usually include a cover charge and a minimum.

“The folk acts play here on off-nights when they’re doing a Northeastern tour, so it’s convenient for them and they have a good time,” he said. “The audience is pretty savvy, since Larchmont and Mamaroneck has always been fairly progressive and hosted a nice arts scene.”

Now, most nights are dedicated to jazz, including the weekends, almost all of which are free. Carroll also lets students from the Larchmont Music Academy and other local music schools perform.

Though the Westchester music scene is dominated by cover bands and college bars, the ability to view top-flight jazz musicians in a classy but casual setting is a welcome respite. And the kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. most nights.

“I started coming here for the music, but I also came back for the food,” said Peralta, who always stays until the last note fades away.

In high school, Peralta started listening to smooth jazz, including Bob James, Earl Klugh and David Sanborn, great musicians to be sure, but artists that are often frowned upon by jazz purists. Over time, he began to expand his taste into more challenging jazz styles. Five years ago, while looking for places to see the music, he came across a listing in Westchester Magazine and decided to stop by.

“For me, it’s about the musicianship and the communication between the players, which translates to what you hear,” said Peralta. His experiences at the Watercolor have transformed his life. He has befriended many of the musicians and follows them when they play elsewhere.

Saxophone player Dave Brandom, who lives in Larchmont, makes a living teaching and performing for Broadway shows, but he has performed at the club around once a month for the last decade.

“It lets me wear my jazz hat and I get to play my original songs,” he said, praising the room’s acoustics. “It’s great for dinner and listening to the music, but you can still have a conversation because it’s not overpowering. It’s more than just a concert.”

At some jazz clubs in the city, the performers and management discourage patrons who talk during the performances. Another regular, pianist Ted Rosenthal, who lives in Scarsdale and performs nationally and globally, prefers that people listen but understands that at the Watercolor people do pay attention to the music, even if they’re having a good time at their tables and at the bar.

During a recent performance by his trio, a large group of regulars came in at 10:20 p.m., just in time for the second set, and engaged in fairly loud conversations at the bar. Yet they clearly appreciated the musical talent onstage and applauded after almost every solo.

“This is a cozy, fun place to play in front of friends and neighbors that’s close to home,” he said.

Even though jazz represents a tiny fraction of CD sales and music downloads, it does attract a strong following in Larchmont.

“It works well here,” said Carroll. “It’s probably not a great business move on my part and sometimes it costs me some money hope, but it has gained an audience and I am committed to it.”