Silo’s is a delightful little club in the heart of downtown Napa,
California, within the greater wine country. The venue seats 125, and is tucked
into the historic Napa Mill, adjacent to the Napa River Inn. On Sunday
afternoon, July 14, it was the perfect setting for a tribute to Vince Guaraldi,
performed by a polished combo led by jazz pianist — and long-ago Guaraldi
student — Larry Vuckovich.
The event was sponsored by the Napa Valley Jazz Society, whose head
poobah, Bill Hart, encouraged me to bring a stack of books, feeling certain
that some of that afternoon’s patrons would appreciate the opportunity to
purchase a copy. Bill also asked me to say “a few words” about Vince between
sets, a proposal greeted with equal enthusiasm by Larry. I promised not to
overstay my welcome; after all, everybody was present to hear the music.
My wife and I arrived about 45 minutes early, at 3:15 p.m. Bill showed us
to our seats, at his table and favorably placed about 10 feet from the band.
(That said, there aren’t any bad seats in the house, which is the epitome of intimate.)
We were surprised to discover a full bar, but not at all surprised to see
that the cocktails were cheaper than single glasses of wine (all of which were
high-end, Napa-area selections). I checked in with Larry and his lovely wife,
Sanna; they were holed up in a back area separated only by a curtain, from the
rest of the room. I also took advantage of the opportunity to chat with bassist
Seward McCain; although he and I corresponded a lot and talked on the phone
several years ago, while I worked on my book about Guaraldi, we’d never
actually met. In person, he’s just as engaging as he was during our interviews.
Shortly before 4 p.m., Bill Hart took the microphone and made several
announcements on behalf of the Napa Jazz Society: upcoming events and other
bits of business. His colleague Richard Danne already was taking pictures with
an impressive-looking camera, and several of his photos are sprinkled
throughout this essay. Hart then introduced me and displayed a copy of my book
(thanks, Bill!), which he presented as a gift to Vuckovich. After a round of
applause, Bill concluded by formally introducing Larry, who discussed his own
early years, starting with his arrival in San Francisco in 1951. He recalled
seeing Guaraldi as a member of Cal Tjader’s band in 1957.
“Vince had driving rhythm and soulful playing,” Vuckovich said, “and he
played Latin music with great
authenticity.”
