Preview: Cool Universe Plays Thursday, July 30 at Jazz on Jay

Bassist-singer Ben Odom leads Cool Universe, with keyboardist-singer Azzaam Hameed, drummer Jack Kelle and saxophonist Eric Walentowicz.

“Our music is a mix of jazz and classic jazz and modern inflections of jazz on modern song,” says Odom.

Ben Odom, bassist-singer with Cool Universe. Robyn Gould photo, provided

Odom includes Donny Hathaway; Earth Wind & Fire; Stevie Wonder; Lambert, Hendricks & Ross; the Hebrew Boys; Take 6 and Professor Rudolph Stinney among his inspirations and influences – plus his parents who insisted he take piano lessons. These influences shape his work with the Soul Stirrers and with Cool Universe, performing Thursday at Jazz on Jay.

Azzaam Hameed studied music at Union College, plays organ and piano at Friendship Baptist Church and with jazz, soul and R&B artists including Garland Nelson, Felicia Collins and Tarik Shah.

Drummer Jack Kelle also plays guitar, piano and saxophone, enhancing his skills as a versatile accompanist. He also leads his own jazz groups.

Eric Walentowicz guested with the Union College Jazz Ensemble at Jazz on Jay on opening day, June 4, playing most of the saxophone solos. He studied at several Interlochen Arts summer programs, the University of Miami and the University of North Texas. With his own group, co-starring charismatic singer Bronte Roman, he’s released several recordings.

“Our hope is to spread love through music and joy through our love of music,” says Odom. “We always strive to make someone’s heart smile.”

Cool Universe played at the Empire State Plaza Summer Series on June 3.

Odom also has another band, a much-honored Gospel group that boasts a century-deep historic reputation, international renown, top awards and ongoing durability.

Odom sings with the Gospel group the Soul Stirrers and also serves as manager.

The Soul Stirrers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as one of rock’s early influences, then into the Grammy Hall of Fame earlier this year. 

Inspired by jubilee Gospel quartets, as well as superstar solo singers Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Soul Stirrers have featured Sam Cooke, Johnny Taylor and Lou Rawls among a long roster of former members. They’ve sung with Stevie Wonder, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Sinead O’Connor, Billy Preston, The Band, Tom Petty, Bobby McFerrin, Taj Mahal, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many others. Odom has also performed with The Blind Boys of Alabama, in “Gospel At Colonus” on Broadway with Morgan Freeman and in “La Davina” off Broadway.

Jazz on Jay continues Aug. 6 with the Cribtet.

Jazz on Jay is presented by the ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District. 

Sponsors are the New York State Council on the Arts, a Schenectady County Legislature Arts & Culture Grant, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and The Schenectady Foundation. We also receive support from Schenectady City Hall and this site, Hoke’s Juke Box. 

Show time is 12 noon at Jay Square opposite City Hall. Rain site: Robb Alley at Proctors; seating is provided indoors.