Corin Perdomo
On September 10, the CCNY Music Department, in conjunction with the Music Library and the Humanities and the Arts Dean's office, had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Mel Litoff—a legendary figure in the New York jazz scene and a former owner of the iconic jazz club Sweet Basil. Litoff's visit provided a unique opportunity for students to hear more about the rich history of jazz and the vital role live music venues play in fostering artistic talent.
During his talk, Litoff captivated a packed audience of students, faculty, and jazz aficionados with tales from his time at Sweet Basil. The club operated from 1975 to 1999 and was not just a venue: it was a sanctuary for jazz musicians and enthusiasts alike. Under Litoff's stewardship, the club became a launching pad for countless artists, providing a space where creativity could flourish and music lovers could gather to experience the magic of live performance.
Litoff's talk was organic, like listening to family members share stories from their past, and everyone was completely engaged. In conversation with music librarian Michael Crowley and prompted by recordings in the Sweet Basil jazz LP Collection which Litoff gave to the CCNY Libraries, he recounted memorable performances by luminaries such as Gil Evans, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Uli Lenz, Cecil McBee, and Joe Chamber—illustrating how these artists helped define a generation of jazz. Litoff also addressed the evolving landscape of live music in the digital age. He discussed how technology has changed how artists connect with their audiences and how venues can adapt to maintain relevance. "The essence of live performance will always hold value," he stated. "No matter the changes, people will always crave that live experience." He emphasized the importance of community in the arts and underscored how Sweet Basil fostered relationships between musicians and audiences. Jazz is fundamentally about forming connections, sharing lived experiences, and crafting memorable moments. These insights struck a chord with many students pursuing careers in the music industry.
Lucas Stroud, an undergraduate double bass player and recipient of the Sweet Basil Jazz Club Scholarship, expressed enthusiasm about the donor's dedication. "It was inspiring to hear about his experiences and his commitment as a donor to support the next generation of jazz students," Stroud reflected. "His stories about the artists who performed there brought the history of jazz to life for me." The Sweet Basil scholarship, funded by Litoff and administered by City College of New York's Jazz Studies Program, supports students majoring in Jazz Studies with a focus on performance or composition.
Mel Litoff's visit served as a bridge between the past and the present. His anecdotes and wisdom reinforced the idea that while the music industry evolves, the core values of creativity, community, and connection remain timeless. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mel Litoff for sharing his expertise and enduring contributions to the jazz community. His legacy at Sweet Basil continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers.