Photographer’s Journal: John Abbott’s ‘Perfect Alibi Quintet’ at Pagano’s, Bradley Beach

Words and Pictures by Joe Valencia

I had the pleasure of seeing The Perfect Alibi Quintet perform at Pagano’s UVA Restaurant and Wine Bar in Bradley Beach on Nov. 15. I am friends with the guitar player and manager, John Abbott, and have been wanting to see them perform for a while and finally got my chance. My only regret is not doing it sooner. John is a long-time Franklin Township resident with a passion for music, particularly jazz. He is a News Anchor at WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM radio where he gets to indulge in two of his greatest pleasures in life: radio and jazz. He considers himself to be lucky enough to go to work every day to do something he loves and gets to spend time with some of the greatest names in jazz: The Manhattan Transfer and the Brubecks, to name but two. He told me last night about a health scare he had a few years ago, after which he totally immersed himself in his music. Since then his health has steadily improved, all without the need for medication. It seems that, while laughter may be the best medicine it certainly isn’t the only medicine for what ails you.

I arrived while the band was still setting up so that I could talk to John a bit and meet the band before their set started. I was also there to take photos of the band for their Web site so I needed to scope out the area to see where I might get the best shots. I also met Al, the man responsible for scheduling the entertainment for Pagano’s, and he turned me on to a small landing off to the left of the band that would give me a good vantage point. At 8:30 p.m. the band took to the stage. John welcomed everyone and, after a quick introduction of the band, they kicked off the set with a terrific rendition of “Sunny.” I knew that I was in for a night of great music. They played for about an hour before taking a short break, after which they opened with “Freddie the Freeloader” followed by “Everything Happens to Me.” They were about four or five songs into the set when Al approached the band and took a microphone. He led the group in a terrific rendition of “Georgia on my Mind” that I think Ray Charles would have more than approved of.