By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, January 24, 2022

“Let's support and embrace it and the sounds that come from this corner of OUR UNIVERSE.”
— Richard Pierson

In this corner of the universe is an establishment where the musicians and the owner have teamed up to fight the good fight of keeping jazz alive in Montclair, New Jersey. It's a team effort where the owner George, the drummer Richard Pierson and his very supportive group of fellow musicians are fighting the good fight every week by producing awesome, engaging jazz performances at this very local neighborhood spot called DLV Lounge.

DLV Lounge

According to their Facebook page:

“Established in 1972, the DLV Lounge in Montclair, NJ is a warm, friendly, family-owned neighborhood bar & lounge, with great live entertainment Thursday through Saturday. ‘DLV’ stands for Dutch/Louise/Valerie. Owned and operated by George.”

Intimate, Warm, and Friendly

As soon as you step inside the doorway of this intimate cozy bar, you will most likely be greeted by the DLV owner George and a few regular patrons. As you settle into your seat, you will then discover an unpretentious place where the drinks are affordable and it has a friendly laid back environment and a relaxed atmosphere where almost everyone knows everybody.

When I was there, I actually met folks at the bar who stated they were just out for the night and were looking for something to do. As they were passing by they saw the sign in the window that said “Jazz” and they said “Oh Yeah!” Well, it’s all about the Jazz, and in doing some research I found this revealing 2015 quote by Richard Pierson in an article written by percussionist Bruce Tyler in the Montclair Dispatch titled “Montclair’s Hidden Gem is the DLV Lounge”:

“The DLV is a cultural icon or fast becoming one,” said Pierson. “We have people from all walks of life coming here. I feel like I am in Harlem when I’m here. It’s the best feeling in the world to have people come and know what they are listening to. It’s beautiful!”

Richard Pierson and friends at the DLV Lounge — July 23, 2015

Fast forward to today and you can see Richard is still committed to the cause of keeping Jazz alive at DLV. Hence, we can say thanks to Richard and a lot of local performing musicians. DLV is definitely a cultural icon in the neighborhood.

Richard Pierson Life Story House Band

When interviewing Richard, you can hear the energy and love for his Life Story program. He describes the program as:

“Music that brings renowned guest artists from all over to the town of Montclair. Jazz On the Avenue is to become an influential cultural phenomenon in the community. Live Music Experience, Great Drinks, Warm Vibe, complimentary Snacks & CD's, while it lasts = Fun Times @ The DLV Lounge! “

JAZZ ON THE AVENUE with Richard Pierson Life Story Band, featuring the Fabulous Vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson and the Super Dapper, Super Cool Rich Acciavatti.

The Band

Richard Pierson — Bandleader, Drummer

Richard Pierson is a seasoned, professional drummer who has performed all over the US and has created music with many well-known, heavy hitter musicians young and old. Accomplishments include arranging and producing recording projects, and he is in the process of finishing a current CD.

I asked Richard how it all works on any given night with the Richard Pierson Life Story Band and the invited musicians. He explained that he has extensive connections from his on-the-road days which helps a lot in securing performers. Add to that, many musicians touch bass with him all the time. However, he makes sure everyone gets a chance to play. He tends to focus on a monthly theme. Last month was saxophone and this month is focused on guitar players.

Jacqueline Harmon Johnson — Vocalist

Jacqueline Harmon Johnson is originally from Newark and now resides in East Orange, NJ. She started singing while attending college. A tireless advocate for jazz, Jacqueline’s desire to sing jazz and blues is deeply rooted in her belief that exposure to jazz will help educate the younger generation. She has performed in numerous venues around the tri-state area, so you should check her out to experience a bluesy, soulful, sultry, and engaging performance. I should also state that she is the force behind Fly Balloon Designs and has mastered the technique of using balloons to make venues look fabulous by creating balloon designs for any situation or environment.

Rich Acciavatti — Bass

Rich Acciavatti is a versatile NY Metro bassist, vocalist, and composer/arranger who has been playing over 50 years and worked with many artists over the years including Edgar Winter, Gap Mangione, Julie London, Candido, Steve Kuhn, Al Pierson (Guy Lombardo Orchestra), Jimmy Randolph, Bill Connors, and The Marvelettes. Rich has recorded numerous jingle dates, film scores, and “library” music for Don Sebesky, Teo Macero, and Tony Bongiovi. Aside from his love for playing jazz, Rich also is enthusiastic about world music and American music from the mid-19th century to the present. Come see Rich, he is one of the coolest bass players around.

Invited Musicians

All this means that you, the audience, will enjoy performances from the professional Jacqueline Harmon Johnson or a young up-and-coming vocalist like Avery Joi. Folks will enjoy seasoned bassist Rich Acciavatti along with the invited heavy hitters such as Dave Braham, Nat Janoff, Bill Saxon, Gene Ghee, Houston Person, King James Gibbs III, Charlie Sigler, Radam Schwartz, James Stewart and many others in between.

Richard knows them all, going way back. All to say, what could be better than a cool cozy environment for listening to some truly special jazz all surrounded by some very nice folks.

So What’s Next? You Can Support The Cause

In Segment 3 of Keeping Jazz Alive, we highlighted a venue, a bandleader, and a group of supportive musicians that have been helping out on the scene for a very long time. We hope you enjoyed it, and here's the plan and we hope you can help:

Performances

Richard said there might be a Montclair Internet Radio Broadcast in the future. He will be seeking support from the Jazz Foundation of America.

Events. Come on out and join in.

Weekly Thursday Nights Sessions. Follow Richard to keep up to date: https://www.facebook.com/richarx.pierson

Donate

When you show up, find the tip bucket. If you don't see one, ask for it.

Final Thoughts

Finally, I urge you to explore the venue listed above, click the links, and don't hesitate to call and support live music. And please make some time in your schedule to visit DLV this year. Say hi to everybody, and don't forget to let me know how your visit went. Tag me or message me directly via text or FB msg and, of course, enjoy the live jazz entertainment.

About the Writer — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus books bands and produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various community and private activities.

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.

Learn more at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.com and gregoryburrusproductions.com.

Get Featured

So these are some pretty cool places, with awesome support groups and, more importantly, supportive venue owners, hoping and helping to keep the Jazz Alive for a long, long time. If you want your favorite Jazz venue listed, let me know at gregoryburrusproductions.com/contact and I'll get you in on the next scheduled post.