Jazz Beat: Matt Hopper’s Open Jam, at the Phoenix

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The Phoenix has been home to a Tuesday-night jazz jam for 18 years. Much of that time, the iconic organist Everette DeVan has led the sessions. Guitarist Matt Hopper — a DeVan protégé who has just released his first CD, First Love — now hosts. Hopper’s crisp sound can dig deep into the blues or glide through a contemporary standard. Making up this Tuesday’s core ensemble are pianist Andrew Ouellette, drummer Danny Rojas, singer Lori Tucker and violinist Adam Galblum (who has been building a name in KC since returning to his hometown from Colorado earlier this year). Violin with guitar is a twist on the rhythm section, but musicians who join the jam discover how amazingly well this one works.