By Jonathan Copsey / STAFF

Where else are you going to find a coffin and a piano sat next to each other on a stage with hundreds of people dancing to a swinging beat? Only at the Atlanta Jazz Party.

Of course the “coffin” is not a real coffin, but a term used to the giant upright bass used by the musicians to produce their jazzy sound.  

The Atlanta Jazz Party is one of the oldest running events of its kind. 2009 is the 20th anniversary of the regions favorite gathering of jazz musicians and enthusiasts and it will take place next weekend – from April 24 to the 26. Classic jazz in the tradition of Chicago, New York and Swing is the focus of the weekend. Nothing else matters.

Phil Carroll started the Jazz party twenty years ago as a way to save a dying art that had ruled his life for so long. He had grown up in New York City and visited his first Jazz club when he was just 12. From that day onward, he was so taken by the music that it dominated his life. By the 80’s, jazz had pretty much run its course, with its heyday long behind it. The days of large gatherings of jazz musicians became largely relegated to New Orleans. So, while Phil lived in Roswell at the time, he decided to do something to save his love; he started the Atlanta Jazz Party.

For 19 years, Phil gathered some of the best and brightest in jazz in a ballroom in town, dancing and jiving for an entire weekend. Last year’s event had attendees from 40 states and 9 countries.

Phil died late last year after a long battle with cancer. But his party carries on, continued by his son, Roswellian Philip Carroll Jr.

“I’m finding out that there was a lot of things dad kept to his chest,” said Carroll. “There’s a sound guy with a mixing board who just sits there, and I’ve always taken him for granted. But Ed [Poulter] calls me up and asks if I’ve secured the sound and lighting guy … But I think everything is set now.”

The best players of jazz turn out for the event, with many returning year after year. The likes of Ed Poulter, John Cocuzzi and Bob Havens (a trombonist who was on the Laurence Whelk band) have played at every single Jazz Party since they began; Bassist Vince Giordiano, who scored the soundtrack for the film The Aviator starring Leonardo DiCaprio as well as DiCaprio’s recent movie Revolutionary Road, with his band The Nighthawks; Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli who played Carnegie hall and Madison Square Garden; and dozens more will play nothing but jazz for nearly three days straight.

The 20th Annual Atlanta Jazz Party will be held April 24, 25 and 26 at the Westin Atlanta North. For more information call 423-821-4461 or visit the website at www.atlantajazzparty.com. Tickets are available at the door (cash or check only).