Kareem Sanjaghi Keeps Jazz Scene Alive and Young on Cape Cod

Twenty-four-year-old Kareem Sanjaghi of Brewster has a mission: To keep the jazz scene alive on Cape Cod.

Sanjaghi, who primarily plays the drums, is one of many young, local musicians and performs with various jazz groups, including the Bob Hayes Band and the Bert Jackson Quartet. 

For this lifelong Cape resident, music is in the blood. Sanjaghi is the grandson of Cape jazz pianist Bob Hayes, to whom he attributes his interest in the fading genre.

To catch him in action, check out his next Barnstable-area performance with the Bert Jackson Quartet at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at Colombo's Cafe on Main Street Hyannis.

Below, Sanjaghi discusses how he found himself playing classic jazz hits with men 50 years his senior on Cape Cod, and why he loves the local music scene.

Q: How did you get into jazz on the Cape?           

My biggest influences in getting into jazz on Cape were my grandfather, pianist Bob Hayes, Lou Colombo, my grandmother, and my parents.

I began playing in 1999 and played my first gig with my grandfather and Lou in 2002...that first gig forever changed my life. Since then, I have been fortunate to play with many great players in the best venues here on the Cape and meet many wonderful people who are now my friends. 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration for music?           

I get my inspiration from many different areas. Obviously my grandfather and Lou Colombo were my biggest influences, but I was also influenced by many of the New England greats that I’ve been able to share the stage with: Dick Johnson, Eddie Higgins, Kenny Wenzel, Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood, and Barry and Judy DeRossi.

I was also influenced greatly by Dave McKenna and Bobby Hackett. From a drumming standpoint, I was influenced by jazz drummers Butch Miles and Jake Hanna, the latter whom Lou Colombo used to say my drumming resembled.

Last year I was asked by Jake’s family to write a tribute that is published in a book on his life written by his niece, Maria Judge, entitled Jake Hanna: The Rhythm and Wit of a Swinging Jazz Drummer (Meredith Music Publications 2012).

Growing up, I was a huge fan of the band Green Day and a lot of Tré Cool’s drumming has made its way into my jazz and rock playing, especially his energy I like to think.

Recently I have gotten to know Tony Orlando and he is a huge musical inspiration and influence in my life. Watching him perform on stage and seeing how he interacts with people off-stage is truly amazing. 

Q: What is the jazz scene like on Cape Cod?            

The jazz scene here is doing OK. We have a lot of great players and venues. I’ve always felt the best jazz communities are those that work together and support each other. I love all the venues I perform at, especially Colombo’s Café and Pastries located at 540 Main St., Hyannis.

I’ve played there for many years with my grandfather and Lou Colombo and continue to play there to this day. I’ll be performing there many times this summer.

Q: What are your plans for the future?           

My current plans are to record an album with Kenny Wenzel, Bob Hayes, Tom Glenn, and Marshall Wood this fall and continue playing great music on Cape Cod. I want to play music at a high level with the best musicians in the world and make people happy with my music.