JAZZ REVIEW : OPTIONS TO SPARE AT LINDA’S ON MELROSE

Linda’s, a high-ceilinged room on Melrose Avenue west of Highland, is not quite like any other venue in town.

Several options are in operation here. For instance, if you are not into jazz, you have your choice--at least on Tuesdays, Thursdays or during the Sunday brunch hour--of hearing light classical sounds offered by a pianist, Tania Agins, and a cellist, Matt Cooker.

By the same token, if you are not a meat-and-potatoes person, you can also opt for the vegetarian menu. And if you don’t care one way or the other about either the music or the food, there 1634886944of a different artist decorate the walls, changing every six weeks.

The music policy also rotates, with various pianists and bassists. Sundays it’s Gerald Wiggins, Tuesdays George Gaffney at the keyboard, both with Andy Simpkins as their partner. Wednesdays through Saturdays it’s Tom Garvin, backed by John Heard.

Tuesday evening, when the classical session ended at 8, Gaffney took over on his own for a few numbers, Simpkins having been delayed. He offered a reminder of the extent to which a well-equipped soloist can be self-sufficient, particularly on such ballads as “A Child Is Born.” But soon afterward Simpkins provided his usual powerful support.

As if all these elements were not enough, instrumental music gives way to vocal interludes when the owner, Linda Keegan, takes over now and then to offer a couple of standard songs in a casual, rough-hewn but attractive style.

The various choices provided at Linda’s constitute an unconventional and attractive policy.