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Live jazz concerts return to the beautiful, Julia Morgan-designed Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland this month with the re-launch of the "Jazz at the Chimes" performance series.

Located at the end of Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, it's is an architectural landmark building designed by the visionary and prolific architect Julia Morgan for the purpose of housing cremated remains.

The hauntingly beautiful Chimes Chapel, part of the larger complex, has seen many a funeral since the turn of the 20th century, but it's also witnessed a lot of music over the years. The chapel offers seating for 175 people, offering an intimate venue for live jazz performances.

In 2006, it became a jazz venue and the backdrop for "Jazz at the Chimes," a concert series that featured the best in Bay Area jazz talent. Artists such as Kenny Washington, Madeline Eastman, Anton Schwartz, Wayne Wallace, Clairdee, Marcus Shelby and Claudia Villela played here and the series was fast becoming a treasured happening up until the budget ax fell resulting in its untimely death in January 2009.

Thankfully, "Jazz at the Chimes" has been revived and the faithful will be rewarded with six concerts in 2012. This past Fall, the new ownership at Chapel of the Chimes agreed to another go-around. They decided to sponsor the series again by sharing the lovely space and compensating the artists. 

The first concert of the new series is slated for Sunday, January 15 at 2 pm and will feature vocalist Ed Reed. Reed, an Oakland resident, recently placed in the 2011 Downbeat's Readers Poll for Male Vocalist and also as "Male Vocalist, Rising Star" in Downbeat's Critics Poll in 2008, 2009 and 2011. His recent CD, "Born to Be Blue," was Downbeat Editor's pick in July 2011 and he's been honored as a "Local Jazz Hero" by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Reed, who will turn 83 in February, is calling this his "Birthday Concert" and will be joined on this date by two renowned jazz musicians who also have roots in the Bay Area: Anton Schwartz on saxophone and Randy Porter on piano. All concerts are followed by a reception where the audience can meet the artists and purchase CDs.

For more information, visit the Jazz at the Chimes page on Facebook, call 510.654.0123, or e-mail chimesjazz@gmail.com.