For a while it looked as if Boston was going to enjoy the greatest season of jazz in its history. Last week the decline set in. Of the two remaining places where you could douse yourself in decent jazz, the Ken was sold and its policy changed, and the Savoy announced that it would move.

Instead of fine musicians like Red Allen, Pete Brown, and Sidney Bechet, who have been setting the Ken a-rocking in the past three months, there will be a pussyfoot outfit under Nick Jerrit. Not that the band hasn't possibilities, but playing alongside J. C. Higginbotham and Pete Brown in yesterday's jam session, Jerrit's bunch was dismally uninteresting. There evidently won't be an end to the Sunday sessions, which is heartening. I don't think they'll be as exciting as previously, if for the simple reason that you can't build a whole afternoon's entertainment around one guest star. On the other hand, there's no telling who may drop in.

Much more hopeful are the prospects at the Savoy. For one thing, Sabby Lewis' band is easily the best jazz music in Boston. For another, when the Savoy moves, the band and the policy, including Sunday jam sessions, will still be the same. The big question is, will the Savoy atmosphere be the same? It makes a lot of difference where jazz is concerned.

To get back to Sabby, from a fairly interesting opening three months ago, the band has become a Boston sensation. Sparked by Al Morgan's wonderful bass playing, Jackie Field's allotting, Sabby recently won the Fitch Bandwagon Contest for the best local band. You may be startled when you see only eight musicians, but you'll be even more startled when they play. Due to clever and exciting orchestrations, the band sounds twice as big. If it's true that Joe Thomas, who is a fine trumpeter, is joining Sabby, the band may easily become the biggest thing since Basic.

If you're still tempted to try the Ken, you'll find it hiding behind a White Tower Hamburger Stand, just beyond the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Boston. To get to the Savoy, take an Egleston car at Park Street, get off at West Newton Street, and walk right one block.

Should your tastes run to larger bands, the Tic Toc, opposite the Met, has been featuring some excellent ones, though Johnny McGee is not a very appetizing prospect this week. The local ballrooms, the Raymond and the Roseland, frequently have top-notch orchestras. For complete details, see the Boston Post every Saturday.

I've saved the best news for the last, Earl Hines is playing a dance at the Cambridge Elks' Club, Central Square, Wednesday, August 5th. Get a place by the piano, and you'll be rewarded for standing up all night.