Bring On The Heat!

In conversation with Brian Charette as he and drummer Jordan Young were in a car recently on their way from Cleveland to Cincinnati (Mr. Young was driving), the organist told me that his training on the B-3 came under the heading "trial by fire." Trained as a pianist (and having played gigs with the likes of Houston Person and Lou Donaldson while in high school), he moved to New York City and one of his first jobs was as on organ. He made it through without embarrassing himself but went right out and bought an organ, rented a space and practiced long hours.

Over the past 2 decades, he has worked with Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan and Bucky Pizzarelli (and many more) plus spends a good chunk of the year in Europe.  He has issued 7 CDs as a leader with 8 + 9 just being released including his new Sextette CD, "The Question That Drives Us" (Steeplechase) and his debut as a leader on PosiTone Records titled "Square One."  It's the latter one we'll look at here (and save the former for next week.)

"Square One" finds the Meriden, CT, native in the company of Israeli-born guitarist Yotam Silberstein and the great drummer Mark Ferber.  The trio had played numerous gigs together so, by the time they entered Acoustic Recording in Brooklyn, NY, they were ready to hit.  Most of the tracks were recorded in 1 take (the session took less than 4 hours) but nothing sounds incomplete.  Ferber swings with abandon throughout giving both Charette and Silberstein an excellent cushion to solo over.  Also, the organist's bass pedal footwork provides even more depth.  Charette also mentioned in our conversation that he is always prepared before entering the studios and the vast majority of his songs have strong melodies while being smartly arranged. Best of all, this music is really a lot of fun (in keeping with the leader's attitude in life.)  Opening with the funky "pop" of "Aaight" that almost immediately drops into a "swing" groove and back again, "Square One" keeps one guessing.  There are  2 "cover" tunes, the hard-driving "If" (composed by saxophonist Joe Henderson for organist Lary Young's 1956 Blue Note Lp "Unity") and the New Orleans groove of "Ease Back" (a tune composed and recorded in 1969 by The Meters). On the former track, Ferber really digs in and pushes mightily while, on the latter, the trio speeds the piece up from the original making even more danceable (dig those chunky rhythm guitar lines and "clicking" phrases from Silberstein.)

Other highlights include the "otherworldly" sounds of "Things You Don't Mean" (a tune with a wicked groove) and the hard-rock modality of "A Fantasy" (great guitar work) and the insistent forward motion of "Yei Fei" (a piece most reminiscent of Larry Young's work).  "Three For Martina" has a lovely melody line and the interaction of the organ with the quiet, spare, guitar interjections stands out.  The program closes with "Ten Bars For Eddie Harris" with Ferber's charging drum work blazing the way for Silberstein's fiery guitar lines and Charette's spirited organ work.  The drummer gets to let loose for 30 seconds before the "church-y" organ chords and squalling guitar leads back to a super-charged final repeat of the opening theme.

In the afore-mentioned conversation, Brian Charette said that "Square One" was his favorite recording especially because of the excellent work of recording and mixing engineer Nick O'Toole (co-owner of PosiTone).   O'Toole really captures Mark Ferber's splendid drum work and all 3 instruments are equal in the mix.  If you still have a case of the "winter blues", put this CD in the machine and let it rip good and loud.  I'm quite sure you'll be smiling before long.  Until his new website is complete, go to www.facebook.com/pinchbrian for more information.

Alto saxophonist/composer Mike DiRubbo, also a CT native, came under the tutelage of saxophonist/educator Jackie McLean upon entering the Hartt School/University of Hartford. After graduation, he moved to New York City and worked with numerous artists such as drummer Carl Allen, bluesman Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, bassist Dwayne Burno, and pianist John Hicks (among many). As a leader, DiRubbo has issued 7 CDs with his most recent being the first for his Ksanti label (2011's "Four Hands, One Heart", a duo date with pianist Larry Willis.)

2014 brings the 8th CD under DiRubbo's name;  "Threshold" (Ksanti) reunites him with drummer Rudy Royston and pianist Brian Charette, both of whom appeared on the saxophonist's 2011 PosiTone trio release, "Chronos" (Charette played exclusively Hammond B-3 on that recording.).  The new release adds bassist Ugonna Okegwo and trumpeter Josh Evans (a Hartford native and Jackie McLean student who appears on  6 of the 9 tracks.)  The title song kicks off the program and it's "hot stuff" from the opening note.  With the rhythm section pushing hard and the pianist adding McCoy Tyner-inspired chords, DiRubbo delivers an inspired alto statement while Evans (who works or has worked with bassist Dezron Douglas, drummer Winard Harper and trombonist/educator Steve Davis) follows with his brand of excitement.  Charette also solos, riding the waves of sound emanating from Okegwo and Royston.  If you only heard him on B-3, Charette is a hellacious pianist as well. A taste of  mid-60s Blue Note music enters in on "Where There's a Willis There's A Way"; the tune builds on the excitement of the first track but has more shading.  After the leader tears into his spot, Evans opens in a pensive tone before picking up steam.  Charette's solo seamlessly blends blues, Latin and other influences.

With the exception of the opening cut (7:51), the tracks average around 6 minutes.  There are few, if any, extended solos and every song has a substantial melody. There are 2 ballads, the handsome "Faith" and the touching "Salter of the Earth" (which has the sound and feel of a early 1960s John Coltrane melody, especially in the long notes of the melody,)  On the latter track, the saxophonist's solo unfolds slowly, easily, his phrases filled with emotion and a tinge of sadness.

It's hard to sit still on tracks such as "Pace", which opens with such an urgency (plus some impressive walking bass) that it pulls the listener closer to the speakers.  "Curvas Perigosas" displays Royston at his most fluid, driving the band with a rhythm that suggests samba.  The soloists tap into the drummer's spirited work and deliver impressive solos.  The CD closes with a sprightly update of Charlie Parker's "Bloomdido" with the catchy melody riding atop forceful work of both Okegwo and Royston.

On his website, Mike DiRubbo states  “I want to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck!”  Upon listening to "Threshold", your entire body might just rise off your chair. This is such joyous and inspired music - find it, dig it!  For more information, go to ksantirecords.com.  

No Uncertainty About This Concert

Earlier this week, I posted an entry about 2 excellent shows on Saturday March 8 ("Improvisations" Series at Real Art Ways and "The Composers and Improvisors Festival' at The Buttonwood Tree - see here) - come to find out, the Uncertainty Music Series also has a fine evening of music planned for the same evening (what's a music fan to do?)

Series curator Carl Testa is an adventurous programmer and likes to play with combinations. This month, the double bill commences with Meredith Glina's Bass 4-Tet.  Yes, 4 electric bassists, including Ms. Gilna, Jimmy Canepa, Elias Mullane and Jon Dostou, playing experimental music. They manipulate the sound of their instruments, they move in and out of melodic passages and keep one guessing.

Headlining the program is Little Worlds (pictured above), the trio of Rick Parker (trombone, effects), Ryan Mackstaller (guitar, effects) and Tim Kuhl (drums); the repertoire that the Brooklyn-based ensemble plays are the classical etudes Bela Bartok created for his "Mikrokosmos" collection.  The group of 153 short works for piano was composed between 1926-1039.   The trio of Parker, Mackstaller and Kuhl has issued 2 collections of its arrangements (Volume 1 in 2011 and Volume 2 in 2013 - both available at littleworlds.bandcamp.com) - and the results are innovative, challenging, exciting and quite dynamic.  They have not played this music much in the past year so this gig should be lot of fun for both musicians and audience.

The show takes place at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Ms. Glina's Bass 4-Tet opens the proceedings at 8 p.m.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

Improvisers Galore + CD Pick

Saturday will be a busy day for fans of Improvised Music.  Not only is bassist Joe Fonda presenting the 9th Annual Composers & Improvisers Festival at The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown but also Real Art Ways, 45 Arbor Street in Hartford is hosting its monthly "Improvisations" series with the incredible reed master Scott Robinson joining series curators Stephen Haynes (trumpet) and Joe Morris (bass, guitar).

The evening at The Buttonwood commences at 7:30 p.m. with the duo of Clare Daly (baritone saxophone - pictured left) and Joel Forrester (piano). The 2 have had a long musical relationship with the saxophonist being a member of the pianist's "People Like Us" quartet.  Forrester, a founding member of The Microscopic Septet (4 saxophones and rhythm section), is a fine composer but this setting allows the 2 to stretch the improvisatory muscles.

Saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase (alto, tenor and baritone saxes) brings his Explorers Club Trio for a set at 8:30 p.m.  Joining the Boston-based musician will be Eric Hofbauer (guitar) and Curt Newton (drums) - neither one is represented in the photo above.  Kohlhase, who first came to critical notice as a member of the Either/Orchestra, has led his own groups since the late 1980s, recording in various settings but always with a strong component of improvisation.  Guitarist Hofbauer has also led or co-led several ensembles in the Boston area but may be best known for his trio of solo releases "American Vanity" (2002), "American Fear" (2009) and "American Grace" (2012), 3 recordings that blend standards with rock favorites and originals.  Drummer Newton has recorded and toured with saxophonist Ken Vandermark, pianist Pandelis Karayorgis and cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum.

Topping off the Festival will be the Michael Musillami Trio at 9:30.   The Trio, consisting of Mr. Musillami (guitar), George Schuller (drums, percussion) and Festival founder Fonda (bass), is soon to celebrate its 12th anniversary and it's been quite a wonderful musical experience.  They have recorded 6 CDs (all on the guitarist's Playscape Recordings label), several of which feature an expanded lineup - the music they create is always exciting, original, challenging and rewarding.

For more information and reservations, call 860-347-4957 or go to www.buttonwood.org.

As mentioned above, reed player Scott Robinson (pictured left with a  bass saxophone) is the featured guest at RAW's "Improvisations" event, also on Saturday but starting at 7 p.m.  Robinson, who has been a mainstay of the reed section in Maria Schneider's Orchestra since its inception in 1992, has also worked with numerous musicians and ensembles, from Joe Lovano to Anthony Braxton to the Duke Ellington Orchestra to The Temptations to the New York City Opera.  He's an amazing soloist, a musician who can raise the roof with a mighty roar and create lovely sounds that whisper in one's ears.  He should have quite the time playing with Messrs. Haynes and Morris, who both enjoy the challenge of "instantaneous music."

For more information and reservations, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.  

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Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has made quite the name for himself over the past 5 years.  He has toured and recorded with vocalist Kurt Elling, bassist Christian McBride, and vocalist Diane Schuur.  He has just issued his 3rd CD as a leader, "Onward & Upward" (D Clef Records) and it's no surprise that the music in the program covers a wide swath of styles.  With a rhythm section of Christian Sands (piano, who also is a member of bassist McBride's Trio), Gilad Hekselman (guitar) and Reuben Rogers (bass) plus a front line of Jason Palmer (trumpet), Michael Dease (trombone and co-producer) and Anat Cohen (tenor saxophone, clarinet), the music commences (after a short drum intro) with a funky reading of Thom Bell's "People Make the World Go Round" (first recorded by The Stylistics in 1971) - the track features a great vocal by Charles Turner III and a strong horn arrangement.  That's followed by another r'n'b tune, "Just 25 Miles to Anywhere", composed and recorded in 1983 by the late Phyllis Hyman (1949-1995), also produced by Thom Bell. The fine arrangement, by saxophonist Diego Rivera, caresses the melody while leaving room for solos by Ms. Cohen, Hekselman, Palmer and Sands.  "Human Nature", a big hit for Michael Jackson, is mainly a spotlight for the sumptuous piano work of Sands with bassist Matthew Rybicki joining Owens, Jr in the rhythm section. The bassist, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is also featured on the lovely original ballad "The Gift of Forgiveness", a feature for young trumpeter Benny Benack III.

Ms. Cohen moves to clarinet for the exciting "Samba Jam", a spontaneous composition for her, bassist Rogers and the leader.  She also has a fiery tenor solo on "SST", a piece by the team of Frank Buchanan and Kurt Stockdale.  Oddly enough, she's not in the ensemble for the atmospheric reading of Wayne Shorter's  "Fee Fi Fo Fum", which does feature excellent work by Palmer, Hekselman and the leader.

"Onward & Upward" closes with the leader playing a funky rhythm by himself and building a solo off the groove he creates.  Save for the opening and closing tracks, Ulysses Owens Jr. has created a group recording that allows all the participants to shine without anyone stealing the spotlight.  His choice of material is inspired with an emphasis on strong melodies, good grooves, and "hot" solos. Best of all, the music jumps out of your speakers and, for the majority of the CD, makes you want to move your feet.  The project is dedicated to the memory of Mulgrew Miller, the pianist whom Owens Jr. describes as "my mentor."  For more information, go to www.usojazzy.com.

Amanda Monaco's Ethical Music + Brian Charette's Earthy Sounds

On Thursday March 6, Amanda Monaco, guitarist/composer and native of Wallingford, CT, brings the Pirkei Avot Project to Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad Street in Middletown.  Based on writings known as the "Ethics of the Fathers" (believed to have been compiled in the 3rd Century C.E., Ms. Monaco created the work for a quintet of voice, recorder and flute, percussion, acoustic bass and guitar. As a member of Congregation B'Nai Jeshurun in New York City, the guitarist has recorded several CDs and written numerous pieces for services at the downtown shul.

For the Middletown gig (which commences at 7 p.m.), Ms. Monaco brings a Quintet that features Tammy Sheffer (vocals), Daphna Mor (recorder, ney flute, vocals), Sean Conly (acoustic bass) and Satoshi Takeishi (percussion), al of whom (save for Ms. Sheffer) appear on "The Pirkei Avot Project: Volume 1" that was released in 2011. "Volume II" is in the works and this concert will feature several new pieces.  For more information about the show at Adath Israel, call 860-346-4709 or email me at rkamins@mac.com.   To find out more about Amanda Monaco and her music, go to amandamonaco.com.

Got an email from organist/pianist Brian Charette which reads "I'll be doing a Clinic at UConn March 6 & 7, and I'll be playing Mar 8th at Shish Lounge in West Hartford 7-10pm, and Mar 9th is at the Hartford Rd. Cafe in Manchester Ct 7:30-10:30pm with Frank Varela. Frank and I used to play in a Band called Street Temperature that was popular in Htfd like 20yrs ago!  Then I'm hosting the Jazz Night at Black Eyed Sally's (in Hartford) on Mar 10."  

Charette, a native of Meriden, CT, (and graduate of Platt High School) who's been in New York City for 2 decades, has 2 new CDs out plus is featured on the brand new CD from saxophonist Mike DiRubbo.  All are worth hearing (reviews are forthcoming) and each is as good as the other.  One of them is his first release for Posi-Tone Records. Titled "Square One", Charette works with guitarist Yotam Silberstein and the always dynamic drummer Mark Ferber.  When I spoke with him, Charette was highly complimentary of Posi-Tone label heads Mark Free and Nick O'Toole - he loves the sound of this music and I don't blame him.  Recording engineer O'Toole has a great understanding of how to make the drums sound natural and also how to mix so that each instrument is heard at its optimum.  

For more information about the Shish Lounge, go to shishlounge.com or call 860-986-7698. For more information about the Hartford Road Cafe, go to www.hartfordroadcafe.com or call 860-646-1044.  For more information about the Jazz Night at Black Eyed Sally's, go to blackeyedsallys.com/music.cfm or call 860-278-RIBS (7427).  

I'll be talking with both Amanda Monaco (11:30 a.m.) and Brian Charette (12noon) Sunday March 2 on WLIS-AM 1420 and WMRD-AM 1150 (online at www.wliswmrd.net.) 

Wayne Waxes (Live and on CD)

Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery turned 39 this past Sunday (2/23) and you wish him a "Happy Birthday" this coming Saturday (3/01) as he and his Quartet play The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme, CT.

Escoffery, born in London, England, moved to the US when he was 8 and settled in New Haven, CT, 3 years later.  After spending several years in a youth choir, Escoffery attended the Neighborhood Music School and the Educational Center for the Arts in the Elm City. He went on to study at the Hartt School to study with Jackie McLean and did his graduate work at the Thelonious Monk Institute at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  Since moving to New York City in 2000, he has worked with Tom Harrell, the Mingus Orchestra & Big Band, drummer Ben Riley, Ron Carter's Big Band.  He's issued 6 CDs as a leader plus 2 sessions co-led with his wife, vocalist Carolyn Leonhart.

His 7th CD - "The Wayne Escoffery Quintet: Live at Firehouse 12" - will be issued on March 4 by Sunnyside Records. Besides his regular rhythm section of Rashaan Carter (bass) and Jason Brown (drums), the ensemble also features pianist Orrin Evans and Rachel Z on electronic keyboards. The 36-minute program consists of 4 pieces, opening with "ZWE1", a duet for tenor saxophone and electric keyboard.  In fact, it's all Rachel Z for the first 2:50, her swirling synthesizer sounds setting an ethereal landscape for the entrance of Escoffery.  His warm tenor sound on a plaintive melody softens the piece and leads into "Gulf of Aqaba", an composition first recorded on a CD with Israeli-born guitarist Avi Rothbard.  Here, the Middle-Eastern feel can be heard in the melody line but the rhythm section displays the force of Elvin Jones and Jimmy Garrison from John Coltrane's classic Quartet.  Evans' powerful piano chords blend nicely with Ms. Z's impressionistic sounds.  Escoffery's solo is fiery, building in intensity until he is high in the tenor's register (without squalling).  The intensity softens for the fine piano solo - here, the electronic sounds resemble a string quartet, quietly shadowing Evans as he spars with the rhythm section. Ms. Z's shimmering and quivering synth work opens "The Only Son of One", the title track of the saxophonist's previous CD.  This piece displays a Wayne Shorter/Weather Report influence in its open-ended melody line and its tranquil feel.  Nothing is rushed, the solos are subdued yet forceful (especially the tenor spot) and the rhythm section is exemplary. The program closes with "Blue Monsoon", an Esmond Edwards composition first recorded in 1973 by Sonny Stitt and again in 1975 by organist Jack McDuff. The track opens with just tenor saxophone, a lovely soliloquy that has great power and poetry.  The band enters on a short phrase that becomes the opening line of the theme. Evans powerful piano solo sets the table for another fiery (but under control) tenor solo, this time with a bluesy feel to many of the phrases Escoffery plays.  Ms. Z's keys really fill out the background, doing so without intruding.

The interaction throughout the set is quite impressive, especially the work of Orrin Evans and Rachel Z.  The 2 keyboards could have been distracting; instead, they complement each other admirably.  The elasticity of the rhythm section is also noteworthy.  Wayne Escoffery goes from strength to strength, his music and musicianship imposing and impactful.  "Live at Firehouse 12" might be short on running time but packs a mighty punch.  For more information, go to www.escofferymusic.com.    

Not sure who's joining Wayne Escoffery on Saturday at The Side Door but you can be sure the music will be worth your time.  For reservations, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call them at 860-434-0886.

5 Reasons to Go to The Side Door

Reason # 1) - On Friday February 21, one of the nicest musicians I have ever me, bassist Mike Asetta, is bringing the Michael Asetta Quintet to the venue. A splendid musician, an excellent soloist (on an instrument that is tough to solo on), and a smart judge of sideman, Mr. Asetta, a graduate of the Yale School of Music, is also an expert in restoration of basses and cellos, will perform with long-time ally Steve Donovan (piano), Artie Dixson (percussion), Dan Cipriano (saxophones) and Cindy Bradley (trumpet).  To find out more about Mr. Asetta, his work and music, go to michaelasetta.wordpress.com or www.mikeasetta.com.

Reason # 2 - The food is quite good.

Reason # 3 - On Saturday night, Jason Anick performs with his top-notch Quintet in the performance space. The 28-year old graduate of the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford plays both mandolin (acoustic and electric) and violin and is one of the youngest faculty members of the Berklee School in Boston.  Even before he had earned his degree from Hartt, Anick was touring with GRAMMY-winning guitarist John Jorgenson (who has worked with Elton John and Bonnie Raitt, among many others) and now is a member of the New Hot Club of America.

Reason # 4 - Young Mr. Anick is celebrating the release of his 2nd CD, "Tipping Point" (Magic Fiddle Music), and bringing 4 of the musicians from the recording with him.  That includes the excellent rhythm section of Greg Loughman (bass) and Mike Connors (drums) who also tour and record with pianist John Funkhouser.  Fellow Hartt graduate and pianist Matt DeChamplain (now on the faculty of his alma mater) will share keyboard duties with Jason Yeager (like the leader, he teaches at Berklee). Among the many reasons why the new CD is so good is that Anick and company play such a wide variety of music, from the "hot swing" of Django Reinhardt's "Minor Blues" to the driving hard bop sounds of "This I Dig Of You" (composed by saxophonist Hank Mobley) to the sweet ballad sounds of the great standard "My One and Only Love". The Quintet's version of Horace Silver's "Peace" features one of the more articulate violin solos one will hear outside of the classical world.  The CD also features an electric mandolin and electric guitar (with rhythm section) reading of Ornette Coleman's "Turnaround."  There are also 5 originals, several of which pair Anick's violin or mandolin with the alto saxophone of Clay Lyons.  To find out more about Jason Anick and his music, go to www.jasonanick.com.

The doors open at 7:30 p.m. on both nights with the music set to commence at 8:30.  To find out more (and check out the upcoming gigs of Patricia Barber on 2/25, Ralph Peterson Triangular with the Curtis Brothers on 2/28, and saxophonist Wayne Escoffery on March 1), go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

O, yes, Reason # 5 - It's way past time to get out of the house!

Uncertainty Series + A Certain Series Continues

This Saturday (2/22), the Uncertainty Music Series continues with a double bill that features Rachel Devorah Trapp (pictured left, compositions, horn) and the duo known as PascAli.  The concert takes place at 7 p.m. in Fair Haven Furniture, 72 Blatchley Avenue in New Haven.

Ms. Trapp, a native of Hartford, CT, earned her Bachelor's Degree from City University of New York and a Master's Degree from Mills College in California.  Her compositions have been performed by guitarist Fred Frith, Rhymes With Opera and the Del Sol String Quartet. She has played horn with the Andrew Weathers Ensemble and composer Robbie Lee.  She is currently writing a site-specific  chamber opera for the Mark Twain House in Hartford based on the life of Susy Clemens to be performed later this year.

PascAli consists of bassists Pascal Niggenkemper and Sean Ali who use many different items to augment their acoustic basses including aluminum cans, lampshades, balloons and other "found objects. The duo's 2012 debut CD is appropriately titled "Suspicious Activity" (Creative Source) and you can find out more by going to www.pascalniggenkemper.com/pascali.html. 

For more information about the concert, go to uncertaintymusic.com where you can also access directions to the performance venue.    

The big news of the week is the announcement of the Spring 2014 Concert Series at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven. The 13-week program commences on March 21 with Elm City native son Ben Alison and his Trio.  Scheduled to join the bassist/composer are guitarist Steve Cardenas (whose upcoming Sunnyside release is a smash) and reed master Ted Nash.

The following Friday (3/28) is another trio and another Connecticut native (well, he was born in New York City but raised in Greenwich).  Pianist/composer Kevin Hays brings his New Day Trio (bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Bill Stewart) to town.  April 4, the quintet known as Kneebody arrives with its fun blend of jazz, rock and more.

On April 11, Thumbscrew - guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Tomas Fujiwara (pictured left) - makes its CT debut (although it's the 13th time the guitarist has played the venue and the 7th for the drummer.)  Their debut CD was issued in January of this year on Cuneiform and it's quite an aural treat.  Saxophonist Loren Stillman, who appeared at the Firehouse last November as a member of vibraphonist Chris Dingman's ensemble, returns on April 18 with his quartet Bad Touch.  His band includes CT native (Greenwich) Gary Versace (organ), Nate Radley (guitar) and Ted Poor (drums).

Pictured left is drummer Rudy Royston, who appeared at The Firehouse last May with trumpeter Dave Douglas, brings his 303 quintet to New Haven on April 25. Consisting of Nadje Noordhuis (trumpet), Jon Irabagon (alto saxophone - also a member of Mr. Douglas's Quintet), Nir Felder (guitar), and Yashushi Nakamura (bass), the ensemble (along with non-touring member, bassist Mimi Jones) issued its debut CD on Greenleaf Records in January. On May 2, Ms. Halvorson and Mr. Fujiwara return to the performance space as members of the Taylor Ho Bynum Sextet.  Cornetist/composer Bynum, who lives in the New Haven area and is currently teaching at Wesleyan University as well as working with Anthony Braxton's various ensembles, released the 4-part "Navigations" CD/LP late last year on Firehouse 12 Records.  His band also features saxophonist Jim Hobbs, bassist Ken Filiano, and tuba-ist/trombonist Bill Lowe.

The dapper pianist/ composer/educator/author Noah Baerman leads his Jazz Samaritan Alliance into The Firehouse on May 9.  The ensemble includes saxophonists Kris Allen and Jimmy Greene, bassist Henry Lugo, vibraphonist Chris Dingman and drummer Otis Brown III. Among other things, they will be celebrating Mr. Baerman's new CD release, "Ripples", a recording that features many different musicians but whose central theme is to raise consciousness about social issues in this country and the world.

On Friday May 16, saxophonist/composer/salsa dancer Russ Nolan brings his Quartet to town to celebrate the release of his CD, "Relentless" (my review is here).  It's the same group that's on the recording including Manuel Valera (piano), Michael O'Brien (bass) and Brian Fishler (drums).

I have already circled May 23 because that's when drummer Barry Altschul comes to the Elm City with 3Dom Factor (saxophonist Jon Irabagon and bassist Joe Fonda).  The Trio's 2013 self-titled TUM Records debut release is filled with great interactions, smart soloing and exciting music.  May comes to a close with the duo of Brandon Ross (banjo, guitars, vocals) and Stomu Takeishi (bass) - their upcoming Sunnyside release, "For Living Lovers", is a passionate and challenging collections of songs unlike much of what one hears these days.

Bassist/composer Linda Oh released "Sun Pictures" on Greenleaf Records in 2013 to great critical acclaim. Kneebody's Ben Wendel is on the CD and will be part of the live performance on June 6 along with guitarist Matt Stevens and drummer Rudy Royston - this should also be quite an evening of music.

The following week (June 13) is the final week of the series and features the Satoko Fujii Trio +1.  Ms. Fujii, one of the most prolific composers of the past decade (she also leads several big bands here and in her native Japan), is a fascinating pianist, more intent on setting the mood than being a technical wizard.  Her husband Natsuki Tamura plays trumpet, Todd Nicholson is the bassist and Takashi Itani is the fine young drummer.

Every concert includes 2 sets - separate admission charge to each - and there are a limited number of season tickets available. To find out more about the season, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.