Stephen, Joe, Ken and Nate + Tierney & Joni + Wee CD

Look! It's October, the leaves are changing and falling and the Improvisations series at Real Art Ways, 45 Arbor Street in Hartford, rolls on. On Wednesday October 2, series curators Stephen Haynes (cornet, trumpets) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) are joined by Ken Vandermark (saxophones) and Nate Wooley (trumpet) for an evening of music that promises to be as exciting as it will be expansive.  Mr. Vandermark has been on the forefront of the international scene since his days in Boston in the 1980s (he was a member of one of Joe Morris's groups.)  His move to Chicago in 1989 and his work with the great saxophonist Hal Russell's NRG Ensemble led him to form a number of ensembles, including the high-energy Vandermark 5 and his cooperative group with drummer Hamid Drake and bassist Kent Kessler called DKV. Trumpeter Wooley has worked with John Zorn, Professor Anthony Braxton and guitarist Mary Halvorson plus leads his ensembles - he, too, has worked and recorded with Joe Morris.

Ken Vandermark and Nate Wooley open the evening of music in a duo at 7 p.m. and then will be joined by Messrs. Haynes and Morris for the second set. For more information, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.

On Friday October 4, vocalist Tierney Sutton returns to Connecticut (she attended and graduated from Wesleyan University) with her top-notch ensemble to headline "A Music for Humanity Concert", an event to benefit Interval House, a shelter for women and children in Hartford. Ms. Sutton and band - pianist Christian Jacob, drummer Ray Brinker plus bassists Kevin Axt and Trey Henry - are beginning a tour to celebrate the release of "After Blue" (BFM Music).  The CD is dedicated to the music of Joni Mitchell (who celebrates her 70th birthday in November) and actually only features one member of her band, bassist Axt, who plays on only one track.  Flutist Hubert Laws and drummer Peter Erskine are featured on 2 tracks as is the Turtle Island String Quartet. Turtle Island founding member, cellist Mark Summer, supports Ms. Sutton on a pair of tracks as well.  The biggest contributor to the musical sound is Larry Goldings, who plays piano and Hammond B-3 organ on 5 tracks. Veteran LA session man Ralph Humphries is the sole/soul support on the finger-snapping version of "Big Yellow Taxi." Perhaps the most impressive track is Ms. Sutton's impassioned reading of "Woodstock", joined only by Goldings on piano - her vocal is emotionally rich and quite touching.  French guitarist Serge Merlaud appears on the 2 standards, "Don't Go to Strangers" and "Answer Me, My Love."

The concert takes place at 8 p.m. in the Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, in Hartford.  For ticket information, go to www.ahcc.org or call 860-278-0785.  To learn more about Tierney Sutton and her fine music, go to www.tierneysutton.com.
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The only thing "wee" about "The Wee Trio: Live at The Bistro" (Bionic Records) is in the name of the group. Otherwise, James Westfall (vibraphone), Dan Loomis (acoustic bass), and Jared Schonig (drums) swing their collective butts off on this, their 4th CD.  Recorded at the Trio's favorite club, Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis, Missouri, this music rocks most of the time, from the opening notes of Ray Noble's classic "Cherokee" to the high-energy finale, Schonig's "White Out." More than anything, this is dance music, albeit often with a modern edge.  There are moments that hearken back to the sound (and dance feeling) of Lionel Hampton's early "swing" recordings. Yet, The Wee Trio is nothing if not a collective, meaning all 3 contribute original material to the program and there are plenty of solos for all involved.  Drummer Schonig not only composed 3 of the tracks he is also the only member of the group to get 2 "..Intros."  Throughout the program, the group's interactions are quite impressive, whether it's the manner in which the rhythm section pushes beneath the vibes on Westfall's "New Earth" or their funky yet hard-as-nails rearrangement of David Bowie's "Queen Bitch." Loomis's handsome, rapid-fire, filled with harmonics, lead-in to Isham Jones' "There Is No Greater Love"sets the table for a pleasing re-invention of the tune first recorded in 1936.  Westfall's "Space Jugglers" is a hardy dance tune with a strong melody, forceful bass and drums, and a forward motion that stops several times to catch its breath before getting back up to speed.  The music is irrepressible and irresistible.

As impressive as The Wee Trio's first 3 CDs are, "Live at The Bistro" really displays their strengths in the best light.  This is a group one needs to see and hear in person.  Find this recording then go find the band - you will not regret one minute! For more information, go to www.theweetrio.com.

Dayna Stephens Update

Saxophonist/composer Dayna Stephens, who works and has worked with artists such as Linda Oh, Gerald Clayton, Erik Jekabson, Gretchen Parlato and others, issued on one of 2013's more intriguing collections of songs.  "That Nepenthetic Place" (Sunnyside Records) is forceful, melodic, rhythmical, probing and more.  He's got such a sweet tone but can also rise above the rhythm section in a flurry of notes.

It's no secret that Dayna Stephens suffers from a rare kidney disease -  

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis - a disease that him on a waiting list for a new kidney. Needless to say, his medical expenses are quite high.  He has kept quite active as a musician throughout his bout with FSGS.   Here's how you can help and enjoy helping: UPCOMING: Benefit Concert for Dayna Stephens Saturday, September 28th, 2013 | 9:00 & 10:30 PM @ The Jazz Gallery 1160 Broadway, 5th Fl., NYC Produced by the Jazz Gallery with the help of  Pascal Le Boeuf & Linda Oh  Featuring performances by Joe Lovano, Judi Silvano, Donny McCaslin, Mark Turner, Dayna Stephens, Pascal Le Boeuf, Aaron Parks, Linda Oh, Rudy Royston, Becca Stevens and others "A Saxophone Star Ready to Go Nova" - Jerry Karp ( DownBeat Magazine, SF Chronicle, SFweekly & JazzWest.com ) With the help of pianist Pascal Le Boeuf and bassist Linda Oh, the Jazz Gallery will be hosting a concert this Saturday, September 28, to raise funds to assist with Dayna Stephens' kidney related medical expenses.In addition to Stephens, many jazz luminaries such as Joe Lovano, Donny McCaslin, Mark Turner, Becca Stevens and others will be contributing performances.   Internationally renowned for his fluid, vigorous solos and warm, soulful sound; saxophonist Dayna Stephens has also proven himself a master of composition and arrangement, a highly acclaimed band leader and an in-demand side man for contemporary jazz masters such as Kenny Barron, Al Foster and Roy Hargrove. Dayna also has a rare kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) which affects 20 out of every million people and is waiting on an urgently needed kidney transplant.  He faces costly anti-rejection medications at a monthly rate of over $4,000 a month for an indefinite time period. 100% of all proceeds raised will go directly to Dayna Stephens.  If you are unable to attend you can still donate through www.helpdaynastephens.org Please come out for a deeply meaningful evening of music from a community of musicians who want to make a difference.

Cello Fellow + Claudia's Coming

This Saturday night (9/28), the Uncertainty Music Series presents cellist Charles Curtis, one of today's celebrated champion of new and experimental music.  Curtis, who studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and joined the faculty of Princeton University upon graduation, is also known as the finest interpreter of the music of La Monte Young and was also involved (in the 1980s and 90s) in the NYC's "Downtown Music" scene. In recent years, Curtis, who also serves on the faculty of the University of California/San Diego, has concentrated on solo and duo works for his instrument and creative collaborators.  To that end, the concert he will present on Saturday at 8 p.m. in The BIG ROOM (in Erector Square), 319 Peck Street in New Haven, features music by Wesleyan Professor Emeritus Alvin Lucier, Christian Wolff, Allison Knowles, Eliane Radigue and Tashi Wada. In fact, Mr. Wada will be on hand to accompany the cellist on open reeled tape deck (!).  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

Today, September 24, Cuneiform Records releases "September", the 7th CD by Claudia Quintet.  Formed in 1997 by drummer/ composer John Hollenbeck, the "Claudes" play music that is blessedly undefinable, thanks to the far-ranging compositions and the  intriguing makeup of the band.  Saxophonist/clarinetist Chris Speed and vibraphonist Matt Moran have been there since the beginning as has bassist Drew Gress who appears on 6 of the new CD's 10 tracks.  His replacement Chris Tordini plays on the other 4 tracks and is the band for the CD Release tour. Completing the Quintet is accordionist Red Wierenga, who replaced original member Ted Reichmann in 2011. The tour is actually a journey that begins October 2 at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and ends on October 24 at Jazzmandu/ The Katmandu Jazz Festival.  In between, the CQ performs in New York City, Oregon, Washington State and California.

For us lucky folk in Connecticut, the band performs Friday October 4 at 8:30 and 10 p.m. as part of the Firehouse 12 Fall 2013 Concert Series.  They'll be playing music from the new CD, a group of compositions dedicated to the bandleader's favorite month, one in which he usually goes on composing retreats in spots around the world. Like the month that starts in summer and closes at the beginning of autumn, "September" is a transitional recording that not only introduces new members but has new material and is the ensemble's first release in 3 years without a guest artist.  Each of the 10 songs is connected to a date and has a title.  For instance, "September 12th: Coping Song" is a musical reaction to the events of September 11th, 2011 while another piece, "September 9th: Wayne Phases", is dedicated to Wayne Shorter.  "September 29th: Me Warn You" features the words of President Franklin Roosevelt (from his 1936 campaign) cautioning the nation to beware of his smooth-talking opposition - the music is built upon FDR's speech patterns and manipulation of his phrases.  "September 17th: Loop Piece" features a plaintive melody but also spoken word, a barking dog and other sounds.

For more information about the group's tour, go to claudiaquintet.com.  To hear and purchase the new CD, go to cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/september. For more information about the concert at Firehouse 12 (and the rest of the schedule), go to firehouse12.com.

Live Music Wednesday, Thursday & Friday + S.O.S. Lives!

The duo of Kristin Slipp (vocals) and Dov Manski (piano, wurlitzer electric piano) have just released their debut CD, "A Thousand Julys", on Sunnyside Records. They met attending the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and discovered mutual musical interests.  Their music is a fascinating blend of standards from the likes of Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Hoagy Carmichael plus a strong version of Charles Mingus's "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love". The spare arrangements and soft vocals make the lyrics stand out.

Ms. Slipp and Mr. Manski perform this Wednesday (9/25) at Pizzeria Lauretano, 291 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, a venue beginning to be known for its adventurous programming.  The venue's website does not list a time for the show so I would call 203-792-1500 for more information. To check out their upcoming schedule, go to www.pizzerialauretano.com.

Vibraphonist/educator and now author Gary Burton is celebrating his 70th Birthday in style, going on tour. This Thursday (9/26), he and his New Quartet (bassist Scott Colley, drummer Antonio Sanchez, and guitarist Julian Lage) land at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on the campus on the University of Connecticut at Storrs for a 7:30 p.m. show. Earlier this summer, the New Quartet released "Guided Tour" on Mack Avenue Records and, arguably, it's one of Burton's best recordings (that's saying something, considering his 4+ decades as an artist). Every member of the band contributed compositions, including the leader who is not one of the more prolific composers.  Burton, who turns 71 next January, also has a new book, "Learning To Listen", a honest look at his career and personal life. Owen McNally of The Hartford Courant conducted a fine and informative interview with the vibraphonist - click here to read it. For ticket information, go to jorgensen.uconn.edu/events/.

It's week #3 for the Firehouse 12 Fall 2013 Concerts Series and one can already tell it's a special season. The series debuted with Gerald Cleaver & Black Host with the David Binney 4 the followed week. In keeping with the theme of ensembles with great drummers (Mr. Cleaver and Nasheet Waits), this Friday (9/27) the spotlight shines on the duo of Larry Ochs (saxophones) and Don Robinson (drums).  Mr. Ochs, long a stalwart member of ROVA saxophone quartet, has worked with Mr. Robinson (a resident of San Francisco rarely seen and heard on this coast) for over 2 decades, having first teamed up in 1991 as members of the late saxophonist Glenn Spearman's Double Quartet.  They have also worked with bassist Lisle Ellis in the cooperative trio What We Live as well as in Mr. Ochs' Sax and Drumming Core.  They have been officially been a performing duo since 2011 with recordings set to be released this Fall.

Larry Ochs and Don Robinson will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - and you should expect the music will be going in many directions, as befits a pair of great improvisers.  For more information, go to firehouse12.com and www.ochs.cc.

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John Surman (soprano sax, baritone sax, bass clarinet, keyboards, acoustic piano and synthesizers), Mike Osborne (alto saxophone, percussion) and Alan Skidmore (soprano sax, tenor sax, drums) formed the trio S.O.S. in 1973 and disbanded in 1976 - during that time, the ensemble produced some glorious noises.  A new 2-CD set,  "Looking For the Next One" (Cuneiform Records) documents 3 sessions, 2 in the studio from 1974 and 75 and the entirety of the ensemble's July 27, 1974 appearance at the Balver Hoehle Jazz Festival in Balver, Germany.

O, and what a joyous noise this trio could produce.  Surman was enamored with his synthesizers and enjoyed blending his trance-like figures (a la Terry Riley) with the sounds of the saxophones.  The first CD opens with "News", fading in on a synth loop that Surman plays his electronically-altered soprano over (it's a technique he continues to use).  Here, there is a "wah-wah" attachment which links it to the experiments of Miles Davis.  That is followed by the trio taking on "Rashied", composed by drummer Rashied Ali.  One hears the influence of AACM musicians such as Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman and others.  Drummer Tony Levin joins the trio for 2 tracks from the 1975 studio session.  "Q.E. Hall" opens with the drummer playing against a synthesizer loop before Surman adds electric piano behind the boisterous tenor sax solo. The music sounds a bit like early Weather Report, especially beneath Osborne's fiery alto solo. Martial drumming leads in Surman's arrangement of the traditional "The Mountain Road", a Highland jig with the alto trading lies with the twin sopranos of Surman and Skidmore.

The "Live" CD opens with the introduction of the musicians to great applause  The audience falls into rhythmic clapping as the synthesizer loop lead-in to "Suite" hushes the crowd.  Light percussion accompanies the loops, then electric piano appears in the background and, little by little, the saxophonists enter as the loop drops out. Surman's bass clarinet plays a supporting role as the alto and tenor play the rhythmical melody.  The piece changes course numerous times over its 25+ minutes, with the trio swapping lead and supporting roles.  Later on, Surman switches to electric piano, Skidmore to drums (quite a solid player) and Osborne creates a roller-coaser of an alto solo. Surman's piano solo utilizes a number of sound-shifting devices before Osborne returns for a soprano sax solo. "Up There", with its bass clarinet rhythm pattern and its genial interactions, may remind some of the World Saxophone Quartet in its early days (interesting, the W.S.Q. did not come into existence until 1977.) With the exception of the classically-inspired "Legends" (composed by Surman) which clocks in at 2:13 (38 seconds of which is applause), the live CD contains 3 fairly long pieces and nary a dull moment.

While John Surman and Alan Skidmore are still quite active, Mike Osborne retired from professional music in 1982 due to issues with mental illness and passed from lung cancer in 2007. Though the three musicians played and recorded together in larger ensembles, up until the release of "Looking For the Next One", the only recording by S.O.S. was their 1975 self-titled Lp on OGUN Records (it's been reissued on CD but is hard to find.) It's great to hear this music, this creative wall-of-sound created in the halcyon days of experimentation, and thanks to Cuneiform Records, available to all to behold.  For more information, go to www.cuneiformrecords.com/bandshtml/sos.html.

David Binney in New Haven (finally) + Rosetta Trio's Swirl of Thwirl

Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, started its Fall 2013 Concert Series last week with the amazing polyglot music of Gerald Cleaver & Black Host, a group that featured the fine alto saxophone work of Darius Jones.  This Friday evening (9/20), the recording studio/performance space plays host to another impressive alto saxophonist, David Binney.  Born in Florida, raised in California, and now living in New York City, Binney first came to critical attention touring with Cecil McBee in 1991 and went on to form Lost Tribe.  That quintet featured guitarists Adam Rogers and David Gilmore with the rhythm section of Fima Ephron (bass) and Ben Perowsky (drums), all of whom save for the bassist, are currently leaders of their own groups.  He went on to form the quartet Lan Xang with fellow saxophonist Donny McCaslin, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Jeff Hirschfield - that collective's first CD was the debut recording on Binney's Mythology label in late 1997 (their 2nd CD, with Kenny Wollesen on drums, showed up on Naxos Jazz.) He's worked with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Saturday Night Live Band, Bobby Previte, Edward Simon and others as well as produced CDs for Donny McCaslin, pianist John Escreet, flautist Jamie Baum and guitarist Joel Harrison.

Over the past decade, Binney has issued recordings on his own label (2011's "Graylen Epicenter" made numerous "best-of" lists), on ACT Music, and, most notably, 5 excellent recordings for Criss Cross.  His latest, "Lifted Land", came out earlier this year and features pianist Craig Taborn, drummer/percussionist Tyshawn Sorey and bassist Eivind Opsvik.  On Friday, the bassist will join the saxophonist as will pianist Jacob Sacks and drummer Nasheet Waits. One of the reasons to be excited is that Binney's music crosses numerous musical borders with, usually, fully realized melodies, smart harmonic arrangements and rousing rhythmic interplay.  As a soloist, he can be as fleet-fingered as fellow alto players Rudresh Mahanthappa and Miguel Zenon and, like both of them, has his own "sound."

Yes, I am thrilled David Binney is coming to Connecticut and to the acoustically rich space of Firehouse 12.  He and the group will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - for more information, go to firehouse12.org. To learn more about the artist, go to www.davidbinney.com.

Bassist Stephan Crump has been an integral member of several groups over the past decade including the Vijay Iyer Trio, guitarist Jim Campilongo's Electric Trio and in his wife Jen Chapin's Trio (along with guitarist Jamie Fox).  He's also worked Michael McDonald, drummer Billy Hart, pianist Kenny Werner and singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky.

As a leader or co-leader, Crump has issued 8 CDs, the latest being "Thwirl" (Sunnyside Records), his 3rd recording with Rosetta Trio. Comprised of the bassist, Jamie Fox (electric guitar), and Liberty Ellman, Crump organized the ensemble in 2004 to record pieces he composed in the days after 9/11/01.  The blend of acoustic bass and guitar with electric guitar created an intimate feel that carried to the Trio's 2010 Sunnyside debut "Reclamation" and onto the new recording.  But, "Thwirl" feels different in that a sense of playfulness has creeped into the music, there's more "rhythms" and "grooves" and the interplay is even crisper, never feeling forced.  The title track comes in on percussive guitar work from both Fox and Ellman while Crump pats on a rhythm on the body of the bass.  One by one, the trio falls into a groove that has a West African feel and, instead of pushing onto into solos, the band "dances" together.  "He Runs Circle" has a "groove" as well but it's more subdued, with a West Coast folk feel.  Early in the song, the guitarists alternate choruses while the bassist keeps the piece moving forward, at times offering counterpoint then Fox takes over with a forceful solo. Ellman, who works with Henry Threadgill's Zooid as well as mixing, mastering and producing numerous artists including Steve Coleman, Sam Rivers and Gregory Porter (and more), takes the next solo - he is such an impressive player, so melodic and original. "Palimpestic" opens with noises, "tight" plucking and picking above forceful bass lines, with the guitarists breaking into a rhythmic figure while Crump plays quite an expressive solo right to the end.

The bassist composed all but one of the 10 tracks; Jamie Fox makes his first contribution as a composer with "Conversate (talk-Wise)", notable for its well-formed melody line and the intelligent harmonies.  Crump re-arranged his "Stolid", a country-blues piece from an early CD ("Tuckahoe"), transforming the simple yet singable melody into "Still Stolid" that is anything but bland or emotionless.  Ellman really "gets down" during his solo, setting the bar for Fox to show his bluesy side.

Stephan Crump, over his career, has proven he can play many different styles of music, shown that he can be the foundation for singers, pianists and saxophonists.  He seems to have an affinity for guitars, having done duo work with Mary Halvorson, and in his work with the Rosetta Trio.  But, this is not really work but play, his intuitive interactions with Liberty Ellman and Jamie Fox the result of many nights on stages around the world and days rehearsing and jamming in his home studio.  "Thwirl" is both challenging and comforting, a treat late at night or under headphones.  And, it's honest music, homemade music, and downright satisfying music.  For more information, go to stephancrump.com.

After Stephan Crump completes a European tour with the Vijay Iyer Trio in October, Rosetta Trio performs a CD release weekend opening (yay!!) at Firehouse 12 on November 1, a House Concert in Ellicott, Maryland, the next night and onto to Baltimore's The Windup Space on Sunday November 3.   His website has all the details and more.

Contemplative & Inspired Piano

Pianist/composer Geri Allen grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of a public school teacher and principal.  Her new recording, "Grand River Crossings" (Motema), is dedicated to the music and artists of her hometown.  Not only does she perform works associated with Berry Gordy's Motown and Tamla labels but also includes a striking rendition of Paul McCartney's "Let It Be" influenced by Aretha Franklin (who was raised in Detroit) as well as pieces by Detroit native Roy Brooks (1938-2005) and Gerald Wilson (born in Mississippi but raised in Detroit.)

Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (long associated with the Motor City jazz scene) joins Ms. Allen for 3 pieces, including his composition "Space Odyssey" (from his 1974 "Gemini" Lp.)  Mr. Belgrave also joins the pianist on Brooks' "The Smart Set" and Wilson's "Nancy Joe".   Detroit-based alto saxophonist David McMurray (Was/Not Was, The Rolling Stones, Bob James as well as a leader) pairs with the pianist for a short but rollicking version of "Itching In My Heart."

One can hear how these songs, many of these extremely popular around the world, became part of the soundtrack of the pianist's life.  Pieces such as Frank Wilson's "Stoned Love"  and Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown" draw on the harmonic and rhythmical strengths of the originals, caressing the melodies and bringing out subtleties one probably missed as these songs blasted out of a car radio. The CD opener, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" (composed by Michael Jackson) rides in on that irresistible bass line that made one's feet start moving while Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" mines the composer's gospel and r'n'b roots. The pianist follows the latter track with a heartfelt performance of Gaye's "Save the Children", capturing on her keys the emotion that filled the vocals on the original (both tunes by the late singer/songwriter appeared on his 1971 "What's Goin' On" Lp.) The trance-like figure by the left hand on "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'" gives the passionate melody great emotional depth.

The original compositions by Ms. Allen are 3 transitional pieces, only 1 - "In Appreciation" - is over 60 seconds long. The 2 that bear the name of the CD are contemplative and impressionistic while the other is a rocking gospel piece that emphasizes the pianist's solid left hand and highlights her sense of "groove."

"Grand River Crossings" is quite stunning in its musicality, notable for Ms. Allen's talent to make a song one may have heard in his or her youth seem fresh, even startling, at times.   Perhaps it is because a majority of this music was a major part of the soundtrack of my teens and early 20s, many of the pieces evoke memories long locked away.  Yet, even if you never paid attention to the music coming out of Detroit, Geri Allen draws the listener in on the strength of these melodies and you can hear how much they meant to her.  For more information, go to www.geriallen.com.

In the 2+ decades since pianist/composer Satoko Fujii came onto the contemporary music scene, the Tokyo, Japan, native has appeared on 80 CDs, over 33% of them released by Libra Records, the label she co-owns with her husband and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura.   On September 21, 2012, she and Mr. Tamura spent the day at Systems Two in Brooklyn, New York, where engineer Mike Marciano recorded solo CDs by both of them.  Ms. Fujii's effort is titled "Gen Himmel" (translates to "heavenwards") and may surprise some listeners more familiar with her Big Bands, quartets and trios, how melodic and introspective the majority of these songs are.  That's not to say that Ms. Fujii does not take chances. For instance, the title track opens with the pianist playing inside the piano, strumming the strings, creating many fascinating overtones.  The plaintive melody that emerges from the "noise" has the feel of an Appalachian folk ballad.  Only 1 track is over 4:50 and that is "Take Right", an episodic piece with prepared piano that moves through several distinct sections before the pianist breaks into a forceful, percussive, rhythm. Even at 8+ minutes, one desires more of the fiery piano work that erupts.

Shorter performances, such as "Ittari Kitari" (2 minutes) and "Hesitation" (2:24), are satisfying, the former for its head-long rhythms and the latter for the ebb-and-flow of the melody against the rhythm in the left hand.  "Summer Solstice" (taking its name, perhaps, from the day of the recording) opens with 2-handed chords (similar to pieces by Aaron Copland) before moving into a charming melody line. later in the piece, the tension between the low notes in the left hand and the repetitive figures in the right hand, adds strength to the music that does not let up until the swirling finish. There is also a "modern classical" feel to "I Know You Don't Know", with it's forceful single-note melody lines and counterpoint.

The program closes with "Der Traum" ("The Dream"), another strong melodic excursion that draws comparison to the solo works of Keith Jarrett, the pieces that stand above style and type in a manner seamlessly that blends rhythm and melody (the former often understated and the latter the "heart" of the music.)  The piece returns to the opening theme but does not resolve (dreams are like that, at times).

"Gen Himmel" illustrates just how much creativity can be found in the heart and mind of Satoko Fujii.  Her "group" music is often angular, challenging, tense and one can hear those qualities in this solo music. Yet, there is beauty in these melodies, there is purpose in the rhythms and there are moments of sheer playfulness.  For more information, go to www.satokofujii.com.

3 By Twos Live in New Haven + Trumpet Blasts in NYC & Brooklyn

The Uncertainty Music Series continues this Saturday September 14 with a concert featuring 3 duos taking place at 8 p.m. in Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Scheduled to perform are the Theremin & Lap Steel (composed of Scott Burland - theremin - and Frank Schultz - lap steel guitar), Arabian Blade (the duo featuring analog synthesizer performers Christopher Donofrio and Donovan Fazzino) plus the duo of cellist Daniel Levin (pictured left, photograph by Christopher Gannu) and drummer Juan Pablo Carletti.  Levin is fairly well-known around New Haven for his appearances at Firehouse 12 while Carletti works alongside the cellist in his trio featuring saxophonist Ivo Perelman and in alto saxophonist Rob Brown's Quartet.

For more information and directions, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

Yes, I'm slow on the uptake as the 2013 Festival of New Trumpet (FONT) opened earlier this week in various venues around Manhattan and Brooklyn.  But, a click on the following link - fontmusic.org/about-the-festival/ - will reveal that there's lots more music to come over the next 12 days.  You can learn more about FONT from one of the Festival's organizers, Dave Douglas, by going to www.greenleafmusic.com and listening to Episode 11 of "A Noise From the Deep", the podcast Mr. Douglas co-hosts with bassist/composer Michael Bates. They interview trumpeter/educator/producer John McNeil, play excerpts from new and classic recordings (all featuring trumpeters, naturally) and do so in a lively fashion.