March Improvisations

The monthly "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford, continues this Saturday March 23 at 7 p.m.  Series curators Stephen Haynes (cornet, trumpet) and Joe Morris (guitar) welcome Charles Downs (drums) and Pascal Niggenkemper (pictured left, acoustic bass) for an evening of musical adventures.  Mr. Downs is a veteran of bands led by pianist Cecil Taylor and the late violinist Billy Bang - he is as known as Rashid Bakr.  Mr. Niggenkemper has worked with drummer/composer Tyshawn Sorey (February's guest in the series), drummer/composer Gerald Cleaver and with guitarist Morris in his Abstract Truth group.

Messrs. Haynes and Morris are but 1 week removed from the cornetist Bill Dixon: Promegranate project, the quintet that opened the Spring Concerts series at Firehouse 12 and the recording session the following day.  From all the reactions I have heard and read (plus what I saw at the live date), the weekend was quite successful.  One should expect musical sparks to fly this Saturday as well.  For more information, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.