Busy Week of Live Music in CT (Part 1)

There is so much live music in our small state this week that this column must be posted in 2 parts.

On Wednesday July 16, bassist, composer and CT native Mario Pavone brings his "Street Songs: The Accordion Project" to Cafe Nine, 250 State Street in New Haven.  He has assembled quite a band - Matt Mitchell (piano), Adam Matlock (accordion), Carl Testa (acoustic bass), and Steve Johns (drums) plus a brass quartet that features Dave Ballou (cornet, flugelhorn), his wife Leise (french horn), Peter McEachern (trombone) and Gary Buttery (tuba) - and the music reflects his upbringing in the Italian community of Waterbury.  Like many of his ensembles, Mr. Pavone blends older and younger musicians who bring a wealth of experiences to his music, enriching the listener's evening.  The concert celebrates the release of Pavone's new Playscape Recordings CD (same name as the concert).

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the music starting at 8. For more information and ticket reservations, go to www.cafenine.com/event/553707-mario-pavone-street-songs-new-haven/.

Photo by Jimmy Katz

24 years ago, saxophonist Joe Lovano collaborated with drummer (and, at the time, Wesleyan instructor) Ed Blackwell on a pair of recordings, a trio date titled "Sounds of Joy" (with bassist Anthony Cox on ENJA) and "From The Soul" (on Blue Note with pianist Michel Petrucciani and bassist Dave Holland.) The drummer, who suffered terribly from diabetes, passed away just 10 months after the Blue Note sessions. In a recent conversation with Mr. Lovano, he recalled several trips to Middletown to visit and play with Mr. Blackwell and how easy their connection was.  That connection is quite evident on the 2 CDs.

On Thursday (7/17), Joe Lovano brings his Trio Fascination to Crowell Concert Hall at Wesleyan (Wyllys Avenue) for a concert that not only celebrates those earlier sessions but also looks forward to new music that the saxophonist has created for this band. Joining him are bassist Peter Slavov (a member of Lovano's US Five band), drummer Lamy Istrefi Jr (a native of Kosovo, Albania) plus special guest Judi Silvano (vocals).  Mr. Lovano, who plays tenor and soprano saxophone (among many others), enjoys these small groups as it allows him to interact on an intimate level, building the music up from the rhythm section.  Ms. Silvano, who is the saxophonist's wife, adds her voice in unique ways, serving as another improviser with her wordless vocals.

The concert starts at 8 p.m.  For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or call 860-685-2806.

If you want a real treat, head over to the home page of the HR Big Band (the short name of the Frankfurt (Germany) Radio Big Band) and check out the video of Joe Lovano's performance of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme", arranged by Jim McNeely.  Trust me, it's well worth the 2 hour investment of time as this performance is quite wonderful.  Talking with the saxophonist, he had nothing but praise for the Big Band (note the joy on drummer Paul Hochstader's face as the music unfolds) and for the superlative arrangement, which allowed him to be be himself in the midst of the legendary Coltrane composition. Mr. Lovano certainly displays a debt to Coltrane's saxophone legacy but also goes his own way throughout the performance. After a short intermission, the second half of the video features several arrangements of Lovano compositions as well as more Coltrane material.  Go to www.hr-online.de/website/rubriken/kultur/index.jsp?rubrik=2023 and hunker down for a most wonderful experience.

Speaking of impressive saxophonists, Cuban-born Yosvany Terry has made his mark on the American music scene performing alongside Dave Douglas, Ravi Coltane, Cassandra Wilson, David Murray, Taj Mahal and many others since arriving in New York City in 1999.  Not only does he play tenor and soprano saxophones but he is also known for his percussion work (especially the chekere).  He has a brand new CD, "New Throned King" (on pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba's 5Pasion label), featuring a sextet with numerous guests playing original compositions based in Terry's study of vodun.

This Thursday, he brings his Bohemian Trio for an 8:30 p.m. show at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme.  The ensemble, formed in 2013, features French-born cellist Yves Dharamraj (a recent graduate of Yale University) and pianist Orlando Alonso (also a native of Cuba) playing music that brings together myriad influences, from Afro-Cuban music to classical to tango to rock and much more.  Though the Trio has yet to release a CD, you can hear a selection of its music by going to www.bohemiantrio.com.  Better yet, see and hear them live in a room that accentuates the joy and sounds of music. For ticket information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.

On Friday, The Side Door Club presents The Zach Bartholomew Trio.  Organized in 2009 at Florida State University, the ensemble features pianist Bartholomew, bassist Brandon Robertson and drummer Miles Bozeman. They released their debut CD, "Out of This Town" in 2012, concentrating on original music and new interpretations of jazz favorites. They have played venues throughout the United States.  Their first set begins at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, it's the music of the Metta Quintet.  Formed at the turn of the 21st Century by the not-for-profit JazzReachInc (a group committed to the "promotion, performance, creation and teaching of jazz music", the Quintet features tenor and soprano saxophonist Marcus Strickland, alto saxophonist Mark Gross, pianist David Bryant, bassist Zach Brown, and drummer Hans Schuman.  Over the course of 3 CDs, Metta has commissioned works by Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Miguel Zenon, Omer Avital, the afore-mentioned Yosvanny Terry and others.  The music is exciting, forward-looking, and challenging while the band plays with great fire and style.  To find out more about the Quintet and its music, go to www.jazzreach.org/metta-quintet.html.

The opening set commences at 8:30 p.m.  Call 806-434-0886 for reservations or go to  thesidedoorjazz.com.

The next post will talk about the 4th and final concert in the UMOJA series, about this weekend's Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz and the Monday Night Bushnell Park series.

Singers, Musicians and a Solo Piano Gem

The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme celebrated its 1st Anniversary last weekend and is now starting Year #2 in great style.
On Wednesday May 14, vocalist/composer Rene Marie hits the stage and one best be ready.  Ms. Marie, a native of Virginia, is touring in support of her new Motema release, "I Wanna Be Evil: With Love to Eartha Kitt".  The CD, issued late in 2013, features the vocalist, her splendid trio (pianist Kevin Bales, bassist Elias Bailey and drummer/percussionist Quentin Baxter) plus guests Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Adrian Cunningham (tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute) and Etienne Charles (trumpet, percussion, horn arrangements) on a sultry, sexy, stimulating, quite enjoyable journey through 9 songs associated with the delightful Ms. Kitt (1927-2008).  Rene Marie's other releases on Motema - "Black Lace Freudian Slip" and "Voice of My Beautiful Country" - both came out in 2011, pushing the envelope in the style that her fans have gotten used to. She's not afraid to speak her mind through her music; the "Kitt" CD contains the original piece, "Weekend", that tells of a woman in an abusive relationship and a sexual encounter that could be viewed as rape.

Side Door attendees not only get to see Rene Marie and her Trio but Etienne Charles will be joining in on the gig.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the music starts at 8:30. Tickets are still available so call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

On Friday 5/16, The Side Door presents vocalist Sachal Vasandani.  The Chicago native and graduate of the University of Michigan, has been making listeners perk up their ears for the past decade.  He's issued 3 CDs for Mack Avenue Records, the latest being 2011's "Hi-Fly". His repertoire covers a wide swath of the American Songbook, from Broadway to Hollywood to jazz standards and his smooth voice never sounds out-of-place.  Joining him in Old Lyme will be the great young pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Buster Hemphll and drummer Jeremy Dutton.   Call the number above for more information and go to www.sachalvasandani.com to learn more about the fine young singer.

You could make it 3-for-3 and show at The Side Door on Saturday and partake of Ray Vega & His New York Latin Jazz All Stars.  The trumpeter, a native of the South Bronx, has played with a slew of Latin music greats over his career including Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Arturo Sandoval and Mongo Santamaria.  Vega also has appeared on recordings and stages with composer Osvaldo Golijov, Paul Simon, Diane Schur, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and The Mingus Big Band (plus many more.) Lately, he's been concentrating on his All Stars Band, a quintet that features Andy Eulau (bass), Willie Martinez (drums), Chembo Corniel (congas) and Hartford-native Zaccai Curtis on piano.   The exciting rhythms will no doubt get you up on feet throughout the night.  Call 860-434-0886 to make the connection.

On Wednesday, Cafe Nine, 250 State Street in New Haven, presents a triple bill organized by the New Haven Improvisers Collective.  Scheduled to appear is the 11-member Large Magic Ensemble, electronhic, plus Guitar Trio E (Jeff Cedrone, Chris Cretella and Bob Gorry) and the duo of cellist Daniel Levin with drummer Juan Pablo Carletti.  The Large Magic Ensemble will be performing a new work from New Haven-based composer Nate Trier while the Guitar Trio E will play play music from its new CD, "Goodbye Watson." The music commences at 9 p.m.  For more information, go to www.cafenine.com or call 203-789-8281.  

Firehouse 12's Spring Concert Series rolls right along and this week welcomes the Russ Nolan Quartet.  Tenor saxophonist/ composer Nolan, a native of Illinois who now lives in the borough of Queens, has just issued his 4th CD as a leader, the aptly titled "Relentless" (Rhinoceruss Music).  The recording features the band on the CD including bassist Michael O'Brien, drummer Brian Fishler and the fine Cuban-born pianist Manuel Valera (see below) and that's the group he's bringing to the performance venue. Nolan, who took up salsa dancing 7 years ago, brings a strong sense of  rhythm to his music but does not skimp on melody.  Valera leads a group called the New Cuban Express that explores the many facets of the music of his native land.  Both he and Nolan are excellent soloists, pushing each other to play their best; with the rhythm section percolating beneath them, the music rarely if ever stumbles.

The Russ Nolan Quartet will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - for ticket information go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.  To learn more about Mr. Nolan and his music, go to www.russnolan.com.

"Self Portrait" (Mavo Records) is pianist Manuel Valera's 8th recording as a leader and first solo piano effort.  As one can tell from the title, this is a musical biography, a compendium of Valera's influences and inspirations that range from Bud Powell to Bill Evans to Thelonious Monk to Erik Satie to George Gershwin to classic songs from a Cuban and a Mexican composer.  There is a short "Impromptu" dedicated to Russian composer, pianist, musicologist and lexicographer Nicolas Slonimsky. Valera even plays a sweet blues tune to close out the program.

This project may remind some listeners of the solo piano series Concord Jazz created at Maybeck Recital Hall. The piano sound is impeccable, very live and full - Valera recorded his music on 2 separate dates in November 2013 in the Arlan Harris Piano Salon.  This is wonderful music to lose one's self in. The music flows easily, nothing feels forced and the pieces are filled with long stretches of melodic invention.  There may be thousands of recordings of Monk's "Ask Me Now" but few as exciting as Valera's rhythmical romp through the melody and rhythms. The original ballad, "Hope", has moments where the phrases take one's breath away with the emotional content.   "Water" has lines that would not be out of place in a Broadway musical, a poetic piano melody that could have words but conveys its message with elegance.

"Self Portrait" is dazzling without overwhelming the senses, a confident. mature, statement from its creator.  I have played this recording all the way through on numerous occasions and continue to find moments that surprise or challenge me.  Manuel Valera has technique galore but does not fall back on cliches or speedy riffs that might impress one but fall flat on repeated listenings.   This music, this hour of pure joy, comes from a pianist who is self-assured, confident, masterful and clearly in his prime.   For more information, go to www.manuelvalera.com.

Live This Week + Music That Challenges and Soothes

When guitarist Joe Morris and keyboard master Jamie Saft get together, they sure do know get one's attention.  They have formed a band, called it Slobber Pup, recorded a CD for Rare Noise Records and now they are coming to New Haven this coming Tuesday April 23.  With bassist Trevor Dunn and drummer Balasz Pandi, the quartet pushes against labels although the group's Facebook page describes the music as "Microtonal Blues from Below" and judging by the examples I have heard, that's an apt description.

Slobber Pup will perform at Cafe Nine, 250 State Street in the Elm City.  Opening the show at 8 p.m. will be the New Haven-based trio Subfloor - that group features Chris Cretella (guitar), Carl Testa (electric bass, "modular effects") and Dave Parmalee (drums).  The house will definitely shake!  For more information, go to cafenine.com/.   To get a taste of Slobber Pup (now, that's an image), go to www.facebook.com/slobberpup.

It's a "homecoming" concert this Friday (4/26) at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven when saxophonist Wayne Escoffery comes to the performance space.  Born in England, the saxophonist/composer moved to New Haven for his formative years (he was 11 years old when his mother decided to stay in Connecticut.)  Thanks to saxophonist/educator Jackie McLean, he studied at the Artists Collective in Hartford, then went on to the Hartt School of Music and received his Master's Degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston.  After graduation, Escoffery moved to New York City; his first major gig was with pianist Eric Reed's Septet.  He has since gone on to work with the Mingus Big Band & Orchestra, Ron Carter's Great Big Band, Tom Harrell's Quintet and with his wife, the vocalist Carolyn Leonhart. He's released 7 CDs as a leader, appeared on dozens more and has found time to work with high school friends Noah Baerman (piano) and Amanda Monaco (guitar) in a project called Playdate.

His most recent CD, "The Only Son of One" (2012, Sunnyside Records), is also his most personal, telling his life story in a series of instrumentals.  Most of the group that appeared on the record will be with Escoffery in New Haven including pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Jason Brown.  Rachel Z (electronic keyboards) has replaced Adam Holzman for this tour. The Quintet will be playing 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m - for ticket information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468. I would not be surprised if this show sells out both sets, so don't hesitate to go online or call.  To find out more about the saxophonist, go to www.escofferymusic.com.

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Guitarist/composer Sean Moran first came to my attention when the four bags issued its debut CD in 2001.  The quartet's catchy blend of melody, improvisation, humor and impressive material stood out - the band, which features Moran, Michael McGinnis (clarinet), Brian Drye (trombone) and Jacob Garchik (accordion) released its 4th CD in October 2011, continues to create a unique sound.

"Tusk" (NCM East Records) is the first CD by Moran's Small Elephant Band, a quintet that features 9 originals played by Moran (nylon string guitar), McGinnis, Chris Dingman (vibraphone), Reuben Radding (acoustic bass) and Harris Eisenstadt (drums).  There are moments when the blend of acoustic guitar and vibes remind me of the music James Emery created in the late 1990s and early 2000s for ENJA and Between the Lines.  Moran has created an intimate program, one that relies on his fine melodies, impressive arrangements and the intuitive interplay of his band. One has to pay close to attention to the different colors in pieces such as "Elliptical" that opens the program, to the call-and-response of the vibes and guitar underneath McGinnis as well as the full-toned bass and martial drumming on that tune.  Moran's melodic ideas range from short phrases (like the forceful lines that open "Circle One, Two") and the Far-Eastern flavor of "Moon Reflected" - the latter piece changes direction almost immediately but pay attention to the interplay as all 5 musicians work to move the piece forward.

Words do not do justice to the various moods of this music, to the impressionistic quality of many of the tracks and to how Moran carves out solo space for everyone in the various aural landscapes. Eisenstadt's conversational drums power "Year of the Snake", whether he's pushing the tempo beneath the leader's solo or interacting with McGinnis's clarinet.  Dingman's sound fills the pieces, his sustaining tones underpinning the single-note melodies on tracks such as "Dream of Water" (Radding's "round" bass sound also stands out) or the Steve Reich-influenced "Monkeytown" (this track really rocks out.)

"Tusk" bears no relation to the 1979 Fleetwood Mac double Lp of the same name - this, unlike the older recording, is a true group endeavor, one on which each instrument is as important as the other in the success of the program. Sean Moran's compositions and arrangements defy easy definitions or any labels; this is music of great imagination and intelligence, well worth exploring time and again for its creativity and the quality of the musicianship.  For more information, go to sean-moran.com.

This was one of those weeks when music served as a "healing force, helped to ease the pain of the tragic events in Boston and elsewhere.  Driving home from work the other night, I put "Top Shelf" into the player;  it's the 4th PosiTone Records release from the duo of Ken Fowser (tenor saxophone) and Behn Gillece (vibraphone) and the easy-going swing was a true panacea (sounding just as fine the next day and in the background as I write.)  Featuring the classy rhythm section of Steve Einerson (piano), Rodney Green (drums) and Hartford, CT, native Dezron Douglas (acoustic bass), the leaders also invited trombonist Michael Dease to add his burr-ey sound to a number of the tracks.  When Dease is in the group, as he is on the opening track, "Slick", the music has a resemblance to the music of the Jazz Crusaders (pre-funk).  The blend of tenor and trombone really stands out as does the interaction of the vibes and piano.  When you add in the smart work of Green and Douglas, the music really flies.  "Stranded in Elizabeth" is an excellent example of the interaction and interplay.  Green really pushes beneath the vibes solo while Einerson's Tuyner-esque supporting chords, along with the fine bass work, acts as a solid foundation for the soloists.

There's a Latin tinge to "Unstoppable" as well as a snappy theme for the tenor and vibes.  In a short YouTube video that accompanied the CD's release, the leaders mention the influence of Bobby Hutcherson's work with saxophonist Harold Land and it is most evident on tunes such as this one and the up-tempo title track.  Green creates sparks beneath the hearty tenor solo and prods Gillece to produce one of his most notable solos on the recording.  Again, Einerson's forceful chords and driving solo stand out.

Some may say that "Top Shelf" does not break new musical ground but what the CD offers an eager listener is a band comfortable with each other playing a repertoire born from the duo's weekly gigs at Small's Jazz Club in New York City.  Rodney Green, Steve Einerson and Dezron Douglas are super throughout, giving the music the energy it needs to stand out.  For more information, go to
www.posi-tone.com.