Previews Live & Recorded

The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme is certainly the "hot spot" in a cold January.  This Friday night (1/22), clarinetist Oran Etkin brings his "Benny Goodman Project" to the venue and, chances are good, you will really enjoy this show. Not only because the music is a lot of fun but also because  Etkin has assembled quite the group for this gig.  Joining him will be the splendid vibraphonist Steve Nelson (Dave Holland Quintet), the impressive young pianist Sullivan Fortner, and Israeli drummer Ziv Ravitz (Lee Konitz Quartet, Yaron Herman Trio). The repertoire covers a wide swath of Goodman's career and also includes a number of Etkin's original pieces. In November of last year, I reviewed the CD that Etkin recorded (which includes Nelson and Fortner) writing the album "celebrates the past by making it come alive, not treating the material as museum pieces and not being afraid to take chances (the way Goodman did with his music and his life)." I'm sure it's even better in person!

For reservations, go to thesidedoorjazz.com. To learn more about the fine young clarinetist, go to www.oranetkin.com. 

Here's a peek at the music from the album:

On Saturday, vocalist Allan Harris comes to OldLyme to perform music from his 2015 album, the appropriately titled "Black Bar Jukebox." Mr. Harris, born in Brooklyn and raised in Harlem, has one of those voices that draws the listener right in. Over his years, the vocalist has dedicated albums to his influences, such as Tony Bennett, Nat "King" Cole", and Billy Strayhorn. The new album features old and new songs, blues and jazz, and several standards.  You'll like how the singer inhabits each song, how he makes sure you notably hear the lyrics but also get enjoy the melodies.

Not sure who's in the band but the music will be "cooking" no matter who's stirring the pot behind Allan Harris.

For tickets, call 860-434-0886.  To learn more about the vocalist, visit him at www.allanharris.com.

Here's his take on "My Funny Valentine."

On Sunday January 24, the "Improvisations: Arcade" series at Real Art Ways in Hartford presents curators Stephen Haynes (cornets) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) in concert with Yasmine Azaiez (violin) and Adam Matlock (accordion) at 3 p.m.  Ms. Azaiez, born in Tunisis and raised in Great Britain, came to the US to study at the New England Conservatory where she met Mr. Morris. Adam Matlock, who has recorded and toured with bassist Mario Pavone, is a member of Broadcloth, an improvising trio with vocalist Annie Rhodes and cellist Nathan Bontrager.

For more information, go to www.realartways.org or www.facebook.com/events/924562030931585/.

Bassist Matt Geraghty has a most fascinating project (the latest in a group that has taken him many places) you can view (and soon will be able to listen to on a recording) - called "Trade Winds Cuba", the project is an adventure that the bassist and his friend, saxophonist Zé Luis Oliviera, had when they traveled to the island nation of Cuba and decided to record 21 different groups in 21 days.  Despite being a very musical culture, the 2 musicians and their team initially have a tough time but word of mouth kicks in and the journey becomes quite an exciting series of collaborations with over 100 musicians, singers, and rappers.

Check out the opening video in the series - chances are good you'll want to watch and listen to the rest. To find out more about the project, go to www.mpg21.com.

This Great Week of Music in CT with a CD Pick Included

As the Firehouse 12 Spring Concert Series winds down to a precious few, the management throws a fascinating curve.  This Thursday evening at 8 p.m., the performance venue opens its very heavy door to contemporary classical pianist and vocalist Lisa Moore.  The Australian native and former member of the Bang On A Can Allstars, is no stranger to the space as this is her 6th appearance in 10 years and third in a solo setting. The program, titled "Moving Mountains", features the World Premiere of Stephen Cabell's "Three Movements for Piano", the US Premiere of "Sliabh Beagh" from Australian composer Kate Moore (no relation), John Luther Adam's "Among Red Mountains", and Chris Rogerson's "Noble Pond." There is only one set. To find out the artist, go to www.lisamoore.org.  

Here's Ms. Moore playing a work from Philip Glass:

The following evening (June 5), alto saxophonist and composer Rudresh Mahanthappa also makes his 6th appearance in the Elm City performance space (his maiden voyage was in May of 2007).  This is his 4th show as a leader and celebrates the release of his latest CD, "Bird Calls" (ACT Records).  The music, all composed by the leader, is based on and influenced by Mahanthappa's love for Charlie Parker. Joining him will bassist Francois Moutin, pianist Matt Mitchell, the exciting young trumpeter Adam O'Farrill, and drummer Jordan Perlson (all of whom perform on the CD save for the drummer).  The compositions and performances on the recording are incredibly exciting, there's such a joy in the group's playing, I would not be surprised to hear that the music is even better in person.

Rudresh & company will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. For ticket information for both shows, go to firehouse12.org or call 203-785-0468.

Here's a taste of the new recording:

Busy weekend at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme with 3 shows in 3 nights.  In a special Thursday showcase, Jan and Ken welcome the Steve Davis Quintet as they celebrate the release of "Say When", the trombonist's tribute to one of the biggest influences on his sound, the late J.J. Johnson.  Joining the Hartt School Professor will be the ever-youthful Harold Mabern (piano), Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Nat Reeves (bass) and Joe Farnsworth (drums).  Expect this music to swing mightily especially with the man from Memphis in the piano chair.

On Friday night, the young Ukrainian-born pianist Vadim Neselovskyi comes to town with his Trio for 2 sets of music that will range from jazz to classical and other stops in-between. A graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Neselovyski has worked with Pat Metheny and toured extensively with vibraphonist Gary Burton.  Not sure who's in the rhythm section (I'll add it to the post when I find out) but you are sure to be impressed. His only US recording as a leader is the 2013 solo piano CD "Music for September" (Sunnyside Records). To find out more, go to www.vadimneselovskyi.com.

Here's a track from that Sunnyside debut:

On Saturday June 6, it will be Renee Rosnes sitting behind The Side Door piano and the Canadian native (and wife of pianist Bill Charlap) brings a splendid Quartet including vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist Todd Coolman (such a great last name for a jazz musician) and the delightful drummer Lewis Nash.   Ms. Rosnes has worked with many jazz greats including Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter and Bobby Hutchinson. She spent 11+ years touring with the legendary saxophonist James Moody plus spent 6 seasons with the SF Jazz Collective (2004-09).  As a leader, Ms. Rosnes has released 13 recordings.

Doors open each night at 7:30 p.m. with the music set to commence at 8:30.  For more information, call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

Here is Ms. Rosnes along with Lewis Nash and bassist Peter Washington performing Joe Henderson's  "Isotope":

Another successful season of the "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways in Hartford comes to a close this Sunday June 7 with "Spectacle II." Join curators/organizers Stephen Haynes (cornets) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) with 13 other musicians for a concert that will most assuredly knock your socks off (I hate to get technical).  This year, the participants include vocalist extraordinaire Fay Victor (pictured), Allan Chase (saxophones), Jerome Deupree (drums, percussion), Adam Matlock (accordion),

photo by M Weintrob

Junko Fujiwara (cello), Minta White (flute), Sam Lisabeth (guitar), Will Bridges (alto saxophone), Travis Bliss (tenor saxophone), Zachary Bowden (bass), Jaimie Branch (trumpet), Jason Belcher (baritone horn), and the ever-adventurous Andrea Parkins (accordion). There will music performed by groups of different sizes throughout the afternoon while Ms. Victor weaves her magical vocals in and out of the sounds.  For more information and reservations, go to www.realartways.org/event/improvisations/2015-06-07/. You can also call RAW, which is located at 96 Arbor Street in the Capital City, at 860-232-1006.

In this week's CD Pick, Stephen Haynes will release his new CD on June 9.  Titled "Pomegranate" (New Atlantis Records), the album catches Mr. Haynes with an exciting quintet that features Mr. Morris (guitar), Ben Stapp (tuba), William Parker (contrabass violin, sintir, bass shakuhachi), and the amazing percussionist Warren Smith (drums, percussion, marimba). The recording captures the musicians in the performance space of Firehouse 12 in March of 2013 with music dedicated to Haynes' teacher and mentor Bill Dixon (1925-2010). In the notes on the recording's Bandcamp page, it is written that Mr. Dixon "loved the low end and he would have dug this instrumentation."  There are instances throughout the album that one is reminded of Henry Threadgill's Zooid, specifically in the blend of the tuba and guitar.

photo by Enid Farber

But, this is most certainly the intersection of Mr. Dixon's teaching, Mr. Haynes' fertile imagination and the big ears/open minds of the musicians involved. The title track, for instance, goes from a quiet conversation between the cornet, bass and drums to a high-energy full band groove.  The musicians move from being on top of Mr. Smith's powerful drumming to playing behind the beat to exciting chatter.  A blend of African rhythms and Southeast Asian elements infuse "Mangui Fii Reek (I am Still Here)" with a lighter quality that pulls one in - pay attention to the rhythmic variations in the guitar and bass plus how the drummer accents and complements them.  "Becoming" (the longest track at 17:18) opens with the sound of air through the cornet before Morris creates a hypnotic rhythm and the rhythm section moves underneath. The textures of the marimba and moaning/shimmering guitar give Haynes room to move through the piece. As everyone contributes to the flow, the music becomes hypnotic (especially during the splendid guitar solo).

William Parker anchors the light-hearted "Crepuscular" with a repetitive yet funky bass line while the marimba dances, the tuba whistles below (yes, whistles!) and the guitar plays delightful circular phrases.  Mr. Haynes moves in and out of the mix, actually stepping out of the song for last few minutes.  he's front and center for a fiery solo on the final track "Odysseus (Lashed to the Mast)" - here, the high-energy emitted by the rhythm section spurs the soloists forward (Stapp stands out in both a supportive role and as a soloist.)

"Pomegranate" stands out for its impressive music but moreso for the the interplay of the ensemble, their commitment to the project and for how Stephen Haynes and company harness/channel the myriad influences each person brings to the performance.

For more information, go to newatlantisrecords.bandcamp.com/album/pomegranate.

2 Great Shows This Weekend

photo by G Fonck

In a Fall Concert series that has been one of the strongest (schedule-wise) in its existence, Firehouse 12 in New Haven presents the season's penultimate show this Friday (12/05) and it's a doozy.   Trumpeter/composer Jonathan Finlayson, who works alongside and has studied with Steve Coleman, bring his Sicilian Defense to the performance space for 2 sets of exciting new music.  The 32-year old native of Berkeley, CA, has performed at the Firehouse before in ensembles led by guitarist Mary Halvorson and saxophonist Steve Lehman (both graduates of Wesleyan University) as well as the great Henry Threadgill.  His 2013 debut  with his Quintet, "Moment and the Message" (Pi Recordings), was a forceful collection of original material and features the band he'll work with in this concert including David Virelles (piano), Miles Okazaki (guitars), Keith Witty (bass, electronics) and Damion Reid (drums).

Expect this music to go in various exciting and surprising directions.  The first set that  Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense will play is at 8:30 p.m. and is followed by a 10 p.m. show.  For more information, call 203-785-0468 or go to firehouse12.com.  To learn more about the young composer/musician, go to pirecordings.com/album/pi48.

The "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford, continues its impressive streak of collaborations featuring curators Stephen Haynes (cornets) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) this Sunday (12/07) at 3 p.m.  Joining the dynamic duo is drummer and percussionist Chad Taylor.  The Arizona native grew up in Chicago where he first played with the legendary saxophonist Fred Anderson and bassist Malachi Favors (of the Art Ensemble of Chicago.)  In 1997, he and trumpeter/conceptualist Rob Mazurek started the Chicago Underground Duo (adding guitarist Jeff Parker a few years later), a group that reunites every year (although the trumpeter now lives in Brazil).  He also has worked with saxophonist Matana Roberts in the trio Sticks and Stones and is currently a member of guitarist Mark Ribot's Trio with the great bassist Henry Grimes. Taylor also is a member of Digital Primitives as well as bassist Eric Revis's Quartet.

Chad Taylor is well-known for his creativity as a percussionist; he can play as hard as anyone in creative music but also has a softer touch that really pulls the listener in.  This show should be quite enjoyable and exciting.  For more information, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.

Selected Short Subjects (Live +)

Life is topsy-turvy at the moment so this post is a bit of a hodgepodge - there's so much going on in creative music throughout the state and the country, it's tough to keep up.  However, here's a quick overview of the following few day plus a nod to a stunning recording.

British-born saxophonist and conceptualist Evan Parker is in the midst of a CT Mini-Fest.  On Friday September 19, he'll join guitarist Joe Morris and trumpeter Nate Wooley for 2 sets of fascinating improvisations and musical conversations in the comfortable surroundings of Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven.  Parker is fresh off a week-residency at The Stone in New York City and has played several other shows in the Northeast. The first set is at 8:30 p.m. and the second at 10.  For more information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.

On Saturday, he ventures up to Hartford and plays the inaugural concert in the Real Art Ways 2014-15 "Improvisations" series. Mr. Morris, co-curator of the series, performs again along with the other curator, Stephen Haynes (trumpet, cornet). They'll begin their musical explorations at 7 p.m.  RAW is located at 56 Arbor in the Capital City and you can get more information by going to www.realartways.org or by calling 860-232-1006.

To learn more about Evan Parker, go to evanparker.com.

Colombian-born harpist Edmar Castaneda is in New Haven this Saturday - he'll be performing at 8 p.m. in Morse Recital Hall on the campus of Yale University, 470 College Street.  Not only will he play a number of solo pieces but also be joined by trombonist Marshall Gilkes and drummer/percussionist Dave Silliman. Special guest Andrea Tierra (vocals) will be part of the program. For more information, go to music-tickets.yale.edu or call the box office at 203-432-4158. To learn more about the man and his fine music, go to www.edmarcastaneda.com.

Just your typical busy weekend at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme.  On Friday night, saxophonist/flutist Greg Abate hits the stage with a "smoking" quartet including CT great Kent Hewitt (piano), Phil Woods-sideman of many years Bill Goodwin (drums) and the splendid Harvie S on bass.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.and the music starts at 8:30.

On Saturday, it's the Whitfield Family Band. Led by guitarist Mark Whitfield Sr. (whose resume is a true "who's who" of jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and so many more), he gets to create music with his sons Mark Jr. (drums) and Davis (piano) plus the fine bassist Yasushi Nakamura.  Expect some fireworks as well as some sweeter moments.

For tickets and more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.

As I write this, the Festival of New Trumpet Music (FONT) is set to kick off its 12-day run in various venues throughout New York City. If you just do a quick overview of the Festival schedule - fontmusic.org/upcoming-events/2014-festival/ - you'll see names such as Dave Douglas (President, co-founder and participant), Stephanie Richards (Vice-President, participant), Jeremy Pelt (co-curator) and participants such as Kirk Knuffke, Nadje Noordhuis, Tim Hagans, John McNeil, Shane Endsley, Josh Evans, Graham Haynes, and the American Brass Quintet (and there are many more). Mr. McNeil will pay tribute to Laurie Frink, one of the finest trumpet teachers and section players in New York City - she passed in July of 2013. 2 of the concerts will feature music by awardees of the newly founded Laurie Frink Career Grant.  Brass music new and old played by musicians of all ages is on the bill of fare from 9/17-28.  Click on the link above for more information.

Sometimes, one hears music that is utterly enchanting and indescribable.  Such is the case with the new recording from Hafez Modirzadeh.  "In Convergence Liberation" is filled with references to Persian music as well as pieces influenced and inspired by the centuries of Arab rule of the Iberian Peninsula (Al-Andulus) from 709-1614 A.D.  Modrizadeh wrote all the pieces, plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, alto flute, alto clarinet, karma (an ancient Persian double-reed instrument), chains, bells, rattles and net flute, and produced the album.  Joining him are the great contemporary string quartet ETHEL (if you have never heard the group's "Oshtali" CD, music composed by Chickasaw Indian composers, find it now), his long-time musical partner Amir ElSaffar (trumpet, vocals, santur - Persian hammered dulcimer), Amir Abbas Etemadzadeh (percussion, bells), Faraz Minooei (santur) and the incredible vocal contributions of Mili Bermejo.  Her work on 5 of the 6 movements of "Sor Juana", a piece based on the life of 17th Century Mexican nun and feminist Juana Ines de la Cruz (1651-1695) is truly stunning, her husky alto singing in modes common to both Perian and Andalucian traditions. There are moments when the "ancient" blend with more modern music to create a hybrid unlike any you have heard before.  The strings moving sinuously around the percussion and one hears the horns breaking into a 20th Century swing feel.  There's a moment on Part 5, "Libertades" where ElSaffar's trumpet plays alongside Modirzadeh's tenor sax, sounding like Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman. The 4-part "Suite Compost" (for string quartet) goes by in less than 8 minutes yet feels so full and fulfilling.  "Number That Moves" pairs the string with percussion and alto saxophone; Etemadzadeh lays down a compelling rhythm while the strings shimmer and moan and the leader's alto rises above the din.

Is it contemporary classical music?  Well, yes, but it has major components of jazz and world music, making it hard to pin the music to one genre.  That's good for the adventurous listener but might confound many others. So much happens in the 71 minutes of "In Convergence Liberation" that it feels a shame to put the music in a box. Instead, enjoy its ripples, its hairpin changes, its quiet moments, the fiery percussion, and, most certainly, the excellent vocal work of Mili Bermejo. Hafez Modirzadeh has found a rich vein of inspiration and one would be wise to follow his work. For more information, go to www.pirecordings.com/album/pi55.

The B.A. in Percussion, Improv Fest at RAW & More

photo by Daniel Theunynck

The Firehouse 12 Spring Concerts Series presents Barry Althscul & the 3Dom Factor this Friday May 23 for 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m.  The 71-year old drummer/composer Altschul, a native of New York City, has been an important presence on the creative music since the late 1960s. He first came to critical attention playing with pianist Paul Bley before hooking up with Chick Corea and bassist Dave Holland.  With the addition of Anthony Braxton, the quartet recorded as Circle. They recorded a 2-Lp set for ECM that remains one of the finest documents of the "avant-garde." He worked and recorded with Professor Braxton during the 1970s, recorded several Lps for Muse, played with Sam Rivers and ended the decade with a splendid trio that featured trombonist Ray Anderson and bassist Mark Helias that recorded one great album under the name Brahma for Sackville Records.   Altschul then moved to Europe for the next 2+ decades working steadily but not recording as much.  In the mid-2000s, he began to work with violinist Billy Bang and bassist Joe Fonda, recording first for CIMP Records and then going on to release 4 more disks before Bang passed from cancer in 2011.

In early 2013, TUM Records released 3Dom Factor, a trio led by Altschul with his friend Fonda plus alto saxophonist Jon Irabagon, with whom the drummer had recorded the high-energy "Foxy" in 2011.  The group's interactions, the drummer's rhythm-laden compositions and the great sound made the CD a favorite for many critics and listeners. Fonda's melodic and elastic bass lines, Irabagon's forceful, bluesy, and athletic sax playing, all blends smartly with the drummer's intelligent style.

For ticket information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.  To learn more about Barry Altschul, read this excellent interview with Harris Eisenstadt posted on the Destination-Out website: destination-out.com/?p=4213. 

The 3rd season of "Improvisations", the monthly series at Real Art Ways in Hartford curated by Stephen Haynes and Joe Morris, comes to a close - actually more like a climax - this Saturday (5/24) with "Spectacle", an event that brings together improvising musicians from the Tri-State area (CT, NY, MA).  In the words of Messrs. Haynes and Morris, the assembled multitude will perform in a "series of ad hoc groupings of various sizes...culminating with all the players performing in the large ensemble, Abstract Forest." The event takes place from 6 - 11 p.m. and will feature Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet), Jerome Deupree (drums), Tatsuya Nakatani (percussion), Daniel Levin (cello), Chris Cretella (guitar), Mat Manieri (viola), Jim Hobbs (alto saxophone), Brad Barrett (bass), Minta White (flute), Matt Plummer (trombone), Andria Nicademou (vibraphone), Daniel Pencer (tenor sax, clarinet),  Zoe Christiansen (clarinet), Matt Chilton (reeds) and Sean Sonderagger (reeds) plus Haynes (cornets) and Morris (guitar, bass).  With all these fine musicians, one expects the evening to filled with sounds and surprises. For more information, go to www.realartways.org/livearts.htm#Spectacle.

Busy 3-day weekend at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme - the fun and the funk starts on Thursday with alto saxophonist Donald Harrison (pictured left) and the Berklee Quartet. New Orleans native Harrison will perform alongside students from the music school in Boston, MA including Santiago Bosch (piano), Osmar Okuma (bass) and fellow Crescent City native Darryl Staves (drums).

On Friday, Danish saxophonist Benjamin Kopell returns to The Side Door with an all-star Quartet that includes the great French pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, bassist Johannes Weidenmuller and drummer John Hadfield. Kopell, who appeared in Old Lyme last year in a duo setting with pianist Kenny Werner, has just recorded a new CD with Pilc, "Illuminations", based on the work of French poet Arthur Rimbaud. This should be quite a night of melodic and rhythmic adventures.

photo by Lori Butler

The weekend concludes with vocalist/saxophonist Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice.  Piccolo, a mainstay of the East Coast Blues, Jazz and R'n'B scenes, spent a quarter century with Roomful of Blues but has been leading Heavy Juice since 1994.  After years of touring, Piccolo has stayed close to home for the past several years so it's a real treat to see him live and alive again.

Doors at The Side Door open at 7:30 p.m. with the first set commencing at 8:30.  For more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call them at 860-434-0886.  Upcoming shows include the Jeremy Pelt Quintet (5/30), Etienne Charles Group (5/31), Diane Schur (6/11), Sunna Gunnlaugs Trio featuring Scott McLemore (6/20) and much more.  Looks like quite an exciting Summer on the CT shoreline.

On Friday, pianist-vocalist Orice Jenkins, Hartford native, brings his Trio to The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown for an 8 p.m. show.   Joining him in the performance space will be guitarist Dan Liparini and bassist Tom Sullivan.  Jenkins' music covers a large territory, from classic jazz to r'n'b to soul and beyond.  For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org.  To learn more about Orice Jenkins, go to oricejenkins.webs.com.

Improvisations in Waterbury, Kneebody Knows No Trouble + Duo Power on Sunnyside

Stephen Haynes (cornet) and Joe Morris (bass, guitar) are the hosts and curators of the monthly "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways in Hartford.  The gentlemen are taking the "show on the road", down Route 84 to Waterbury on Thursday April 3 to the "Music at the Matt" series, held on the first Thursday of the month at the Mattatuck Museum/Historical Society, 144 West Main Street.  Joining them for this all-improvised concert will be drummer Tyshawn Sorey (pictured left), Wesleyan graduate currently working on his Ph.D at Columbia University in New York City (when he's not traveling the world performing.) The concert, billed as Stephen Haynes and The Button Trio, starts at 6 p.m.  For more information, call 203-753-0381, extension 130 or go to www.mattatuckmuseum.org/jazzthursday. 

The Firehouse 12 Spring 2014 Concert Series is in full boom (even if the season is late in arriving).  This Friday (April 4), the New Haven performance space/recording studio welcomes Kneebody, the lively quintet that happily crosses genres with abandon and has since its inception 13 years ago.  Composed of musicians who met at the Eastman School and at the California Institute of the Arts, the ensemble - keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, electric bassist Kaveh Rastegar, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer Nate Wood - has issued 9 albums (some only available on Bandcamp or at gigs), the latest being 2013's "The Line", their debut on Concord Records. Each musician brings his own influences to the music and the blend is often quite exciting.  

Kneebody plays 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. (separate admission to each) - and you can find out so much more by going to firehouse12.com or calling 203-785-0468.  Learn more about the group by going to kneebody.com. 

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In this era of short attention spans, it takes a certain courage to release a CD with just 4 songs with the longest clocking in just under 28 minutes and the shortest at 11:20.  But, acoustic guitarist/composer Diego Barber trusts you'll sit and listen to "Tales" (Sunnyside).  It's his 4th recording as a leader and he's created a program for his guitar and the acoustic piano of Craig Taborn.  This is music for dreaming, music for contemplation, for meditation, and for questioning expectations.  There are moments throughout that have echoes of the music of Ralph Towner but with a playful edge, most noticeable on "Eternal 7" and "Cipres" (dedicated to DJ Hugo Cipres, a musical partner of the guitarist who also hails from the Canary Islands.) Barber creates pieces that push both musicians mentally and physically, with repetitive figures weaving in and out of the arrangements.  The interaction of piano and guitar at the onset of "Cipres" suggests the electronic "waves of sounds" the DJ creates (he and Barber collaborated on the 2013 Origin release "411") yet the piece also has a handsome, almost classical, melody line. The long track, "Killian's Mountains", opens the program - it's a multi-sectioned work that has numerous moments of striking melodies as well as sections where piano and guitar take on a more percussive role.  The music is a meditation on and dedicated to the Catalonian mountain runner Killian Jornet Burgada. And, like the runner, the piece moves at various speeds but always in a forward motion and closing on a triumphant, exhilarating, flourish. (Exuberant listeners may wish to go right back to the starting line.)

The final track on the CD, "IM Park (To Diego Barber)", is a piece composed by Spanish guitarist Ricardo Gallen (whose Sunnyside recording of "Bach: Complete Lute Works" is stunning) yet the first half is all piano.  Taborn, who seems to be able to play just about everything, gets to the heart in the music so, that when the guitar enters, Barber picks up the emotion and carries it through the splendid second half of the piece.

Is "Tales" jazz?  Is it classical? Yes, no, who cares?  This is music that transcends labels and technique;  Diego Barber, along with Craig Taborn, merge beauty, song, and emotion to create quite a listening experience - do listen.  For more information, go to www.sunnysiderecords.com/artist.php?id=356#news.

Guitarist/composer Brandon Ross is in the midst of a career that has seen him collaborate with artists such as Henry Threadgill, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Frisell, the late Lawrence "Butch" Morris, Wadada Leo Smith, Jewel and many others.  Ross is also the co-leader of the "power" trio Harriet Tubman.

His latest project, For Living Lovers, finds him in an acoustic setting with bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi.  Their debut recording, "Revealing Essence" (Sunnyside), first began to take shape in a series of sessions over 2 days in December 2009 in the Firehouse 12 recording space.  With the inclusion of 2 tracks recorded in New York City and Tokyo, Japan, the project was complete by September 2013.  The music Ross and Takeishi consists of ballads that are often stark, fairly quiet, angular, spacious, a blend of originals and smartly chosen interpretations of 2 of the 3 "Danse de Travers" by Erik Satie  and Ornette Coleman's "Night Plans" (first recorded in 1996 by Coleman in a duo setting with pianist Joachim Kuhn).

This music seems to exist on the edge of one's consciousness; the pieces insinuate themselves into your brain as if in a dream.  All of a sudden, one realizes Ross is playing banjo or creating feedback (as he does masterfully on "Lotus Blossom") or that the piece you think might be a Delta blues song is actually Satie's "Danse de Travers I" - Takeishi's simple yet effective bass lines (he's playing acoustic bass guitar) draw one in, pushing you deeper towards the core of the music. The unaccompanied banjo music of "Iago Whispered" is a wonderful and subtle blend of traditional African and modern European classical influences.   A Kabuki feel permeates the opening section of "Saturation", the terse, short, notes over the abrupt bass chords and notes paint an impressionistic landscape that slowly moves forward, never quite losing the solemnity of the earlier section.  "Thanks (for J-R)" closes the program with, perhaps, the prettiest melody on the disk and the one with the most dynamic variation.

It strikes one on multiple listens to this music by Brandon Ross and Stomu Takeishi that the duo has stripped away the unnecessary elements from these pieces and that the "Revealing Essence" is truly the heart of the creators.  That "heart" can not and should not be separated from the "heart" of the music.  For more information and to hear music from the CD, go to sunnysidezone.com/album/revealing-essence-ft-brandon-ross-stomu-takeishi.  The duo returns to Firehouse 12 for a concert on Friday May 30 - go to firehouse12.com for more information.

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.

Those Who Put the "Art" in Hartford + The "New" In New Haven

The New Year has arrived and it's time for new musical experiences.  The "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford continues to impress with the width and breadth of the collaborations that co-curators Stephen Haynes (trumpets, cornet) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) have brought to the performance space.  This Sunday (1/12), percussionist Satoshi Takeishi (pictured) brings his unique talents and fascinating array of items to be struck, shaken, caressed and finessed.  The Japanese-born Takeishi, whose brother Stomu is a world-class bassist, studied at the Berklee School in Boston and then spent 4 years in Colombia studying and performing Central and Latin American music.  For the past quarter century, he has played and/or recorded with numerous creative musicians including bassist Marc Johnson, percussionist Ray Barretto, Anthony Braxton, cellist Erik Friedlander, guitarist Rez Abbasi and many others.

Looks like the weather will cooperate this weekend so you should have no problem making the 3 p.m show.  For more information, go to www.realartways.org or www.facebook.com/pages/Improvisations/324014434279441. 

Any recording by trombonist/composer/educator Steve Davis is a reason to celebrate.  A 1989 graduate of the HARTT School's Jackie McLean Institute (at the University of Hartford), Davis has performed with Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Christian McBride and so many others, especially the collective One For All.  He's also served on the faculty of his alma mater since 1991 as well as working with Hartford's Artist's Collective.

"For Real" is the title of Davis's 4th release for PosiTone Records and an apt description of the man himself.  Though he can play with great fire, Davis eschews histrionics in favor of a smooth, steady, tone and music that builds from solid melodic lines and a strong chordal structure.  Joining him for this date is long-time associates Larry Willis (piano) and fellow HARTT faculty member Nat Reeves (bass), McLean Institute graduate Abraham Burton (tenor saxophone) and the fine young drummer Billy Williams.  Right off the bat, the title track reminds this listener of the sounds of the Jazz Crusaders with its funky blend of 'bone, tenor sax and piano. Burton is a strong soloist, blending the drive of John Coltrane with the bluesy explorations of players such as Booker Ervin and Hank Mobley.  Willis, the 71-year old native of Harlem (New York City), is, at turns, playful, wistful, swinging, and always melodic.  On the rousing "Tactics" (all the songs on the CD are Davis originals save one), the pianist's solid chords give Reeves the freedom to fly while Williams supplies the drive.  Willis's impressionistic chords open the handsome ballad "I Found You" with its 2-part melody line - his graceful solo unwinds freely over the classy foundations supplied by his  partners in the rhythm section.  The trombonist's solo blends short phrases with longer, sweetly flowing lines. Brazilian rhythms underpin the sprightly closing track "Daylight", giving the soloists a springboard for imaginative and hard-driving explorations.  Burton's joyful romp builds off the energy created by Willis's ebullient solo.  The leader picks up on the dancing quality of Reeves' bouncy bass lines and Williams's enthusiastic percussion, delivering a sweet melodic statement.

Yes, "For Real" is just that - "real" music that is as exciting as it is entertaining.  Steve Davis connects with his audience on a number of levels, his honest approach to his art refreshing and certainly enjoyable.  For more information, go to www.stevedavis.info.

On Saturday January 11, the Uncertainty Music Series continues at 8 p.m. in Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven, with solo sets by Landon Knoblock (synths, keyboards) and series curator Carl Testa (electronics). Knoblock, whose latest recording features saxophonist Oscar Noreiga and drummer Jeff Davis (collectively known as CACAW), creates music that takes from all genres to create an aural stew that is often noisy as well as melodic. His solo music is multi-layered, with pieces such as "She Called Them Tributes" that blend the fire of Art Tatum with the electronics of Wendy Carlos.  Knoblock has a playful edge (give a listen at www.landonknoblock.com/solo-piano-audio) where anything goes, keeping the listener guessing. Carl Testa, whose impressive 2013 solo CD "IRIS" blended his bass playing with electronics, also has a playful edge and will keep you guessing as well.

For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

The Magic in Music: Improvisations Series

With the Holiday season having descended upon us, we often lose track of time and events.  In yesterday's posting (here), I mentioned concerts in New Haven and Old Lyme while neglecting the monthly "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford.

This month, curators Joe Morris (guitar, bass) and Stephen Haynes (trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn) welome Ingrid Laubrock to partake in the musical conversation. The German-born saxophonist (tenor, soprano) who spent several decades in London and now resides in Brooklyn, NY, leads or co-leads several groups, among them Sleepthief (with Liam Noble and Tom Rainey), Anti-House (with Rainey, Mary Halvorson,John Hebert, and Kris Davis), and LARK (with Rainey, Ms. Davis and Ralph Alessi).  She is both a thoughtful and expansive player as well as a composer who writes to the strengths of her collaborators.

No stranger to free improvisation, Ms. Laubrock will make a formidable partner for Messrs. Morris and Haynes.  Their encounter takes place Thursday, December 12, at 7 p.m.  For more information, go to www.realartways.org.  To find out more about the saxophonist/composer, go to www.ingridlaubrock.com.

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.

Can't Keep an Improvisations Series Down

The snow has begun to melt, most streets in the area are passable (if a bit skinny in places) and it's time to think about other joys of life besides re-stocking the larder and shoveling out the mailbox.

So many shows in the Connecticut area were canceled this past weekend due to Storm Charlotte/Nemo (so big a storm it had 2 names) but one that stood out (for me) was the Sunday February 10 show at Real Art Ways.  The "Improvisations" series, curated by Stephen Haynes (up there on the left) and Joe Morris, had scheduled a show with percussionist/trombonist Tyshawn Sorey (Wesleyan grad).  It's good to know that they have rescheduled for this coming Sunday (2/17), same place (RAW is at 56 Arbor Street in Hartford) and same time (3 p.m.) Who really knows what the weekend weather will be but this is a musical event that is sure to involve fiery interactions and fun exchanges.  To find out more, go to www.realartways.org or call at 860-232-1006.

Another show that has been rescheduled is one that The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street, had planned for Friday February 9 featuring pianist Alon Nechustan (pictured left) and his Trio.  That show is now set for Saturday May 4 at 8 p.m.  By that time, the Israeli-born composer will have 2 new recordings set to be released.  For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org.