2021 - Music that Moved, Soothed, Educated, and Inspired (Part 1)

 One gets to a certain point in life, especially if one has been reviewing albums for over five decades, that you realize what it is that really moves you. 2021, and all the craziness that has occurred, the anger, the apathy, the bullshit, the miracles, the possibilities, has been filled with a ton of great music.  Impossible to pick one favorite, never mind 10.  This list is split into two parts: the first list contains the 10+ I chose for the Critics Poll. 

James Brandon Lewis/ Red Lily Quintet – "Jesup Wagon" (Tao Forms) – Great story, great playing, important message, JBL and cohorts (drummer Chad Taylor, bassist William Parker, cornettist Kirk Knuffke, and cellist Chris Hoffman) create sounds soaked in blues and country folk, post-bop and more, into one of the freshest programs of this or any year. 

JBL's new Intakt release, "Code of Being", is also worth your close attention but start here!

Go to https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/album/jesup-wagon.  

Various Artists – "Kimbrough" (Newvelle Records Digital only) –– It's been almost a year since pianist/ composer/ educator Frank Kimbrough passed on and the effects of his passing continue to reverberate through the music. To honor Kimbrough's accomplishments as a composer and educator, producer and Newvelle Records co-owner Evan Mehler (also a former student) gathered 65 musicians, many of whom had played and/or studied with FK. The producer and the musicians spent four days in May in the studio in various formations recording 60 of Kimbrough's composition (one song is recorded twice, one with a vocalist, the other time as an instrumental). Two months, Newvelle released the 61 tracks as a digital download and at a reduced price –– the music is well worth exploring, painting multiple portraits of a composer always looking to create new ways of expressing melody and emotion.

Go to https://newvellerecords.bandcamp.com/album/kimbrough to check it out.

Ches Smith and We All Break – Path of Seven Colors (Pyroclastic Records) - Percussionist, composer, and experimenter Ches Smith first got involved playing Haitian Vodou music over two decades, first as an accompanist for dancers before forming his group and creating new music for a quartet (drums, percussion, and piano) he formed.  That group recorded in 2015 on a small label.  For his second album, We All Break has expanded to an octet, adding a female vocalist, a fourth percussionist, and the evocative alto saxophone of Miguel Zenón. The music is fascinating, hypnotic, the rhythms pouring out of the speakers pushed by the small army of percussionists and pianist Matt Mitchell. Great package (if you buy the CD), so colorful plus informative and you get the quartet album as well!

Go to https://weallbreakpyroclastic.bandcamp.com/album/path-of-seven-colors. 

Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz Ensemble – "What To Wear in the Dark" (Resilience Music) - Just what one needs in the midst of a dark year is music that teaches us about love, resilience, friendship, creativity, and more.  Ms. McGarry and Mr. Ganz reimagine a number of songs from artists such as The Beatles, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, and others, creating a program that often lads the listener back to the possibility of hope. Not only is Ms. McGarry's voice in splendid shape but also the arrangements by Mr. Ganz stand out for their creativity and musicianship.

Go to https://katemcgarry.com/music/ for more information.

Julius Hemphill – "The Boyé Multi-National Crusade for Harmony: Archival Recordings 1977-2007" (New World Records) – As Historical Recordings/ Reissues go, this seven CD set of live and studio recordings from the late composer, saxophonist, and conceptualist Hemphill (1938-1995) is akin to finding a vein of gold running through your backyard.  Kudos to producer/ curator Marty Ehrlich for his tireless work going through Mr. Hemphill's archives of papers and tapes housed at the Fales Library & Special Collections of New York University.  If you're a fan of Mr. Hemphill's adventurous music, this collection is a must. If you don't know how important he was to Black American Music in the last 25 years of the 20th Century, this set is essential learning.

Go to https://newworldrecords.bandcamp.com/album/julius-hemphill-the-boy-multi-national-crusade-for-harmony.

Steve Coleman and Five Elements – "Live at The Village Vanguard (MDW NTR)" (Pi Recordings) – This two-CD set from MacArthur Genius grant recipient and innovator Coleman's May 2018 three nights at the legendary New York City music venue continues an incredible of amazing music that the Chicago native has produced over the past three+ decades.  Mr. Coleman is his usual fiery self on alto saxophone surrounded by the stunning rhythm section of Anthony Tidd (bass) and Sean Rickman (drums) with the exploratory trumpet of Jonathan Finlayson and the brilliant vocal poetry of Kokayi. This music is relentless and once you start listening, you do not want to stop. 

Go to https://stevecoleman.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-village-vanguard-volume-ii-mdw-ntr. 

Henry Threadgill ZOOID – "Poof" (Pi Recordings) - Mr. Threadgill is deep into his sixth decade of stretching the boundaries of Creative Music; ZOOID celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year showing no end to the creative adventures that the composer/ alto saxophonist/ flutist designs for them.  Some people call this music jazz, some classical, but it's so much more than that. This music is storytelling that reaches into both your brain and soul, exposing one to possibilities of melody, sound, interaction, and ideas that seem radical but once absorbed, become part of one's DNA.  And, it's always a treat when Mr. Threadgill plays with his band!

Go to https://henrythreadgill.bandcamp.com/album/poof. 

Wadada Leo Smith's Great Lakes Quartet – "The Chicago Symphonies" (TUM Records) – Wadada Leo Smith's music was ubiquitous in 2021 and believe me when I tell you it's hard to pick just one (in fact, all four of his TUM releases make my extended list (the entire list will be posted soon).  While the trumpeter/ composer/ conceptualist is not a Chicago native, his amazing musical vision began to find its shapes while working with various members of the AACM, coming to life as he played alongside Anthony Braxton, the late violinist Leroy Jenkins, and late drummer Steve McCall.  His Great Lake Quartet includes two Chicago stalwarts, Henry Threadgill and drummer Jack DeJohnette, plus long-time ally, bassist John Lindberg (saxophonist Jonathon Haffner replaces Mr. Threadgill on disk 4).  These four "Symphonies" focus on the people and ideas that Mr. Smith encountered in Chicago and the AACM people he encountered later in Paris, France, and New Haven, CT.  I spent the better part of two weeks almost exclusively listening to these disks and still hear new ideas and make new connections when I return to the albums.

Go to https://tumrecords.com/box-004-chicago-symphonies. 

Sonny Rollins – "Rollins in Holland: the 1967 Studio & Live Recordings" (Resonance Records) – As the psychedelic era of rock music enveloped the United States in its smoky haze, jazz masters were beginning to lose their places on the Hot 100 albums and many clubs were revising their music policy. Tenor sax master Sonny Rollins was about to on another sabbatical but before he did, he honored a number of outstanding performances. He landed in Holland in May of 1967, met his rhythm section, bassist Ruud Jacobs and drummer Han Bennink, played a radio show and a couple of club dates, then moved on.  The music on this two CD set features shorter pieces recorded for the noontime radio show plus a generous helping of longer cuts from the "live" dates.  The sound quality of the broadcasts are top-notch but the relative brevity of the tracks does not give the leader music room to stretch; he's also quite generous in giving solo time to his rhythm section. The longer live cuts have poorer sound quality but Mr. Rollins shines throughout! 

Go to https://sonnyrollins.bandcamp.com/album/rollins-in-holland-the-1967-studio-live-recordings. 

Chet Doxas - "You Can't Take It With You" (Whirlwind Recordings) – Tenor saxophonist Doxas in a trio setting with pianist Ethan Iverson and bassist Thomas Morgan playing a delightful and heartfelt program of standards and originals.  The intimacy of this trio sans drums pulls the listener in, seducing one with melodic interplay, thoughtful interpretations, intelligent solos, and a sense of calm.  Doxas can "blow" with the best but here he chooses melody over facility/ technique. It's music for early morning and long nights when one can soak in the sounds without engaging the rest of the world.  

Go to https://chetdoxas-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/you-cant-take-it-with-you. 

Mario Pavone Dialects Trio + 1 – "Blue Vertical" (Out of Your Head Records) –  In my original list, I posted "Isabella", the album Mr Pavone recorded with his Tampa Quartet in late February of this year but, after going back and listening to both posthumous albums, this one stood out a bit more. Recorded four weeks later (and six weeks before cancer claimed his life), one is amazed by the depth of the compositions (plus the brilliant of trumpeter Dave Ballou) and Mr. Pavone's stellar musicianship. Pianist Matt Mitchell and Tyshawn Sorey fill out the band – this ensemble's  history with the bassist explains why the music feels so urgent but not rushed.  Though I knew Mario Pavone for almost five decades, heard him play countless times, this is not a sentimental favorite.  This album shines brightly!

Go to https://outofyourheadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/blue-vertical. 

Roy Brooks – "Understanding" (Reel-to-Real Records) – For a time in the late 1960s and 70s, Roy Brooks was the "drummer" from Detroit. Not only did he lead his own ensembles but he also played alongside Horace Silver, Yusef Lateef, Chet Baker, and in Max Roach's percussion ensemble  M'Boom. This "buried" treasure was recorded live in Baltimore, MD, on November 1, 1970 and features the amazing trumpet work of Woody Shaw, tenor saxophonist Carlos Garnett, pianist Harold Mabern, and bassist Cecil McBee.  The intensity level this quintet creates leaps out of the speakers (the interactions between Shaw and Brooks are reminiscent of those of John Coltrane and Elvin Jones – no prisoners!) Roy Brooks, who passed in 2005, had a tough life yet his flame shone brightly until his illnesses got the best of him.  

Go to https://roybrooksband.bandcamp.com/album/understanding. 

Glenn Close & Ted Nash – "Transformation" (Tiger Turn) – Ms. Close and Mr. Nash decided to work together after the actress hosted the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (of which Mr. Nash is a charter member) after a concert near her summer home in Maine. They threw ideas around for a collaboration and settled on telling stories about people who have made life-changing decisions and the people those decisions affect.  The blend of Mr. Nash's original music with the stories of people such as the saxophonist's son Eli, actor/ comedian Wayne Brady, convicted murderer Judith Clarke, activist Matthew Stevenson, E.O Wilson, playwright Tony Kushner, and others, remind us how complex the world can be and how the simple acts of paying attention and acceptance can make such a difference.  

Go to https://tednash.com/.  

More to follow!  Everyone, be safe!

Mario Pavone Legacy Stories (Pt 2) + Joel Frahm Digs In

In late February of 2021, bassist and composer Mario Pavone enters a studio in Tampa, FL, to record an album with his son Michael (guitar), Mike DiRubbo (alto saxophone), and long-time associate Michael Sarin (drums).  The bassist knew he was losing his long battle with cancer plus he had been deeply saddened by the 2020 loss of his granddaughter Isabella. Pavone organized a book of new compositions, sent them to trumpeter/ arranger Dave Ballou to prepare for a recording session. The bassist and arranger agreed that the pieces would be recorded by two different quartets, the first with the three Michaels and the second (recorded four weeks later)with Pavone's Dialect Trio (pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer Tyshawn Sorey with Ballou as guest performer), an album titled "Blue Vertical" and released by Out of Our Heads Records (my review is here).  

"Isabella" (Clean Feed Records), like "Blue Vertical", is a powerful collection of original pieces filled with strong melodies and excellent musicianship.  Most Pavone fans will buy both albums and compare them yet each stands on its own merits.  Michael Pavone has had a busy sideman career playing with the likes of saxophonist Dewey Redman and and vocalist Bobby McFerrin; the only album that I can find where he is the leader is a 2001 Trio date with his father and drummer Marcello Pellitteri that appeared on Playscape Recordings.  His sound is clean, not unlike, at times, John Abercrombie and his father's close friend Michael Musillami–– check him out on "2/3rds Radial", you'll hear the former while on the hard-rocking "Philosophy Series", there is the influence of the latter. Saxophonist DiRubbo has also worked and recorded with the bassist in numerous occasion; his bright sound and rapid-fire lines enlighten pieces such as "Good Treble" and "Twardzik". 

As for Michael Sarin, he and bassist Pavone have a relationship that stretches back three decades to the drummer's debut with the Thomas Chapin Trio.  He really shines on all these pieces, driving hard when needs be or supporting with his whisper-soft brushes work (check him out on the title track).  You can hear how he leaves room for the bass –– if you have listened to any of Pavone's recordings, you know what a powerful and creative player he is. There is no diminution in his bass work on either album but he is more present in the mix on "Isabella" and that could be due to the fact the guitar is quieter than the piano on "Blue Vertical".  

"Isabella" is a delightful collection with great playing and subtle, witty, interplay from Mario Pavone and the three Michaels.  If you already own "Blue Vertical" which has a similar program, it's educational as well as entertaining to listen to both recordings.  Since his passing, I have been listening to the many and varied recordings from Mario Pavone's career and these two final albums are right up there with his best efforts.

For more information, go to www.mariopavone.com.  To hear more tracks and to purchase the recording, go to https://cleanfeedrecords.bandcamp.com/album/isabella. 

Hear "Philosophy Series":

Saxophonist Joel Frahm, a graduate of the prestigious Hall High School Jazz Program in West Hartford, has a delightful career playing alongside bassist Ben Allison, fellow Hall High grad Brad Mehldau, Andrew Hill, Betty Carter, Matt Wilson, Dafnis Prieto (in his Big Band), and so many more.  He joined drummer Ernesto Cervini's Quartet in 2008 and is also a member of Cervini's sextet Turboprop.  Frahm has not released an album as a leader since 2011's "Live at Small's", a quartet date with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. His new album, "The Bright Side" (Anzic Records), came about after a Turboprop workshop in Toronto, Canada, when Cervini and bassist Dan Loomis decided to book gigs with the saxophonist as a trio

The new recording, recorded in 2019, consists of original works,  seven from the leader, two from Loomis, and one from Cervini. The 10-song program opens with Frahm's "Blow Poppa Joe" which jumps right out of the gate with powerful tenor sax work (a la Sonny Rollins), thunderous drums, and splendid counterpoint from the bass. The first two notes of the next track, "Waiting for Benny", sound like we're in for an old television theme song ("The Andy Griffith Show") but quickly moves into a medium-paced romp over which Frahm's tenor soars, dances, his phrases twisting and turning with glee.  There's also a delightful bass solo (Loomis can be quite melodic in the spotlight) over Cervini's whispering brush work. The drummer then "trades 4s" with his mates. The leader brings out his soprano sax for Loomis's "Silk Road", an emotionally rich ballad with a mysterious feel, gentle playing, and, again, intelligent interplay. There's a moment in the final 90 seconds when it sounds as if the music is turning in a "free" direction before the soprano tamps down the intensity.  The bassist's other contribution is the hard-bopping "X Friends", a smoker with delightful solos from Frahm and the drummer. 

Cervini contributes "The Beautiful Mystery" which is truly a beautiful ballad, moves ever-so-slowly but never drags. Opening with Loomis's rich bass overtones, the saxophonist enter with the somber melody while the composer moves around the cymbals and floor tom.  Again, listen for the bass counterpoint as it is quite impressive.

If you have ever seen Joel Frahm live in person, you know he's got quite the sense of humor. The title track closes the album, its rhythm patterns based on Lou Reed's delightful groove on his "Walk on the Wild Side".  The rhythm section dances right along with the soulful sax riffs.

"The Bright Side" has many "bright moments" throughout as the program displays the saxophonist's joyful sound.  Over the years, he's developed into a fine composer and soloist. And he's quite "in the groove" with Dan Loomis and Ernesto Cervini who he has played with for over a decade.  Sit down, pour a cool glass of your favorite libation, and allow this fine album 

to lift your soul!

For more information, go to joelfrahm.com.  

Dig the title track:

Mario Pavone "Legacy Stories"

Photo: Steve Sussman

As these words appear on the page, it's five weeks since Mario Pavone passed (May 15, 2021) after a multi-year, multi-episode, fight with cancer.  Bassist, composer, and educator (he was closely involved with the Litchfield Jazz Camp), he had a long career working alongside creative artists, most notably Bill Dixon, Anthony Braxton, Paul Bley, and Thomas Chapin. After Chapin's death in 1998, Mr. Pavone became a leader – he had already begun recording his own music back in 1979 on labels such as Alacra, New World/Crosscurrents, and Knitting Factory. From 2002-2017, the bassist recorded 13 albums (as a leader or co-leader for his good friend Michael Musillami's Playscape Recordings; he also did the artwork for many of the label's releases. When queried about his writing, he told me his pieces were "composed from the bass upwards" and, when you listen closely, you hear how the rhythm section always participates in the melody.  His music is propulsive, even fierce at times but always with a melodic center.

Last time we spoke in person (three years ago at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, CT –– he was a concert attendee not a player), he was thrilled about his latest Trio.  He loved writing for and playing alongside pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer Tyshawn Sorey.  He felt that they brought the ferocity and emotional balance that his new compositions called for.  They first recorded as a unit on 2015's "Blue Dialect" (Clean Feed Records) and followed that with 2019's "Philosophy" (Clean Feed).

2020 was a very tough year for the bassist. His cancer had returned plus his 23-year old granddaughter Isabella died. Mr. Pavone poured himself into his music writing enough material for two albums, two groups.  In late February, he went into the studio with his son Michael (guitar), Mike DiRubbo (alto saxophone), and Michael Sarin (drummer who was the third member of the Thomas Chapin Trio) and recorded an album for Clean Feed ("Isabella", to be released later this month). Four weeks after that session (3/25-26/21), he went into the studio with Mitchell, Sorey, and trumpeter/ arranger Dave Ballou (who served as arranger for "Isabella" as well) and recorded "Blue Vertical" (Out of Your Heads Records).  Credited to the Dialect Trio + 1, the nine-song program sounds full of life, jammed with melodies, rhythmic twists-and-turns, powerful solos, and Mr. Pavone's trademark propulsive. forward motion. He never looked back, making the music for the time and the future.

Photo: Maurice D. Robertson

The addition of Ballou's excellent trumpet work to the Trio fired the composer's imagination. Pieces such as the opener "Twardzik" and "Good Treble" show his versatility and wit; the former features a delightful solo, with notes tumbling out of the horn and onto the rumbling rhythm section while the latter dances ahead on a Latin-tinged rhythm, the muted trumpet locking in with the piano for the melody. Ballou's solo over the jagged rhythm exudes swagger and a New Orleans-like frisson opening the door for Mitchell's rippling lines over Sorey's mighty drums.  "Isabella" shows the bassist at his best, his counterpoint to the melody setting the tenor for the solos.  The pianist's impressionistic lines connect with the bass lines, creating a duet that is ethereal.  Ballou's muted trumpet joins that conversation, his long tones supported by the whispering cymbals. Sorey's whip-snapping drums at the onset of "Legacy Stories" set the pace for an exciting performance (note how the bass and drums fall into a "swing" rhythm right before the piano solo).

Photo: Victoria Lindsey

The album closes with "Face Music", the composer's percussive plucked notes and the tolling piano chords wrapping around the somber trumpet melody.  The music moves slowly, tentatively but with purpose until Sorey's rapid-fire high-hat dance pushes the trumpet solo higher and, eventually, the piano and bass join the mix.  The piece closes on Mitchell's abrupt note with the expectation that there was more to be said.  

Mario Pavone lives on in his music and the fact that people will continue to explore his oeuvre, perhaps even recording pieces from his repertoire, gives this writer great hope.  If you are not familiar with his music, know that from his earliest recordings as a leader to "Blue Vertical", Mario Pavone led from the heart.  

For more information, go to www.mariopavone.com.  To hear more and purchase the new album, go to https://outofyourheadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/blue-vertical. 

Hear "Philosophy Series":

Mr. Pavone

Photo: Steven Sussman

 5/15/2021 –– Just last week, Downbeat published an online article about bassist and composer Mario Pavone and his fight with cancer.  It was reported today that Mr. Pavone died at the age of 80.  As one of the finest musicians to hail from the state of Connecticut who traveled the world with musicians such as the late Thomas Chapin, trumpeter Bill Dixon, and saxophonist Anthony Braxton as well as his long-time friend, guitarist Michael Musillami.  Short in stature, Mr. Pavone had a "big" sound, writing fascinating music for his many ensembles, and always moving forward.  He sought out like-minded musicians to play his music, musicians such as saxophonists Jimmy Greene and Tony Malaby, pianists Craig Taborn, Peter Madsen, Matt Mitchell, and Angelica Sanchez, trumpeter Dave Ballou, and drummers Michael Sarin, Matt Wilson, Tyshawn Sorey, and Gerald Cleaver.  He also served on the faculty of the Litchfield Jazz Festival Jazz Camp.  

Photo: Litchfield Jazz/Youtube

I had the joy of seeing Mario play on numerous occasions. He came through Middletown CT (where I live) on numerous occasions. Once, when he and Michael Sarin were playing with Thomas Chapin, I talked with them about playing such small venues (on this occasion, a basement that attracted 15 paying customers).  Mario laughed, saying the Trio had just returned from the Northsea Jazz Festival where they played for overflow crowds of up to 20,000.  Not as intimate as the CT gig but much more exciting. No matter the size of the audience, Mario played with great fire and intelligence, his compositions stretching the borders of creative music and challenging the musicians and the audience.  

Photo: Lindsey Victoria

He recorded many of his albums for Playscape (Mr. Musillami's label) and for Clean Feed; his discography is filled with albums that never seem dated or filled with cliches.  The music language Mario Pavone created in the studio and on concert stages was inspired by the masters of Black American Music, people such as Messrs. Dixon and Braxton as well as John Coltrane, Paul Bley, Wadada Leo Smith, Muhal Richard Abrams, Marty Ehrlich, and others. Yet, he rarely sounded like any of those artists; even now, you can listen to any of his albums and hear something you had missed before.

Time takes all our friends and family and we should be glad for the time we did have with them.  It was always a joy to be in the presence of Mario Pavone, especially when he was on the bandstand.  He will be missed!

To check out his story and his discography, go to www.mariopavone.com.  

Mario P's Back In Town (Middletown, CT)

Photo: Kevin R. Mason

I've been listening to, talking to, watching, and enjoying the music of Mario Pavone for over four decades.  His percussive yet melodic bass playing anchored and freed up the music of the Thomas Chapin Trio. Before his 18 year run in the late saxophonist's ensemble (1980-97), he worked with pianist Paul Bley and trumpeter/ conceptualist Bill Dixon. Pavone has also led or co-led groups with Wadada Leo Smith, pianist Peter Madsen, guitarist Michael Musillami, and saxophonist Marty Ehrlich - his bands have featured drummer Michael Sarin, trumpeter Steven Bernstein, pianist Craig Taborn, and drummer Matt Wilson (among many others).  I have always admired how Pavone builds his music up from the rhythm section, his muscular playing and elongated melodies giving the musicians so much to work with.

Mr. Pavone, who turns 78 in November, remains active throughout the United States and Europe.  His latest album, "Chrome" (Playscape Recordings) features the Dialect Trio of pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer/Wesleyan Professor Tyshawn Sorey - they did a short tour around the release of the new album in May.

The bassist is coming to The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, on Saturday June 30.  He'll have his partner from the Chapin Trio Michael Sarin at the drum kit and a relative newcomer to his groups, pianist Angelica Sanchez, one of the finest interpreters of creative contemporary music.  They'll perform music from the new album as well as earlier compositions arranged for this version of the Trio.

For more information, go to buttonwood.org/event/dialect-trio-feat-mario-pavone/.

Here's an older piece by the Pavone-Mitchell-Sorey trio:

Gig Alert!! (5/18 & 5/21)

Bassist and composer Mario Pavone returns to Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, this Friday (5/21) with his Dialect Trio.  Pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer Tyshawn Sorey join the CT native for an evening of sonic explorations, edgy melodies, compelling solos, and absorbing interactions. I have always maintained that Pavone writes from the bass outward and love how his thick lines propel the melody as well as what his associates do with his compositional approach.

The Trio's second CD, "Chrome" (Playscape Recordings) , was issued in the Autumn of 2017 and is, arguably, one of Pavone's most exciting recordings.  This is a group that knows how to push each other, they listen, respond to, and inspire each other plus create  excellent solos.   Engineer Nick Lloyd (of Firehouse 12 Studios) does an amazing capturing the sound of Pavone's bass so you can not only hear his solos but also how he interacts with Mitchell and Sorey.  There's a great sense of rhythm as well as "freedom" in this music. The compositions save one are Pavone originals and the one is a group improvisation inspired by and named for pianist Paul Bley who passed six months prior to the recording.

This should be quite a musical experience and is the last date on a short CD release tour.  For ticket information, go to firehouse12.org or call 203-785-0468.

Here's the Trio from 4 years ago right before recording their first album together:

I love getting emails from Brian Charette - he's such a busy guy, making so many different kinds of music with so many people.  His latest missive included the poster above and links to the CD that the CT-born organist recorded with tenor saxophone master George Coleman.  Mr. Coleman, a Memphis, Tennessee, native turned 83 in March and is in the midst of a career that stretches over six decades.  He has recorded with B.B. King, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Slide Hampton, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, so many others.  Steeplechase Records owner and producer Nils Winthers captured Mr. Coleman in the studio last December with Charette, guitarist Vic Juris, and drummer George Coleman Jr.  The results of their day together can be heard on "Groovin' With Big G" and, if you read the poster closely, the quartet celebrates the new CD with a date at the Blue Note, 131 West 3rd Street in New York City this coming Monday night. They'll play two sets - 8 and 10:30 p.m. - for more information, go to www.bluenote.net/newyork/index.shtml or call 212-475-8892. 

Mr. Coleman and Mr. Charette also play in a trio setting on Saturday May 26 at 7 p.m. in The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, NY.  To find out more and make reservations, go to www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895.  

Give a listen to the Quartet live in the WBGO-FM studios:

Live Music: Litchfield Jazz Fest + The Side Door

 

Bassist and composer Mario Pavone has been a presence on the Connecticut, New York and International music scene of over five decades. This weekend's Litchfield Jazz Festival (8/6-7), now celebrating 21 years, is dedicated to the Waterbury native, long-time member of the teaching faculty at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.

The Festival lineup has a definite local feel, with numerous CT natives plus graduates as well as staff members of the Jazz Camp as headliners.  The opening act at 12 noon on Saturday is the Andrew Hadro Quintet with Tony Malaby (tenor sax) and Mr. Pavone, his only scheduled performance of the weekend. Other performers with state connections include drummer Richie Barshay (W. Hartford) and his Trio with Bloomfield native Jimmy Greene (their set is at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday), vocalist/pianist Nicole Zuraitis (Waterbury) air Dave Stryker (4:45 p.m. on Saturday) and Festival closers Luques & Zaccai Curtis (bass and piano, born in Hartford) with New Orleans-native alto saxophonist Donald Harrison (Sunday 6:15 p.m.)

Other performers include pianist Emmet Cohen's Trio with saxophone legend Jimmy Heath (pictured left, 4:45 on Sunday), saxophonist Albert Rivera's "Back At It" band with guitarist Paul Bollenback (Saturday at 3:30 p.m.), bassist Daryl Johns' Trio with dad Steve on drums and pianist Orrin Evans (Saturday at 7:30), the Big Bass Blowout with bassist Avery Sharpe and drummer Matt Wilson plus four young bassists (South African native Zwe Le-Pere, Waterbury native Jonathan Michel, Hartford native Emma Adomeit, and Sean Peatland - Sunday at 12:30.) Finally, the Litchfield Jazz Orchestra, led by Don Braden (tenor sax and director) ad with am impressive cast of musicians(check it here), play a tribute to Earth, Wind, & Fire at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.

The easiest way to get tickets is to go to litchfieldjazzfest.com and follow the links.  You can also find directions to the Festival site at the Goshen Fairgrounds and a whole lot more.

The folks at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme are back from the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival and have an exciting weekend planned for CT jazz fans.  On Friday night (8/05), vocalist Thana Alexander returns to the venue with her quintet known as the Thana Alexander Project.  Ms. Alexander, a native of Croatia, has recorded with guitarist Gene Ess and percussionist/drummer Antonio Sanchez. She first appeared at The Side Door around the time her debut album "Ode To Heroes" (Harmonia Mundi/ Jazz Village) released (early 2014) and now she returns with her own group.  The ensemble includes Ben Flocks (saxophones), Eden Ladin (piano), Noam Wiesenberg (bass), and Peter Kronrief (drums).

The Project takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.  For more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

Here's Ms. Alexa in 2015 with Flocks on sax:

On Saturday, The Door opens for the Dominick Farinacci Quintet.  The trumpeter, a graduate of the Juilliard School in New York City, was named by Wynton Marsalis first Global Ambassador of Jazz at Lincoln Center, traveling to the Middle East in association with the Cleveland Clinic.  Newly signed to Mack Avenue Records after releasing eight albums on the Japanese M + I label and on E1 Music.  The new album, "Short Stories", was produced by Tommy LaPuma and has received glowing reviews.

Joining him on the stage will be Adam Birnbaum (piano), Josh Hari (bass), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Keita Ogawa (percussion). Their sets will feature a lot of originals as well as smartly done arrangements of standards and the occasional "pop" song (Farinacci does a wonderful reading of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love"). The door opens at 7:30 p.m. and the music starts an hour later. Call 860-434-0886 for reservations.

You should check the trumpeter's TEDMED Talk at www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=292967 and find out more about his music at www.dominickfarinacci.com.

Here's a live version of "Doha Blues" from the new recording:

Mario P in Blue + Side Door Swings + Baritone Sax Trio

Bassist, composer, and CT native Mario Pavone continues to create music that challenges himself, his associates and the audiences in the most positive ways.  For over five decades, he has created his own path, working alongside the late saxophonist Thomas Chapin, vibraphonist Bobby Naughton, and others, leading his own ensembles for the past 18 years.

The Trio he brings to Firehouse 12 in New Haven this coming Friday (6/03) includes the impressive young pianist Matt Mitchell (Tim Berne Snakeoil, Dave Douglas) and the multi-faceted percussionist Tyshawn Sorey (Fieldwork, Paradoxical Frog). The ensemble released "Blue Dialect" in 2015 on the Portuguese Clean Feed label, an album filled with wonderful interactions, splendid solos, and impressive forward motion.  Expect the same at this gig as the band is preparing to record its next album the following day.

They will play two sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. (separate admission charges) - for more information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.

Here is the trio from 2014:

Early in 2016, alto saxophonist Greg Abate issued "Kindred Spirits" (Whaling City Sounds), a double album featuring his mentor Phil Woods and the Tim Ray Trio.  Mr. Woods passed several months before the CD (recorded 8/11/2014) was issued but sounds in good form as he, Abate and the Trio (pianist Ray, bassist John Lockwood, and drummer Mark Walker) run through a sparkling group of standards (plus a bit of dialogue).

This Friday, Mr. Abate, the Tim Ray Trio, and special guest Richie Cole (alto saxophone) come to The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme CT to pay tribute to Phil Woods and the delightful album mentioned above.  Cole, like the late Mr. Woods and Abate, has greatly been influenced by Charlie Parker but, like the other two gentlemen, moved on to create his own sound and style.

Join these fine musicians as they spend an evening "Celebrating Phil Woods" - sounds like a delightful excursion for an early June evening.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the music starting at 8:30.  For more information, call 860-434-0886.

Here's the Quintet with Phil Woods dancing through "Yardbird Suite":

On Saturday night, The Side Door welcomes Mike LeDonne's Groover Trio.  LeDonne, well known and respected for his piano work, has been playing Hammond B-3 organ a lot more over the last decade.  Having first come on to the jazz scene in the 1970s working wit Benny Goodman and Sonny Rollins, LeDonne spent over a decade as music director with vibraphonist Milt Jackson and has worked with saxophonist Benny Golson for nearly two decades.

For the Old Lyme appearance, he's joined by guitarist Mark Whitfield and drummer McClenty Hunter.  Expect the music to be funky and to swing with abandon.  The music commences at 8:30 p.m.  For more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

IntegritynMusic

Also on Saturday (6/04), The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, welcomes back guitarist and composer Sinan Bakir for an evening of his music for Trio.  The Turkish-born Bakir came to the United States from his native land to study music at the Hartford Conservatory; he liked it so much that he stayed, forsaking his engineering degree for a life in music.  He's released two CDs and is busy performing in New York City, Stamford CT, Northampton MA and elsewhere.  Filling out the Trio will be bassist Silvain Castellano and drummer George Mastrogianis.

The music starts at 8 p.m.  For more information go to www.buttonwood.org or www.sinanbakir.com.


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Baritone saxophonist Eden Bareket, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, moved to the United States/New York City in 2013 and has become a very busy musician.  He's a member of drummer Ari Hoenig's Nonet, Eyal Viner's Big Band, and the Anbessa Orchestra a.k.a LIONS, a septet dedicated to playing Ethiopian music of the 1960s and 70s.

For his U.S. debut album , "Choice" (Fresh Sound New Talent - his first Lp was recorded and issued in Israel - click here), he fronts a Trio that features his brother Or Bareket (bass) and Felix Lecaros (drums).  The music the Trio creates is melodic, playful, soulful, filled with smart interactions, always involving, and, though all but one of the nine tracks are Eden's original compositions, sounds as if each member has a say in how the piece sounds.  Take the title track.  Introduced by the bass (a slowly descending line with harmonics), the melody is guided along by the excellent brush work of Lecaros (a native of Chile who also works with bassist Joe Fonda).  Bareket plays in the sax's mid-to-higher range, creating a solo that has allusions to the work of Sonny Rollins and Gerry Mulligan.  "Arguing With Myself" is a forceful and funky piece in which the saxophone and bass plays phrases that wrap around each other and sometimes overlap.  During the sax solo, the bassist and drummer lock into a funky beat that really drives the piece forward.  One of the prettier pieces, "The Last One", has a most delicate melody.  The musicians allow the song to unfold slowly, never pushing but letting the music flow. The saxophonist plays throughout yet this always sounds like an ensemble piece. Bassist Bareket, who also works with Ari Hoenig as well with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc and the 3 Cohens, has a lovely sound (well recorded by Luis Bacqué who also mixed and mastered the recording in his Roselle, New Jersey, studios) - his work is stunning throughout. The one non-original is Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up", a beautiful melody that the Trio plays with great delicacy and fire (especially the saxophonist).  There is also a subtle chorus of baritone saxes  about 2/3rds of the way through the 7-minute song.

art by Christine Cha

Though the baritone saxophone is often thought of as a foundational instrument in a big band, musicians such as Harry Carney (from the Duke Ellington Band), Joe Temperley (long-time member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra who passed a few weeks ago), Gary Smulyan, the afore-mentioned Mr. Mulligan, Claire Daly, and a few others have proven that the big reed can be just as musical as a tenor, alto, or soprano sax.  Eden Bareket is a very musical player, comfortable in the mid and upper ranges of his chosen instrument and not afraid to play softly.  And, he can also belt it out when the music calls for it.  "Choice" is a delightful musical adventure, the work of three musicians who are tuned in to the music and into each other. Give this one listen and you'll want to return time and again.

For more information, go to www.edenbareket.com.

Here's the Trio in action from a 2014 live-in-studio date with the song that opens the CD:

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.

The Hits Keep on Coming (Pt 1); The Connecticut Edition

Bassist/composer Mario Pavone continues to go from strength to strength.  As I write this, the Waterbury Connecticut native is halfway to his next birthday (he turns 74 in November) and plays with the fire of musicians 1/2 his age.  His new Playscape recording, "Street Songs", is another chapter in Pavone's musical autobiography.  Inspired by the music he heard in the neighborhood in which he grew up, the composer uses the accordion of Adam Matlock to hearken back to those days. Yet, Pavone is no nostalgia merchant so this music looks forward as much as it reflects the bassist's work with Bill Dixon, Anthony Braxton and Thomas Chapin.  Long-time associates Peter Madsen (piano) and Steve Johns (drums) are on hand as is trumpeter/flugelhorn player Dave Ballou (who has worked with Pavone numerous times over the past 5 years.  A pleasing surprise is the addition of a second bassist - Carl Testa, who runs the Uncertainty Music series in New Haven, CT, as well serving as the house manager for the Firehouse 12 Spring and Fall Concert series, is well-known in the area for his cutting edge bass and electronics work.  Whereas  Pavone has a fatter but percussive style in his playing, Testa has a crisper tone and contributes most of the arco (bowed) bass parts.

"Elkna" opens the program with a short phrase played on accordion and the 2 basses answering back. As the rest of the band enters, the music takes on a decidedly funky swing note.  Madsen takes a rollicking solo that leads into Matlock's energetic turn  The 2 basses share a solo section, trading "4's" with the rest of the group.  "Streetsong" turns on a circular phrase reminiscent of a Thomas Chapin tune, a snaky line that stops-and-starts and features strong solos from accordion, trumpet and piano (listen to Johns' excellent support beneath Madseen's solo.)

Other highlights include "Alban Berg", a piece that Pavone recorded with his Arc Trio on its 2013 recording. Here on this quartet version (no accordion or second bass),  the descending piano lines behind the trumpet solo suggest Herbie Hancock as the rhythm section kicks up a storm.  The "swing" feel of "Cobalt Stories" (also a quartet piece) serves as a counterpoint to the squalling trumpet and pointillistic piano work.  "The Dom" displays yet another one of Pavone's strengths; he builds his composition up and out from the bass and drums (it's no surprise that the drummer also states part of the main theme.  There's a sly cat-and-mouse feel to the intriguing "Mythos", with the bassists and drummer dancing together under the accordion solo - then, the piece turns Monk-like for the interactions of the piano and trumpet.

"Street Songs" is playful, filled with lively musicianship, strong melodies and many fine solos.  Mario Pavone, as both a player and composer, never sells his audience short; instead, he creates stimulating music that is fresh, forceful and filled with life.  Also, it's always a pleasure to hear Peter Madsen who, like the leader, plays with gleeful abandon as well as displaying a zest for melodic inventions.  For more information, go to www.mariopavone.com.

Mario Pavone, in association with Jazz Haven, will present "Street Songs: the Accordion Project" on Wednesday July 16 at Cafe Nine, 250 State Street in New Haven. The group will include Matlock, Testa, Johns and Dave Ballou with Matt Mitchell in the piano chair.  Trumpeter Ballou will lead a Brass Quartet that his wife Leise (French Horn), Peter McEachern (trombone) and Gary Buttery (tuba). The group will also play the Litchfield Jazz Festival in August.  For more info about the New Haven gig, go to www.cafenine.com. For more information about the August date and to purchase tickets, click on the following link, litchfieldjazzfest.com.

Trombonist Pete McGuinness, a native of West Hartford, CT, is a graduate of the jazz programs at Hall High School, University of Miami, and Manhattan School of Music. He's also a fine vocalist having sung in various groups including Bill Mobley's Smoke Big Band.  His previous release, "Voice Like a Horn" (Summit Records), found him leading a quartet and singing through a program of (mostly) standards.  (It should also be noted that McGuinness was chosen for the semi-finals of the 1994 Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition losing to Sara Lazarus).

"Strength in Numbers" (Summit Records) is the 2nd release to feature the Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra, featuring him fronting a 16-piece ensemble of New York City-based musicians. The trombonist worked with Bob Brookmeyer and Manny Albam in the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop and it shows throughout the program.  The opening track, "The Send-off" is, in fact, dedicated to Brookmeyer and you can hear his influence in the the melody line, the section writing, the voicings, and how McGuinness uses the drums of Scott Neumann to help state the theme. That influence is also evident in the lovely ballads "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." The former features a long opening in which the various sections plus pianist Mike Holober share the thematic material before McGuinness with his airy tenor voice (the blend of flutes and bass clarinet in support of his voice is a classy touch.)  The latter track opens with a 2-note piano figure, a little bass riff and atmospheric brass and reeds before the leader comes in with a short scat intro to the first verse (fascinating minor figure played by the trombones behind him).  The arrangement calls for the sections to augment the vocal and serve as counterpoint. Bruce Eidem delivers a bluesy 'bone solo before McGuinness scats several verses, imitating the section writing from earlier in the song.

"The Swagger" is a modal blues swings atop Neumann's active cymbal and snare work. The solos include a hot strut from Dave Riekenburg (baritone saxophone), a genial and jaunty delivery from Jeff Nelson (bass trombone) plus a blues-soaked trip that rises high from Marc Phaneuf (alto saxophone. "Spellbound" rides in on what the leader dubs "a mixed meter Latin cha-cha style" (more sparkling cymbal work) sounding more sultry than burning, although Jason Rigby shows plenty of fire in his tenor saxophone spotlight while the muted trumpet solo of Chris Rogers jumps out of the section work with aplomb. Swing is king on "Nasty Blues", a "pedal to the metal" style of drive in the rhythm section (the bass work of Andy Eulau is impressive throughout) supporting solos from Holober, Dave Pietro (alto saxophone), Bill Mobley (trumpet) and Mark Patterson trading choruses with fellow trombonist Matt Haviland.

McGuinness has great fun re-arranging the Stephen Foster classic "Beautiful Dreamer", with moments in the opening section that suggest Maurice Ravel's "Bolero." There is a strong soprano ax solo from Pietro that slows down into an unaccompanied piano solo from Holober (leader of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra that commissioned the piece).  His partners in the rhythm section bring him back into the piece and a reiteration of the opening theme. But, there's one more surprise as Pietro and Holober play a short duo based on the composer's original arrangement.

If you like the work of Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider and others, "Strength in Numbers" will fill your heart and ears with rapture.  The music is smart, the arrangements fresh, the section work exemplary, the solos often bright and the leader's vocals an added attraction.  Pete McGuinness gets this music right, constructing a frame for 16 musicians to do their best work - and they do!  For more information, go to www.petemcguinness.com.

Double Tenor Fun

Bassist-composer Mario Pavone brings his Orange Double Tenor sextet to Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven this Friday night (12/10) for 2 sets.  Hot on the heels of his new Playscape CD, "Arc Suite T/Pi T/Po", the shows and the music serve as a 70th Birthday celebration for Pavone. The music on the CD (reviewed here) gives notice that the Waterbury native is not about to meander off into the sunset (heck, we should all look and sound so good.)  Like much of his music, the new material is built from the bass outward - many of the songs have great forward propulsion (supplied by drummer Gerald Cleaver and pianist Peter Madsen) and feature concise but wide-ranging solos.

Cleaver and Madsen (who is a splendid accompanist and soloist) will be on the bandstand on Friday along with Dave Ballou (trumpet) plus the Double Tenor saxophones of Andrew Bishop and Marty Ehrlich.  My understanding is that the 8:30 show is already sold out but there is still room for the 10 p.m. set.  My suggestion is to call 203-785-0468 and get your tickets now - the nice folks at the Firehouse will also put you on the waiting list for the first show.  For more information, go to www.firehouse12.com.  To check out Mario Pavone, go to his site at www.mariopavone.com.