Such a Busy Week of Music in CT (Firehouse 12 Returns) + CD Picks

Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, begins its Spring 2016 Concert Series this Friday evening (3/18) with one of the rising stars of creative music, cellist Tomeka Reid and her Quartet.  Ms. Reid is one of the busiest musicians around, playing alongside flutist Nicole Mitchell, with trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum, drummer Mike Reed and many other contemporary players.

Thirsty Ear Records issued Ms. Reid's debut as a leader late last year and the musicians on the recording - guitarist Mary Halvorson, drummer Tomas Fujiwara, and bassist Jason Roebke - will be onstage for this gig.  The self-titled recording made a number of critics "Best-of" lists last year. Filled with inspired playing, intelligent compositions, and challenging sounds, the album builds on the cello-as-leader albums released by Oscar Pettiford in the 1950s and the work of Abdul Wadud in the 1970s and 80s.

There are 2 shows - with separate admission charges -with the first at 8:30 p.m. and the second at 10 p.m.  For more information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.

Here's a taste of "17 West" -

Also on Friday night, The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme welcomes guitarist and composer Mike Moreno for 2 shows. The native of Houston, TX, just issued his 5th album as a leader, "Lotus", on drummer Kendrick Scott's World Culture Music label featuring 9 Moreno compositions played by the splendid band consisting of Aaron Parks (piano, Rhodes), Doug Weiss (bass) and the formidable Eric Harland (drums).

For the Old Lyme shows, the fine music created for the CD (and more) will be interpreted by the excellent pianist Jon Cowherd (Brian Blade's Fellowship Band), bassist Rick Rosato, and the energetic drummer E. J. Strickland (one of several times he will play at The Side Door over the next several months). The doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first notes filling the air at 8:30.  For more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com.

Check out the Quartet from "Lotus" in this video from January 2016:

On Saturday night, Jan and Ken open the Door to pianist Jeb Patton.  Patton, a Maryland native, graduated from Duke University an went on to study at the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City. He's played with a large number of vocalists and bands, including those led by Etta Jones, drummer Winard Harper, and saxophonist Antonio Hart. I've seen him several times in the Heath Brothers Band (alongside Jimmy and "Tootie" plus bassist David Wong.) The pianist has great "chops", can swing with the best of them and has a tender way with a ballad.

He's bringing Mr. Wong and drummer Pete Van Nostrand, both of whom appear on his latest album, "Shades and Tones", which was issued last year on saxophonist Cory Weed's Cellar Live record label.

The Jeb Patton Trio takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.   For reservations, call 860-434-0886.  Next weekend, saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane will play both Friday and Saturday nights while on Thursday April 7, the incredibly funky organist Dr. Lonnie Smith will conquer the CT Shoreline. Get your reservations soon!

Here's Jeb Patton with David Wong and Albert "Tootie" Heath from the new CD:

Also this Saturday night, the Uncertainty Music Series presents the duo of Ross Hammond (12-string guitar) and Sameer Gupta (tabla drums) will perform in the performance space of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  The duo has just released "Upward" (Prescott Recordings), an album of (mostly) improvisations from a live date recorded last year in Sacramento, CA, (where Mr. Hammond resides). A review of the CD is below.

Opening the show at 4 p.m. will be Daniel Levin. The cellist, a native of Burlington, VT, is no strangers to these parts, having played both the Uncertainty Series and at Firehouse 12 on numerous occasions but usually in a trio or quartet setting - in fact, his 4-person band will play at the Firehouse on Friday May 27th.  His 2011 Clean Feed recording, "Inner Landscape", is, so far, the only recorded evidence of his solo playing but he has performed sets around the world.  The mixture of clarity, density, melody, and noise is both challenging and appealing, the music changing with each performance and audience

For more information about the concert and directions to Never Ending Books, go to uncertaintymusic.com.
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CD PICKS (both with guitar and no pun intended):

Ross Hammond and Sameer Gupta - "Upward" (Prescott Recordings) - In the mid-to-late 1960s, there were a small group of guitarists who combined trance music elements, South Indian music forms, and American folk music to create fascinating sounds.  Inspired by John Fahey, people such as Robbie Basho and Leo Kottke rose to public acclaim and inspired several generations to experiment with various sounds.  Fast forward nearly 5 decades to this inspired duo.  Guitarist Ross Hammond plays music that ranges  from "free-form noise" to acoustic gospel and folk to contemporary jazz, playing alongside musicians such as reed master Vinny Golia, drummer Grant Calvin Weston, bassist Liza Mezzacappa, and drummer Scott Amendola and Alex Cline (and many more). Tabla player Sameer Gupta is best known for his work in pianist Marc Cary's Fusion Trio (in which he plays a traditional traps set plus Indian drums) and as curator of plus a performer in the Brooklyn Raga Massive.

"Upward" is a collection of tunes that seem to melt one into the other.  There are handsome melodies, fiery interplay, moments of solemnity interested with moments of pure joy (the joy that comes from 2 friends making music together.) The blend of 12 string guitar and table drums is appealing from the opening seconds of the first song (the title track).  The solid bass tone of the guitar bounces off the lower table drum sound while the ringing tones of the higher guitar strings create a lovely blanket for the dancing fingers of Gupta.  The propulsive rhythm of the drums on tracks such as "For Chris Ferreira" and "Being and Becoming" makes this music exciting while the hypnotic quality of the 12 string guitar soothes on "Farm to Table (for Ken Filiano)", "Gravity House", and "When Kesslers Rage."  Hammond uses his slide to great effect on several tracks, especially on the last cut "Being and Becoming." It's easy to close one's eyes and get lost in the melodies and interactions on "Kenyatta, The Professor and the Redeemer", to follow these 2 musicians as they create their soundscapes, seemingly breathing as one.

Like his 2015 solo recording "Flight", Ross Hammond has again given an avid listener music that constantly changes shapes but never loses its melodic center.  The addition of tabla player Sameer Gupta not only opens this music up but also is the duo's constant heartbeat.  Some might say that the is recording is a bit of "throwback" to those days of Fahey, Basho, Kottke, and others; I say "really, who cares?" Good music is good music, no matter what era.  Give a listen, a close listen, and hear if you agree.

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

Here's a video of the title track:

For his 8th album as a leader (and 2nd for PosiTone Records), guitarist and composer Will Bernard went into the studio with a crackling rhythm section (drummer Allison Miller and bassist Ben Allison), organist Brian Charette, and saxophonist John Ellis.  While Bernard is often found in situations where he is called on to be "funky", his PosiTone recordings have given him the space to expand.

"Out & About" gives the listener much to chew on.  Bernard composed all the tracks and there's a great deal of interaction throughout as well as impressive melodies for participants to "play" with.  The presence of Ben Allison actually gives the composer more melodic voices to work with (his previous recording had Charette supplying the bass lines on organ) and Bernard uses the bassist to great effect. Listen to the short guitar-bass duet on "Not Too Fancy", Allison's strong solo on the Latin-infused "Habanera", and his solid support on the ballad "Pan Seared" to hear how much the bassist adds to the session

Ms. Miller is an excellent addition (Rudy Royston powered the previous disk), a wonderfully subtle drummer who knows how to drive a band but can also create a shimmering world of sound. Her melodic take on the title track is quite attractive as is her work on the ride cymbal on "Redwood (business casual)".  Her dancing brushes on "Homebody" set the tempo and the mood for Ellis and Bernard.  Notice how she changes her approach under the organ and then the tenor solo on "Full Sweep."

Brian Charette is a plus to any recording, surprising the listener with his many tones and good background work.  He can roar and whisper, often in the same cut - listen to his swells behind the guitar solo on "Homeward Bound."  His solo on "Full Sweep" is short but so exciting as he romps over Ms. Miller's dancing rhythms.

The presence of John Ellis enlivened the first PosiTone CD and does the same here.  His liquid lines an warm tones on pieces such as "Next Guest" and "Homebody" mesh well with Bernard's excellent rhythm guitar and counterpoint.  He can "rock out" as well; his bluesy frolic over the guitarist's "wah-wah" support on the CDs frisky opener "Happy Belated" is wonderfully funky.

Will Bernard is a guitarist who rarely, if ever, wastes notes.  On "Out & About", he cedes a good amount of the solo space to his talented band.  Yet, he's there supplying supportive chords and lively melodies. When the guitarist "steps out", his clean, quite clear, tone and well-formed solos steer clear of cliches and often are quite adventurous. Best of all, Bernard can write compelling melodies, even on "groove-based" tracks.  It's a pleasure to listen to such mature music and have such a good time doing so  For more information, go to www.willbernard.com.

Here's the album opener:

Ornette Coleman (1930-2015) + Saturday Uncertainty Series Live

As I was writing the paragraph at the bottom of this post, Twitter and Facebook (and other forms of media) began spreading the news of the passing of Ornette Coleman. The Texas native was one of several musicians who changed the face of Black American music in the mid-to-late 1950s, among them Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.  Like Mr. Rollins (his junior by 6 months) did on "Way Out West" (1957) and "Freedom Suite"(1958), Coleman dispensed with chordal instruments for his groundbreaking Atlantic recordings ("The Shape of Jazz to Come" and "Change of the Century" in 1959 and beyond).  His work with trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Charlie Haden (and later with Scott LaFaro), and drummers Billy Higgins ("..Shape of Jazz..") and Ed Blackwell ("Change..." and into the 1960s) continues to resonate n the world of improvised music.

Mr. Coleman went on the record for Blue Note Records (1965-68), Flying Dutchman, Impulse, Columbia Records (including the large ensemble work "Skies of America" in 1972) and then created his Prime Time "electric" band for Artists House in 1975 (although "Dancing In My Head" was not released until 1977).  In 1986, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette and Charlie Haden joined Mr. Coleman for "Song X" (credited to the guitarist and saxophonist), a critical and commercial success.  In the 1990s, Verve Records gave the saxophonist his own Harmolodic imprint and released 4 CDs in 3 years but it would be nearly a decade before Mr. Coleman released another album under his name.  "Sound Grammar", a live recording from 2005 but released in 2006, featured his son Denardo (drums) plus bassists Tony Falanga and Greg Cohen.  It was to be the last recording to be released, although it's not hard to imagine that there are not more sessions in the "vaults."

Ft Worth/Star Telegram

Through it all, Ornette Coleman never wavered in his forward motion. His tone on alto saxophone was influenced by the Texas Tenor tradition of the 1940s and 50s, meaning he was steeped in blues. In the 1960s, he took up trumpet and violin, teaching himself to play in his own "primitive" fashion.  He hired his son Denardo to be his drummer when the the younger Coleman was 10 years old - Denardo went on to play on many of his father's recordings and became his producer.

For a more thorough history and obituary, click on the following link:  mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/12/arts/music/ornette-coleman-jazz-saxophonist-dies-at-85-obituary.html?referrer=&_r=0.   Howard Mandel also contributes a fine obit on the npr.org site (click here). There is www.ornettecoleman.com which holds out hope for new music but there is not much else.
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On Saturday June 13, the Uncertainty Music Series presents Trevor Saint and Jonathan Zorn for 2 solo sets at 8 p.m. in the cozy environs of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Saint, who plays many different mallet instruments but especially the glockenspiel, will play pieces by Matt Sergeant, Amanda Schoofs, Christopher Burns and Jeff Herriott. Zorn, who attended Wesleyan University, studying with Alvin Lucier and Anthony Braxton, will create a work for speech and electronics.

For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

Gig Talk 3/20-23

The snow is melting, the daffodils are pushing up through the puddles alongside the house, and the Spring 2015 Concert Series at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, begins this Friday March 20.  Bassist/composer Ben Wolfe brings his Quartet to the performance venue; his new Posi-Tone recording "The Whisperer" features 3 of the 4 musicians on the CD including Wolfe, saxophonist Stacy Dillard and drummer Donald Edwards. Pianist Orrin Evans, who is celebrating his 40th birthday playing in Philadelphia, can't make the show but Anthony Wonsey, an equally talented person at the keys, will join the proceedings.  The music on the CD is absorbing, with Dillard's soprano sax work exhilarating at times.

The Ben Wolfe Quartet plays 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - for ticket information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.

On Friday night, the Hartford Jazz Society presents the duo of Ethan Iverson (piano) and Ron Carter (bass) for an evening of standards, jazz classics and originals from the bassist. Many people know Iverson from his work with The Bad Plus and his informative blog Do The Math but he is also a student of the music he plays with such gusto. The pianist also enjoys working with musicians who have left their mark on contemporary African American as one can hear in the trio he co-leads with drummer Alfred "Tootie" Heath and bassist Ben Street plus his work with drummer Billy Hart. As for Ron Carter, he has been playing for for over 50 years, working with trumpeter Miles Davis's mid-1960s Quintet and appearing on nearly 2,500 recordings! He leads with a Trio and a Big Band and is great demand for workshops and seminars.

The concert takes place at the Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford. Opening the show at 7 p.m. will be the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Jazz Ensemble.  Messrs. Carter and Iverson should begin at 8 p.m.  For more information, go to www.hartfordjazzsociety.com/2015-iverson-carter.html.

To call Thana Alexa a singer-songwriter is to diminish her talents.  She's also a vocal instrumentalist, a poet, and an arranger. Her debut recording "Ode To Heroes" (Jazz Village/Harmonia Mundi) is out now (nearly 3 years after the tracks were recorded) and she will celebrating the release this Friday (3/20) at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme. 3 of the musicians on the recording will be supporting her, including drummer/producer Antonio Sanchez, bassist Jorge Roeder and pianist Sergio Salvatore; also appearing will be saxophonist Ben Flocks.

Ms. Alexa is a native of New York City yet was raised in Croatia. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music from the New School in New York City. She has recorded with Sanchez on his critically-acclaimed "New Life" CD and with guitarist Gene Ess on his "Fractal Attraction" album.  Ms. Alexa has also worked with guitarist Julian Lage, pianist Junior Mance, and drummer Brnard "Pretty" Purdie among many others.  Her new CD is a delightful blend of original pieces, recognizable instrumental tunes that Ms. Alexa had written lyrics for ("The Wanderer" uses the melody of Charles Mingus's "Goodbye Pork-Pie Hat" while "Trace Back Your Footprints" uses Wayne Shorter's "Footprints") and fine arrangement of Paul Desmond's "Take Five" with lyrics by Dave & Iola Brubeck.  Several of the songs are so rhythmically exciting, led by the the drummer's super drumming. Her vocals, at times, remind this listener of the work of Gretchen Parlato.   One of the best parts of this music is how Ms. Alexa interacts with the band, especially with Sanchez.

That interaction should be on display at The Side Door. The doors open at 7:30 and the first set begins at 8:30 p.m.  For more information, call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com.  

On Saturday, The Side Door welcomes bassist and Hartford native Dezron Douglas (pictured left - no, it's not Red Sox slugger David Ortiz) and his talented quartet. Douglas, who has appeared on numerous recordings the past several years and is a member of the Cyrus Chestnut Trio, is joined by pianist David Bryant, alto saxophonist Lummie Spann and drummer Jeremy "Bean" Clemons.  One should expect this music to be swinging and fun as Mr. Douglas has a big, thick, tone, the saxophonist a lively sound and Bryant is an exciting young pianist.

As above, the first set commences at 8:30.  As I have stated before, The Side Door is an intimate space and allows a great view into the creative process.  And, you should take the time to meet the musicians.

photo by Eric LaCour 

Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, who spent his formative years in New Haven, returns home this Saturday night (3/21) to perform at the 9th Note, 56 Orange Street.  Mr. Escoffery, who is a member of the Mingus Big Band and has been a member of trumpeter Tom Harrell's Quintet, has been celebrating his 40th birthday with a series of gigs throughout Europe.  Not sure who's in the group (he usually plays with a quartet) but the music begins at 8 p.m. He's both a lyrical and muscular player plus he writes very involving music.  To find out more about the 9th Note, go to www.the9thnote.com.  To learn more about Wayne Escoffery, go to www.escofferymusic.com.

On Monday March 23, the Uncertainty Music Series welcomes the trio of Jack Wright (saxophone), Zachary Darrup (guitar) and Michael Evans (percussion) to Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven. Mr. Wright has been involved in improvised music for over 4 decades (with time out for a lengthy sabbatical during which he painted and wrote) while Mr. Evans leads the Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band, a sextet dedicated to playing Kwela music from South Africa as well as the music of Sun Ra and Howlin' Wolf.  Zack Darrup has been working with the saxophonist for several years, blending his amplified guitar sounds with the visceral playing of his mentor.

Opening the show at 8 p.m. will be a solo set featuring clarinetist Matt Ingalls.  Not only is he a fine improvising musician (having worked with Anthony Braxton, Meredith Monk and a host of San Fransisco Bay Area improvisers, Mr. Ingalls is a noted software designer.  To find out more about him, go to mattingalls.com.

For more information about the Uncertainty Music Series, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

A Rare Vinny Golia Sighting on the Right Coast

'Tis the weekend of the Litchfield Jazz Festival (go to litchfieldjazzfest.com to check out the fine lineup) but you also have the unique opportunity to see and hear one of the finest improvisers in the United States.  Vinny Golia, born in Fort Apache, the Bronx, New York City in 1946, moved to the Los Angeles, California, in the late 1970s, to perform and to teach. If you look closely at the picture on the left, you'll see him standing amidst a group of saxophones and, chances are very good that he plays each one during a performance.  He started the Nine Winds Records label to release his own music and has gone on to document many of the West Coast finest players, composers and conceptualists.  People like trumpeter Bobby Bradford, guitarist Nels Cline, clarinetist John Carter, trombonist George Lewis, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, and bassist Mark Dresser are among the scores of musicians on the independent label.

This Saturday evening at 8 p.m., Vinny Golia (reeds galore) joins Louis Guarino (trumpet), Chris Cretella (guitar) and Adam Matlock (accordion) for an evening of improvisational conversations in the performance space at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Should be a fascinating concert, full of fire and feistiness. For directions, go to www.neverendingbooks.net.

Celebrating Jazz in Connecticut!

As Willie Nelson famously wrote so many years ago "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away" - of course, the lyrics are dark and about a love that has died.  However, one might react with those very words upon discovering that The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme is celebrating its 1st Anniversary this weekend (Saturday night May 10, to be exact.

On Friday, Jan and Ken welcome trombonist/composer Steve Davis, bassist Nat Reeves and the JMI All Star Band (students from the Jackie McLean Institute in Hartford. Mr. Davis (pictured) is a Hartt School of Music graduate, now a Professor and former Jackie McLean student (as is bassist Reeves); he's toured and recorded with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Chick Corea's Origin and is a founding member of One For All.  His buttery tone and intelligent, swinging, solos has been a strong feature of his 15 recordings as a leader and on hundred of sideman gigs.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first set commencing at 8:30.  Go to thesidedoorjazz.com for more information and to make reservations.

The big celebration is, as I mentioned above, on Saturday and The Side Door presents the Chair of the Jackie McLean Institute and Associate Professor of Jazz at The Hartt School, Javon Jackson. Jackson, also an alumnus of the Jazz Messengers, is a fine tenor saxophonist with numerous CDs as a leader for labels such as Blue Note, Palmetto, and Smalls plus 2 on his own label.  He's bringing quite a band, including guitarist Larry Coryell, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White. With such great sidemen, the music should move from straight-ahead jazz to more contemporary sounds and all stops in-between.  Go to the website above for more details or call 860-434-0886. I've been assured there will be a number of surprises in store for this who attend so make your reservation sooner rather than later.

The Hartford Jazz Society presents its Spring Concert this Friday at 7 p.m. in the Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford. Headlining this year's event is the Louis Hayes Jazz Communicators.  The 76-year old Hayes, a native of Detroit, MI, has played and recorded with a myriad of jazz greats including Horace Silver (when the drummer was just 18), John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson and on. His first Lp as a leader, simply titled "Louis Hayes Quintet", was issued in 1960 on VeeJay Records and he has since issued 18 more, the latest being "Lou's Idea", released in 2010 on Jazz Showplace Records.    His band features Hartt School graduate Abraham Burton (saxophones), veteran bassist Gerald Cannon, and the fine young pianist David Bryant.  Opening the show will be the Greater Hartford Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Alex Nakhimovsky.  There will also be a Student Workshop from 4:30 - 6 p.m. that is free of charge.  For more information and ticket reservations, call the HJS at 860-242-6688.  

Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, presents pianist/composer/activist Noah Baerman and the Jazz Samaritan Alliance this Friday. The concert is part of the CD release events centered around Mr. Baerman's new self-released album,"Ripples." Joining him in the performance space is Chris Dingman (vibraphone), Jimmy Greene (saxophones), Kris Allen (saxophones), Henry Lugo (bass) and Otis Brown III (drums). Over the past year, Baerman has been involved with Resonant Motion, an organization that, to quote from its "Mission Statement", is " committed to the great potential that exists when music intersects with meaningful facets of the world outside of pitches and rhythms."  Meanwhile, in the pianist's words, "The concept behind the Jazz Samaritan Alliance is to create and present socially conscious jazz."  Don't expect political screes or profanity-laced rants, this music is not only meant to make you contemplate the world but also to enjoy the interactions of the musicians, the wealth of melody and rhythms plus the fine soloists.  

Noah Baerman et al will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - tickets are still available by going to firehouse12.com or calling 203-785-0468.  To find out more about about Noah Baerman and his various projects, go to www.noahjazz.com and resonantmotion.org.

Saturday night, the Uncertainty Music Series presents an exciting double bill at 8 p.m. in Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Opening the show will be Duo Music, an ensemble that features series curator Carl Testa (bass) and Chris Cretella (guitar), the first time these musicians who have worked together in numerous groups have played in this formation.  Following them will the Chris Welcome Quartet featuring the guitarist with Shayna Dulberger (bass), Jonathan Moritz (tenor and soprano saxophones) and John McLellan (drums). Since 2007, the CWQ has issued 4 CDs filled with improvisations that run the gamut from delicate to hearty, noise to whispers.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

No Uncertainty About This Concert

Earlier this week, I posted an entry about 2 excellent shows on Saturday March 8 ("Improvisations" Series at Real Art Ways and "The Composers and Improvisors Festival' at The Buttonwood Tree - see here) - come to find out, the Uncertainty Music Series also has a fine evening of music planned for the same evening (what's a music fan to do?)

Series curator Carl Testa is an adventurous programmer and likes to play with combinations. This month, the double bill commences with Meredith Glina's Bass 4-Tet.  Yes, 4 electric bassists, including Ms. Gilna, Jimmy Canepa, Elias Mullane and Jon Dostou, playing experimental music. They manipulate the sound of their instruments, they move in and out of melodic passages and keep one guessing.

Headlining the program is Little Worlds (pictured above), the trio of Rick Parker (trombone, effects), Ryan Mackstaller (guitar, effects) and Tim Kuhl (drums); the repertoire that the Brooklyn-based ensemble plays are the classical etudes Bela Bartok created for his "Mikrokosmos" collection.  The group of 153 short works for piano was composed between 1926-1039.   The trio of Parker, Mackstaller and Kuhl has issued 2 collections of its arrangements (Volume 1 in 2011 and Volume 2 in 2013 - both available at littleworlds.bandcamp.com) - and the results are innovative, challenging, exciting and quite dynamic.  They have not played this music much in the past year so this gig should be lot of fun for both musicians and audience.

The show takes place at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Ms. Glina's Bass 4-Tet opens the proceedings at 8 p.m.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

Uncertainty Series + A Certain Series Continues

This Saturday (2/22), the Uncertainty Music Series continues with a double bill that features Rachel Devorah Trapp (pictured left, compositions, horn) and the duo known as PascAli.  The concert takes place at 7 p.m. in Fair Haven Furniture, 72 Blatchley Avenue in New Haven.

Ms. Trapp, a native of Hartford, CT, earned her Bachelor's Degree from City University of New York and a Master's Degree from Mills College in California.  Her compositions have been performed by guitarist Fred Frith, Rhymes With Opera and the Del Sol String Quartet. She has played horn with the Andrew Weathers Ensemble and composer Robbie Lee.  She is currently writing a site-specific  chamber opera for the Mark Twain House in Hartford based on the life of Susy Clemens to be performed later this year.

PascAli consists of bassists Pascal Niggenkemper and Sean Ali who use many different items to augment their acoustic basses including aluminum cans, lampshades, balloons and other "found objects. The duo's 2012 debut CD is appropriately titled "Suspicious Activity" (Creative Source) and you can find out more by going to www.pascalniggenkemper.com/pascali.html. 

For more information about the concert, go to uncertaintymusic.com where you can also access directions to the performance venue.    

The big news of the week is the announcement of the Spring 2014 Concert Series at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven. The 13-week program commences on March 21 with Elm City native son Ben Alison and his Trio.  Scheduled to join the bassist/composer are guitarist Steve Cardenas (whose upcoming Sunnyside release is a smash) and reed master Ted Nash.

The following Friday (3/28) is another trio and another Connecticut native (well, he was born in New York City but raised in Greenwich).  Pianist/composer Kevin Hays brings his New Day Trio (bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Bill Stewart) to town.  April 4, the quintet known as Kneebody arrives with its fun blend of jazz, rock and more.

On April 11, Thumbscrew - guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Tomas Fujiwara (pictured left) - makes its CT debut (although it's the 13th time the guitarist has played the venue and the 7th for the drummer.)  Their debut CD was issued in January of this year on Cuneiform and it's quite an aural treat.  Saxophonist Loren Stillman, who appeared at the Firehouse last November as a member of vibraphonist Chris Dingman's ensemble, returns on April 18 with his quartet Bad Touch.  His band includes CT native (Greenwich) Gary Versace (organ), Nate Radley (guitar) and Ted Poor (drums).

Pictured left is drummer Rudy Royston, who appeared at The Firehouse last May with trumpeter Dave Douglas, brings his 303 quintet to New Haven on April 25. Consisting of Nadje Noordhuis (trumpet), Jon Irabagon (alto saxophone - also a member of Mr. Douglas's Quintet), Nir Felder (guitar), and Yashushi Nakamura (bass), the ensemble (along with non-touring member, bassist Mimi Jones) issued its debut CD on Greenleaf Records in January. On May 2, Ms. Halvorson and Mr. Fujiwara return to the performance space as members of the Taylor Ho Bynum Sextet.  Cornetist/composer Bynum, who lives in the New Haven area and is currently teaching at Wesleyan University as well as working with Anthony Braxton's various ensembles, released the 4-part "Navigations" CD/LP late last year on Firehouse 12 Records.  His band also features saxophonist Jim Hobbs, bassist Ken Filiano, and tuba-ist/trombonist Bill Lowe.

The dapper pianist/ composer/educator/author Noah Baerman leads his Jazz Samaritan Alliance into The Firehouse on May 9.  The ensemble includes saxophonists Kris Allen and Jimmy Greene, bassist Henry Lugo, vibraphonist Chris Dingman and drummer Otis Brown III. Among other things, they will be celebrating Mr. Baerman's new CD release, "Ripples", a recording that features many different musicians but whose central theme is to raise consciousness about social issues in this country and the world.

On Friday May 16, saxophonist/composer/salsa dancer Russ Nolan brings his Quartet to town to celebrate the release of his CD, "Relentless" (my review is here).  It's the same group that's on the recording including Manuel Valera (piano), Michael O'Brien (bass) and Brian Fishler (drums).

I have already circled May 23 because that's when drummer Barry Altschul comes to the Elm City with 3Dom Factor (saxophonist Jon Irabagon and bassist Joe Fonda).  The Trio's 2013 self-titled TUM Records debut release is filled with great interactions, smart soloing and exciting music.  May comes to a close with the duo of Brandon Ross (banjo, guitars, vocals) and Stomu Takeishi (bass) - their upcoming Sunnyside release, "For Living Lovers", is a passionate and challenging collections of songs unlike much of what one hears these days.

Bassist/composer Linda Oh released "Sun Pictures" on Greenleaf Records in 2013 to great critical acclaim. Kneebody's Ben Wendel is on the CD and will be part of the live performance on June 6 along with guitarist Matt Stevens and drummer Rudy Royston - this should also be quite an evening of music.

The following week (June 13) is the final week of the series and features the Satoko Fujii Trio +1.  Ms. Fujii, one of the most prolific composers of the past decade (she also leads several big bands here and in her native Japan), is a fascinating pianist, more intent on setting the mood than being a technical wizard.  Her husband Natsuki Tamura plays trumpet, Todd Nicholson is the bassist and Takashi Itani is the fine young drummer.

Every concert includes 2 sets - separate admission charge to each - and there are a limited number of season tickets available. To find out more about the season, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468.

A Taste of Live Music (Weather Permitting)

Old Lyme, CT, is usually praised for its turn-of-the-20th Century Artists Colony, its picturesque downtown and its proximity to the beaches.  Over the past 8 months, music lovers have been heading there just about every weekend to check out the sounds at The Side Door Jazz Club at The Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street.

This weekend (2/7 & 8/14), pianist Fred Hersch returns to the club with his excellent Trio in tow (which usually means bassist John Hebert and drummer Eric McPherson.) While there seems to be a million piano trios in existence, few are consistently as elegant, exciting and musical as the one led by Mr. Hersch.  Blending original material with standards and, at least, one tune from Thelonious Monk, the Trio is at its best in a live setting.

Chances are good that this show, like many at The Side Door, will sell out (if it's not already) so call them at 860-434-0886 or buy online at thesidedoorjazz.com.

Another ticket that is bound to be tough to get (but do try) is to the duo of Sara Gazarek (voice) and Josh Nelson (piano).  They are performing on Friday February 7 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Music @ Japanalia series held at Japanalia Eiko, 11 Whitney Street in Hartford.  Ms. Gazarek, whose repertoire covers many facets of popular music (from The Beatles to Broadway to Blossom Dearie and beyond), has a voice that brings lyrics to life, filled with honesty and emotion and no artifice.  Mr. Nelson, who has worked with the vocalist since 2004, has toured with Natalie Cole as well as the Hollywood Pops Orchestra. He has appeared on all 4 of Ms. Gazarek's CDs including 2012's brilliant "Blossom & Bee" (Palmetto Records).

The duo is in the midst of a tour that also takes them to The Iron Horse in Northhampton, MA. on February 9.  For tickets to the Hartford gig, call 860-232-4677.  

The Uncertainty Music Series continues on Saturday February 8 at 8 p.m. in the performance space of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  Series curator Carl Testa has scheduled an exciting double bill that pairs thingNY, an experimental music sextet, with guitarist/saxophonist Colin Fisher.  Mr. Fisher, who also plays bass, banjo, melodica and slew of other instruments, is an active member of the Canadian "New Music" scene having worked in performances with Anthony Braxton, guitarist Rhys Chatham, bassists William Parker and Dominic Duval, saxophonist Joe McPhee, and in groups such as Sandbox and the AIMToronto Orchestra.  His recordings include "Little Man on The Boat" (a duo with multi-instrumentalist Jean Martin) and "The Localization of Noise and Its Endowment with Form" (a duo with guitarist Simeon Abbott.) To find out more about Colin Fisher and his music, go to www.facebook.com/pages/Colin-Fisher/6601082971.

thingNY (pictured above) is an ensemble (in its own words) "of composers-performers who create and perform theatrically charged experimental music, champion the work of avant-garde and contemporary classical composers, and collaborate across disciplines, medias and genres."  For this New Haven performance, the ensemble will perform "Glue Piece", excerpts from its opera-in-progress "This Takes Place Close By" that includes compositions from group members Paul Pinto (voice, percussion), Erin Rogers (saxophone), Dave Ruder (clarinet) and Andrew Livingston (bass). Filling out the group and the sound will be vocalist Gelsey Bell and violinist Jeffrey Young.  To find out more about the ensemble, its performers and its music, go to www.thingny.com.

For directions and a list of upcoming shows in the Series, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

NEA Jazz Masters 2014 + Live This Week + Vocal Master

The National Endowment for the Arts has announced its selection for the 2014 Jazz Masters.  4 men who have contributed much to creative music over the last 5 decades have been chosen; included are Jamey Aebersold (saxophonist, pianist, educator), Richard Davis (bassist, educator), Keith Jarrett (pianist, composer) and Anthony Braxton (composer, reed player, educator, author).  Unless you have totally ignored American creative music since the 1960s, these names should be familiar (save for the first person).  Since 1967, Jamey Aebersold has produced over 130 "Play-A-Long With..." records and books.  The recordings allow musicians of all stripes to work alongside great rhythm sections performing standards and jazz compositions (without the leader), a DIY educational experience.  He has taught Summer Workshops for decades and tours with his own Quartet.

Richard Davis, a native of Chicago, has been a working musician for the better part of 6 decades.  The 83-year old bassist has appeared on a number of classic Lps, including Eric Dolphy's "Out To Lunch", Booker Ervin's "The Song Book", Joe Henderson's "In 'n' Out" and on 8 recordings with the pianist/ composer Andrew Hill.  His work on these and other classic recordings displayed his understanding of counterpoint and revealed a desire to more than just a timekeeper. Davis has also had a career in classical music where he has worked with many major orchestras.

Keith Jarrett...hmmm..what can one write that has not already been written.  He has received numerous accolades, has led several classic ensembles, worked with Miles Davis and Charles Lloyd before moving out on his own, and, thanks to his 40+ year relationship with ECM Records and Manfred Eicher, has ventured into classical music and more.

Ahh...Professor Anthony Braxton...he has lived in my hometown of Middletown, CT, since coming  over 20 years ago to teach at Wesleyan University. I have seen and heard him plays with many different-sized ensembles and we have chatted on countless occasions about many different topics (sometimes even music).  His influence on musicians such as Kevin Norton, Taylor Ho Bynum, Mary Halvorson, Carl Testa, Andrew Bauder and countless others is immense; his work and ideas inform much of today's creative music.  He must get a quite a charge about being named a "Jazz Master", considering all the negative reviews early in his career and audiences walking out of concerts. Mr. Braxton has persevered for any number of reasons but, I think what is most significant about his music is that he has always acknowledged the influence of those musicians who moved Black music forward, those who "made it" and those who struggled to be heard. Although he is retiring from formal teaching in the coming year, Anthony Braxton will continue to blaze new trials in creative musicians.

To find out more about the NEA Jazz Masters program and what it entails, go to www.nea.gov/honors/jazz/. The Induction Ceremony takes place on Monday January 13, 2014 at Jazz at Lincoln Center and will be webcast - more information to follow.

That's trumpeter Josh Evans on the left and he'll be performing this Thursday evening (7/11) as part of the 2013 UMOJA Music Series.  He's appearing with his Trumpet Ensemble that includes fellow brass men Brian Lynch and Darren Barrett.  Opening the show at 6 p.m. will drummer Jonathan Barber and his Group. Weather permitting, the show (which sounds really exciting) will take place at the Pump House Gallery in Bushnell Park but, if it rains, the proceedings move to the Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford.  For more information, go to www.umojamusic.com.  (By the way, the website lists a different "opening" act, the Steven King Porter Trio with saxophonist Abraham Burton - either way, it's a fine evening of music and it's free!)

The Uncertainty Music Series, curated by bassist/composer Carl Testa, will present 4 concerts over the next 6 weeks beginning this Saturday July 13. On that day, the UMS presents a double bill starting at 8 p.m. with a solo bass clarinet performance by Chicago-based musician/performance artist Alejandro Arcieto followed by the duo known as Blister performing a work titled "Just Who Are the Banksters - a meditation on the greatest transfer of wealth ever concocted"  Blister is Lucio Monegon (guitar, stuff) and David Grollman (snare drum, things), both of whom manipulate sound and words to get their message across.  The play with sound, fury, delicacy and noise. To find out more, go to kingtone.com/blister/.  The performances take place at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  To find out more about the series, go to uncertaintymusic.com/.

Carl Testa has a new CD, "IRIS"(Lock Step Records) and will be presenting a CD Release concert Friday July 12 at 8 p.m. in the Douglass Street Music Collective, 295 Douglass St, in Brooklyn.  The following Friday (7/19), Testa will hold a CD Release concert at 8:30 p.m. in the performance space at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven.  To find out more about those shows and more, go to carltesta.net/performances.htm.  Finally, Carl and I had a pleasant chat about his music and more that I will be posting on the WLIS/WMRD website in the next day - I'll keep you notified.

Andy Bey, pianist and vocalist, has been performing since he was 8 years old (in a group with saxophonist Hank Mobley, no less!). His first recording was issued when the Newark, New Jersey, native was 13 and, at the age of 17, he formed a group with his sisters.  After that group disbanded in 1967, Bey went on to work with Horace Silver, Max Roach, Duke Pearson and others. After one solo date on Atlantic Records in 1970, Bey recorded infrequently until "Blues, Ballads and Bey" appeared in 1996. His stunning baritone had gotten deeper and his range expanded (4+ octaves) - he's released several CDs since then and just keeps getting better.

"The World According to Andy Bey" (HighNote Records) is his new CD.  11 songs, 4 originals, 7 standards (including 3 by George Gershwin, and just voice and piano. But, what a performance!  Bey has stated in interviews that he is greatly influenced by the blues, gospel and jazz singers (especially Billy Eckstine and Nat "King" Cole.)  Those influences have all been absorbed into a style built around clear vocals and piano accompaniment that is more melodic than ornamental.  Bey is a dramatic singer yet not overtly so - when you listen to his bittersweet reading of the Gershwin's "But Not For Me" (with the original opening intro), it's amazing how deeply soulful this song is.  He can certainly be playful, as he shows on Fats Waller's "The Joint is Jumpin'" with a minimalist approach to the piano that, at times, sounds like Randy Newman.  His piano playing is more expansive on "S Wonderful" but he rarely lets his left hand fall into a "swing" rhythm.  Ira Gershwin supplied the lyrics to Harold Arlen's handsome melody for "Dissertation on the State of Bliss" (penned for the 1954 Bing Crosby movie, "The Country Girl.").  This bluesy sermon is sad yet worldly-wise and one truly feels Bey is singing directly to him.

As for the originals, they include the scatting bop fun of "Dedicated to Miles" and a soulful "The Demons Are After You", a piece with a riff that could have come from a Gil Scott-Heron song and a message of personal and artistic freedom.  A sweet groove leads one into "There's So Many Ways to Approach the Blues" (a good alternative title for this program) - the singer describes all the different "blues" a person might encounter in his life and does so with his most spirited vocal. The combination of the "blues" vocal and abstract piano lines makes for fascinating counterpoint.  Listen to the variations on the line "There is really only one way/One way/There's really one way/Tell the truth/Tell the truth" that takes the song to its finish - it's breathtaking.   "Being Part of What's Happening Now" also has a socially-conscious message about a "positive change", about exploitation of people and natural resources, and this world has "a price most of us have to pay for success."

"The World According to Andy Bey" is a world where songs, performer and piano create stories that touch on the human condition, that aim for the soul and the heart. There's wisdom being imparted but no finger-pointing, no "told-you-so";  this is mature music, timeless and true.  Mr. Bey does not have a internet presence but here's a link to a recent interview posted on Sachal Vasandini's website:
www.sachalvasandani.com/latest/article/happy_bday_full_andy_bey_interview/.  There is also a link to the CD (plus song samples) at www.jazzdepot.com.

2 Bass Hit + Streaming Live

The Uncertainty Music Series, concerts and performances curated by bassist/composer Carl Testa, presents Mario Pavone's Double Bass ARC on Saturday August 4 at 8 p.m. in Bru Cafe, 141 Orange Street in New Haven.  Bassist/composer Pavone (pictured left), a Connecticut native who continues to make important and exciting creative music, has organized this particular ensemble using a combination that one of his early mentors, Bill Dixon, enjoyed.  He pair his bass with that of Carl Testa's, adds the dynamic drumming of Gerald Cleaver plus the trenchant cornet and trumpet of Dave Ballou.  One should expect music that blurs the lines between composition and improvisation as well as putting the focus on the interplay of the musicians.  The Bru Cafe is Orange St and Chapel St next to the Devil's Gear Bike shop - it's a good venue in that the space allows for the audience to get close to the musicians and watch the creative process at work.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.

'Tis the weekend for the annual Newport Jazz Festival, 3 nights and 2 days of exciting performances in one of the more pleasing outdoor venues in the Northeast, Fort Adams State Park.  The lineup is, as some might intone, "to die for" (see the whole weekend here);  Friday night's show takes place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino and is an evening of music from the Crescent City featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 plus the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Among the highlights on Saturday will be performances by The Bad Plus + Bill Frisell, Sound Prints: the Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas Quintet, the Pat Metheny Unity Band,  Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, 3 Clarinets: Ken Peplowski, Evan Christopher & Anat Cohen, and 2 groups featuring drummer Jack DeJohnette (pictured left) in the driver's seat including his quintet of Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone), George Colligan (piano), Jerome Harris (acoustic bass guitar) and Dave Fiuczynski (electric guitar).

Sunday's highlights (as if Saturday's lineup wasn't impressive enough) include Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Centennial Project, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the 3 Cohens (Anat, Avishai and Yuval - pictured below), The Claudia Quintet +1, Miguel Zenon's Rayuela, Rudresh Mahanthappa's Samdhi, Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke, the Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet, Kurt Elling, Jenny Scheinman & Bill Frisell and more!  Yes, there are 3 stages and yes, there's always scheduling conflicts but what a lineup.

For those of us who cannot attend, NPR will be streaming video live both Saturday and Sunday (and, as they have in the past, archiving the performances for further and future enjoyment.)  Keep your browser set at www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/ and much will be revealed.

Right now, the good folks at NPR have an audio stream of this year's artists as well as classic performances from previous summers going on a 24/7 stream at www.npr.org/2012/07/30/157358598/newport-jazz-2012-the-preview-mix?ps=mh_frimg1.

You Can Go Home Again! + 2 Reviews

After 7 shows in 7 nights on a tour that took Broadcloth (vocalist Annie Rhodes, cellist Nathan Bontrager, and accordionist Adam Matlock) and bassist/composer Carl Testa as far south as Atlanta, Georgia, the entourage will perform an 8th show on the 8th night in their own backyard.  They'll perform, along with the electronics of Colorguard, at 8 p.m. in InterCambio, 756 Chapel Street in New Haven. InterCambio describes itself as " a new kind of arts organization, facilitating creative exchange and fostering collaboration across media and communities. Through our supported programming and publications, we're building a creative hub for the many talents in New Haven and beyond."  As for the musicians, one expects an exciting evening knowing they in their friendly environs.  For more information and directions, go to uncertaintymusic.com. 

About the same time that the new production of the Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess" was being reborn in the United States (winning several awards over the past 12 months), The Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Frank Vaganée, music director, enlisted an international team of arrangers to create "A Different Porgy & Another Bess" (Naive).  Singing the title roles are David Linx and Maria Joao - my suggestion is, to truly enjoy this recording, put the US version out of your mind.  The arrangements are all top-notch, the musicianship stellar, and the vocalists, at times, transcend the material.  Ms. Joao, a native of Portugal, has a light, reedy, voice and, I must admit, initially I thought that she had the wrong sound for these songs.  Yet, her take on "My Man Is Gone Now", sung over the dazzling splay of reeds and brass, is excellent. As for Mr. Linx, he takes a soulful approach and, with his elastic voice stands out.  The funky reading of "A Woman Is A Sometime Thing" may remind some of Steely Dan, circa "Aja", what with the crackling guitar and interactive horn arrangements. The vocalists scat their way into "I've Got Plenty of Nothing" and, after the exciting introduction, both have fun with the classic lyrics. The lengthy trombone solo that separates the singers has a pleasing and gentle swing.  There are moments, such as "Summertime", where the vocalists "overplay" their parts and the piece loses its soulful quality.

Purists may wrinkle their brow over the liberties taken with this material or the occasional over-wrought vocal but the 11 arrangers for the 11 songs, for this listener, make the Brussels Jazz Orchestra the true stars of the show.  Save for a few ill-advised vocal approaches, just roll with it and you will find many enjoyable moments.  For more information, go to www.brusselsjazzorchestra.com.    

To celebrate his 50th birthday, drummer/educator Ralph Peterson both revisits and updates his "sound."  "The Duality Perspective" (ONYX Music Label) features a Fo'Tet of young players (vibraphonist Joseph Doubleday, bassist Alexander L.J. Toth and clarinettist Felix Peikli), all of whom studied with the drummer at the Berklee School in Boston. Their 5 tracks start with the exciting opener "One False Move", introducing the Norwegian-born Peikli's clear clarinet tones over Doubleday's chordal work, Toth's bouncing bass and the leader's impressive drive.  This piece, while not as vibrant as the version of Thelonious Monk's "4 in 1" that follows, has a dynamic forward motion.  The Monk piece adds the marimba of Fo'Tet graduate Bryan Carrott and percussion of Reinaldo Dejesus to the mix. At loud volume, the percussion blend shakes the walls.  Doubleday solos after Peikli's impressive spot and he is followed by Carrott's dancing marimba work. The tender ballad "Addison and Anthony" (composed for the drummer's grandchildren) features exquisite brush work and quite the bass clarinet solo (the instrument rarely sounds this rich.)

The second group of 5 tracks features Peterson's Sextet, blending the trumpet work of Sean Jones with saxophonists Walter Smith III (tenor) and Tia Fuller (alto and soprano) with the rhythm section of Hartford, CT natives Luques Curtis (bass) and his brother Zaccai (piano - replaced by Berklee grad and Peterson student Victor Gould on the final 2 cuts). Tenor saxophonist Edwin "Eddie" Bayard joins the Sextet for 2 tracks, including the fiery "Pinnacle" that closes the program. Everyone shines on this cut, from Jones' explosive solo to the dialogue of the 2 tenors to Gould's sprightly spot, all done over the solid drive of the Peterson and Luques Curtis. The drummer, for his flash and fire, truly knows how to write a fine melody.  "You Have Know Idea" is dedicated to Peterson's wife - one can hear the joy in the lively percussion interchange of the leader with Dejesus plus there are fine solos from Ms. Fuller (on alto) and Jones.  The title track has a handsome melody line and full sound, built off the rich chordal work of Zaccai Curtis and the section work of the front line.  Smith's solo shows his warmer side (his playing always seems to have a strong emotional element), followed by an equally touching alto solo.

One can hear the connection to classic Blue Note recordings of the 1950s and 60s in the horn arrangements and in Peterson's "leading from the drums", a la Art Blakey. Yet, both the Fo'Tet and Sextet play music that has contemporary elements and Ralph Peterson has matured into a musician with a strong artistic vision and sound.  He always could "bring the fire" but now his ballad work is often tender, soft and uncluttered.   "The Duality Perspective" also shows Peterson to be a fine teacher with students that are quickly moving out of the classroom and into the public eye with voices that will hopefully be heard for many years to come.  For more information, go to ralphpetersonmusic.com.

Live, Local, Let's Go!

The Uncertainty Music Series, held in various locations in New Haven, continues on Wednesday, April 25, with a concert featuring the duo of Colin Fisher (guitar, saxophone, drums) and Brandon Valdivia (drums, percussion, electronics).  They go by the name of Not The Wind Not The Flag and they will perform at 9 p.m. in Elm Bar, 372 Elm Street.  NTWNTF makes music that pushes and pulls at convention, can be noisy and improvisational and will often surprise the listener.  They will add Adam Matlock (accordion) and series curator Carl Testa (bass) for a different set as an unnamed quartet.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com. 

The Improvisations Concerts series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford, continues on Thursday April 26 with an evening of solos, duos, trios and quartet music.  The series, curated by Stephen Haynes (trumpets) and Joe Morris (bass, guitar), has been an exciting addition to the resurgent live music scene in the Capitol City.  For "Improvisations VII", Messrs. Haynes & Morris welcome Kyoko Kitamura (voice) and Rick Rozie (acoustic bass).  Mr. Rozie, principal bassist with The Hartford Symphony as well as a member of the faculty at the Hartt School and the Jackie McLean Institute, has successfully maintained a career that moves from the classical to the improvisatory.  With his brother Lee "Mixashawn" Rozie, he co-led the Afro-Algonquin ensemble and also played with pianists Anthony Davis and Muhal Richard Abrams, vibraphonist Jay Hoggard and flutist James Newton.  Ms. Kitamura, who performs with reed player Michael McGinnis in the experimental ensemble ok|ok and sings with Professor Anthony Braxton's "Trillium E" ensemble, recently self-released "Armadillo in Central Park", a collection of quirky songs that will make you laugh as you scratch your head in amazement.  This should be a fascinating evening of improvisational adventures.  For more information, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.  To find out more about the series, go to www.facebook.com/pages/Improvisations/324014434279441.

The following evening (4/27), Mr. Morris brings his guitar to Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street, as a member of the Noah Kaplan Quartet. Mr. Kaplan (tenor and soprano saxophones), a California native and graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, will play music from "Descendents" (Hatology), a CD recorded at the Firehouse  in November of 2008 with Mr. Morris, Giacomo Merega (electric bass) and Jason Nazary (drums.) The recording is a spirited blend of serious compositions and strong improvisations, angular riffs, an interactive rhythm section and more.  The blend of burbling electric bass and Nazary's creative percussion often works as counterpoint to the saxophonist's probing melodic lines and the guitarist's quiet yet insistent phrases.  The NKQ will play 2 sets -- 8:30 and 10 p.m. --  for more information, go to firehouse12.com.  For a good overview of Noah Kaplan and his different musical adventures, go to noah-kaplan.com.

On Saturday evening April 28, the always nattily-attired Jay Hoggard (vibraphone) presents his Quartet in concert at 8 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall, Wyllys Avenue, Middletown.  Mr. Hoggard, a Wesleyan graduate and member of the Music faculty, will present the world premiere of the multi-part suite "Sonic Hieroglyphs from Wood, Metal, and Skin", dedicated to the inspiration of Wangari Maathai, the late Nobel Peace Prize recipient from Kenya.  Quartet members include long-time associates James Weidman (piano) and Yoron Israel (drums) plus bassist Santi De Briano.  Joining them will be Professor Anthony Braxton and Marty Ehrlich (reeds), Kwaaku Kwaakye Martin Obeng (percussion) and Brandee Younger (harp.) Knowing Professor Hoggard's love of percussion and African music as well as his deep knowledge of jazz traditions, this should be an exciting evening of music.  For ticket information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or call 860-685-3355.