Some people are complaining that the Summer is going too quickly; therefore, get out and enjoy some of the great live music in CT.
Tuesday evening (or tonight by the time this gets posted, the Summer Sounds at Harbor Park in Middletown presents the Afro-Semitic Experience at 7 p.m. The septet, formed by bassist David Chevan and pianist Warren Byrd, is in its 19th year (although Byrd and Chevan were a duo for the first few years) and going strong. With the percussion tandem of Baba David Coleman and Alvin Carter setting the pace plus the splendid work of Will Bartlett (saxophone, clarinet), Stacy Phillips (violin, dobro), and Saskia Laroo (trumpet), the blend of African American spirituals and jazz with Jewish liturgical and cantorial music is filled with spirit, joy, and serious rhythms.
The performance is free and open to the public. Parking down by Harbor Park is sometimes an issue so you may want to park in the lot by City Hall (DeKoven Drive) and walk under the highway (yes, there is a tunnel) and make your way down to the riverside.
Busy three-day weekend at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme, beginning on Thursday (8/11) with the Greg Piccolo Quartet. Piccolo (pictured left), a tenor saxophonist best known, perhaps, for his quarter century of making music with Roomful of Blues, has been playing since his early teens. He left Roomful of Blues over 20 years ago, building a career in this country and overseas playing "jump-blues", a style made popular by saxophonist Louis Jordan in the 1940s. Piccolo plays with gusto, whether the music be r'n'b, soul or rock.
Joining him onstage will be Shinichi Otsu (keyboards, vocals), Bob Ruggiero (drums) and an unnamed bassist. The Door opens at 7:30 p.m. and the band starts "blowing" at 8:30. For tickets and more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com.
escarraz photography
Friday, Jan and Ken present trumpeter and vocalist Ben Benack with his excellent Quartet. Benack, who is only in his mid-20s, comes from Pittsburgh, PA, where his family (he's #III) since the 1940s. He's recorded with drummer Ulysses Owens and trombonist Michael Dease plus played with Christian McBride's Big Band, the Mingus Big Band, and Bobby Sanabria's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. For the past several years, he's been the trumpet voice behind vocalist Josh Groban.
What you will discover is that Benack has a pretty decent voice himself and he's got a fine band, including pianist Emmett Cohen, bassist Alex Claffy, and drummer Charles Goold.
To find out more, go to www.bennybenackjazz.com. For reservations, call 860-434-0886.
Here's a duo track featuring voice, trumpet and piano:
On Saturday night, the fine young saxophonist (tenor, soprano) Tia Fuller comes to Old Lyme and this should also be quite a show. Ms. Fuller has played with Beyoncé, been assistant musical director for Esperanza Spalding's Radio Music Society touring band, and recorded with drummer Teri Lyne Carrington's Money. Three of her four albums have been released on Mack Avenue Records with the latest "Angelic Warrior" issued in late 2012.
She's bringing quite the ensemble, all of whom have appeared on her albums; they include her sister, pianist Shamie Royston, her brother-in-law and drummer Rudy Royston, and bassist Mimi Jones. Their familiarity with each other and the material allows them to take chances and gives new life to older material plus try out newer material in the presence of a friendly audience.
The Uncertainty Music Series presents the trio of Colin Fisher (saxophone), Mike Pride (drums, percussion), and Carl Testa (bass, electronics) at 8 p.m. in the performance space of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street, New Haven. Expect this to be an evening sonic explorations, all improvised, by three musicians who are very busy. Pride has worked with John Zorn, Nels Cline, Tim Berne, Mary Halvorson, Jon Irabagon, and so many more while Fisher is currently in four different ensembles. He has worked with Professor Anthony Braxton, Joe McPhee, and dozens of musicians in his native Canada. As for Carl Testa, he's worked with Anthony Braxton, is the house manager for the Firehouse 12 Concert series, and the curator of the Uncertainty Music Series.
Firehouse 12 in New Haven welcomes native son Ben Allison on Friday May 13 for the latest installment of its Spring 2016 Concert Series. The bassist and composer will be bringing a new Trio, one that features Jimmy Greene (tenor and soprano saxophones) and Rudy Royston (drums). All of them have appeared numerous times in the Elm City performance space / recording studio (for Greene, it is his 8th gig in 11 years). Allison, recently elected the President of the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy, has matured into one of the finer composers on the contemporary scene. He is also one of the better "fundamental" and more melodic bassists; like Mario Pavone, he builds his compositions from the rhythm section outward. Allison has released 12 CDs as a leader or co-leader plus three with The Herbie Nichols Project, a group he co-founded with pianist Frank Kimbrough.
The Ben Allison Trio will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - tickets for both sets are available by going to firehouse12.com. To find out more about Mr. Allison, go to benallison.com.
The Side Door Jazz Club presents yet another stellar weekend of first-class music. On Friday, The Door opens to Rene McLean Pentagram Music of the Spirit - Celebrating Jackie McLean. Rene (saxophones, flutes), the son of the late saxophonist, activist, and educator, Jackie McLean, has had a very busy career and is on the faculty of the Jackie McLean Institute at the University of Hartford. He's bringing quite the ensemble, including Alan J. Palmer (piano), Lesedi Ntsane (trumpet), Ronnie Burrage (drums), Hartford-native Dezron Douglas (bass), and Neil Clark (African percussion).
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the music starts at 8:30. Call 860-434-0886 for more information and reservations.
On Saturday, it's pianist Andy Milne & Dapp Theory. Milne creates that brings together elements of jazz, hip hop, and funk in a most exciting fashion. His ensemble - Aaron Kruziki (saxophones, clarinets), Chris Tordini (bass), Kenn Grohowski (drums), and John Moon (percussive poet) - has been together for a while and has grown into an impressive live band. Whirlwind Recording released the band's latest album, ""Forward In All Directions", in 2014. Produced by the ex-Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, the music may remind some of Weather Report with its bow to Middle Eastern, African, and South Amercan sounds.
The band takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. For reservations and more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com.
Here's Andy Milne & Dapp Theory in concert from July 2015 playing a song from the new recording:
On Saturday, the Uncertainty Music Series continues with a home-grown double bill. Accordionist Adam Matlock (pictured left) plays a solo concert with material that comes from his latest album, "Lungfiddle" released on the Off Record label. The music is experimental yet approachable, often taking time to unwrap the melody, sometimes blending sound and silence. To find out more and hear samples of the music, go to anhistoricmusic.bandcamp.com/album/lungfiddle.
Also on the bill is the duo of Anne Rhodes (voice) and Chris Cretella (guitar). The music starts at 8 p.m. in the comfortable performance space of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/uncertaintymusic/.
Joe Morris (guitar, bass) and Stephen Haynes (cornets) have curated a successful season of "Improvisations:: Arcade" at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford. They always have a "grand finale" in May and do so again this Sunday at 3 p.m. Dubbed "Spectacle 2016", the concert will feature various combinations of the 10 musicians invited. Besides Messrs. Morris and Haynes, the lineup includes Kaoru Watanabe (flutes), Andria Nicodemou (vibraphone), Andrew Drury (drums, percussion), Mat Manieri (viola), Kyoko Kitamura (voice), Carl Testa (bass), Ben Stapp (tuba), and Ben Hall (tympani, drums, percussion). What to expect? With this impressive ensemble, the music can and will go in many directions so, expect to be surprised, challenged, and delighted.
Drummer/composer Jeff Williams (Dave Liebman, Stan Getz, Joe Lovano) has expanded upon the format of his first two CDs for Whirlwind Recordings, both quartet dates, by adding chordal instrument. Guitarist Phil Robson and pianist Kit Downes (also Fender Rhodes), joins Williams, Josh Arcoleo (tenor saxophone), and Sam Lasserson (acoustic and electric bass) Still, "Outlier" has the same exploratory manner as the other ones, 2011's "Another Time" and 2013's "The Listener." The interaction of Robson's airy guitar sounds and the piano block chords with the forward motion of rhythm section gives the title track an infectious energy. "The Interloper" bursts out of the gate with Williams kicking his way around the bluesy theme. Arcoleo and Downes takes their cues from the drummer, playing forceful solos (especially the pianist) before the piece calms down for a bass solo.
Williams' excellent brush work meshes with Lasserson's melodic bass at the opening of "Meeting A Stranger", a ballad that includes a fine tenor spot. Pay attention to the work of Downes and Robson underneath the solo, both "comping" yet never getting in each other's way. The pianist's unaccompanied introduction to "New and Old" leads one to believe that the track is also a ballad; once the rhythm section comes in, the pace picks up for the melody and even more for the solos (save for the bass spotlight). The melody of "Hermeto" is shared by the saxophonist and guitarist while Williams really fires up the rhythms. They return to the theme several times before Robson and Arcoleo take expansive solos. The chordal structure and overall feel of the track is similar to that of Steely Dan's "Aja", leading to a fiery climax.
Jeff Williams does not take may solos on "Outlier", although his opening salvo on the final track, "Oddity", leads the way into a high-powered romp. He is one of those drummers who leads from his chair; he never overpowers his ensemble but gives every piece a sense of flow that makes the music sing, swing, and, at times, dance. His brush work is exemplary as is his cymbal work. This ensemble is blessed by having Phil Robson and Kit Downes, both leaders in their own right. "Outlier" is delightful music that washes over the listener and brightens the mood.
The Side Door Jazz Club presents guitarist Nir Felder in concert this Friday (February 12) at 8:30 p.m. The Club's website says it's a Trio gig and the guitarist's site says it's a quartet; neither says who's in the band (Don't you just love surprises?) Either way, the music will be quite good. Over the past decade since he moved to New York City, Feder has recorded with such fine artists as Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Greg Osby, and Jack DeJohnette as well as performing with Diane Reeves, Bobby McFerrin, Lizz Wright and Matisyahu. His 2014 debut CD, "Golden Age" (Okeh Records), showed myriad influences, featuring the splendid band of Aaron Parks (piano), Matt Penman (bass) and Nate Smith (drums). While Felder is certainly technically adept (yes, he's got serious "chops"), he does not ignore melody.
Pianist Johnny O'Neal has had quite the life - read Owen McNally's column from last year to get the full story - let's just write that he's been on a major upswing for the past 5 years. He's quite the keyboard artist plus he's an accomplished vocalist with a repertoire that stretches back decades, from blues to jazz standards to "pop" songs. O'Neal also has a wicked sense of humor. This Saturday night, he'll be back at The Side Door for 2 sets of sweet music. Since it's Valentine's Day weekend, I expect there will be slew of "relationship" songs.
Joining Mr. O'Neal will be bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Charles Goold. They'll hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 860-434-0886.
Here's the Trio "Live at Smalls" from February 2015:
The Uncertainty Music Series presents bassist Shayna Dulberger solo and the Steve Niemitz Quartet this Saturday February 13 at 8 p.m. in Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven. Ms. Dulberger is a busy musician, leading her own groups plus appearing regularly in others. She approaches her bass as both a melodic and percussive instrument, using her bow to create "oceans" of sounds but also plucking for melody. To learn more about her work, go to www.shaynadulberger.com.
Joining drummer Niemitz (a recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University) will be Josh Paquette (trumpet), Dan O'Brien (woodwinds), and Grant Beale (guitar).
The Uncertainty Music Series presents the duo of Jaimie Branch (trumpet) and Tomeka Reid (cello) this coming Saturday night (1/09) at 8 p.m. in the performance space of Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.
Ms. Branch (pictured left) is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, has worked with Ken Vandermark (see below), bassist Jason Ajemian, guitarist Joe Morris, and a slew of others. Her website has no biographical info but does show she's a busy musician in the Chicago-Brooklyn-New York City axis.
Chicago Tribune
Ms. Reid, along with Fred Lonborg-Holm and Daniel Levin, has become one of the most important voices on the cello in the 21st Century. She's worked alongside and recorded with flutist Nicole Mitchell, multi-reed masters Roscoe Mitchell and Anthony Braxton, and drummer Mike Reed. In fact, Ms. Reid, Ms. Mitchell, and Mr. Reed released the delightful "Artifacts" (482 Music) in 2015, a tribute to the AACM (my review here), followed several weeks later by her debut CD, "The Tomeka Reid Quartet" (Thirsty Ear), an ensemble featuring guitarist Mary Halvorson, drummer Tomas Fujiwara and bassist Jason Roebke.
The Branch-Reid Duo will play the first set and will be joined on the second set by bassist (and series curator) Carl Testa plus a special guest. For more information and directions, go to uncertaintymusic.com.
To learn more about Ms. Branch, go to jaimiebranch.wordpress.com. To find out more about Ms. Reid, her website is www.tomekareid.net. Also, here are 2 excellent articles about the cellist, one from Chicago Magazine (here) and from Nate Chinen in Sunday's New York Times (here).
Bassist-composer Michael Bisio, perhaps best known for his work with pianist Matthew Shipp, saxophonist Joe McPhee, and a slew of fine recordings for the CIMP label, has always been a musician who loves to explore, making music that goes beyond cliche and genre. His latest group and its new album, "Accortet" (Relative Pitch Records), is built around the accordion of Art Bailey (who has worked with the Klezmer Conservatory Band, with Darrell Katz's Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, and trumpeter Frank London) and the cornet of Kirk Knuffke (who seems to have played on every other recording released in the last 18 months) - add to the mix the complementary work of drummer Michael Wimberly (Steve Coleman, as a composer/performer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater) plus the wide-ranging compositions of the leader and this disk is quite a treat.
Photo by Peter Gannushkin
Opening with the loping "AM", the program ranges from the feisty interactions on "Giant Chase" to the gentle ballad "I Want to Do to You What Spring Does to Cherry Trees" to the rubato fire of "Charles Too". There are 2 tracks with the title "Livin' Large"; the first, subtitled "A & D", is duet for accordion and drums that starts slowly then takes off on the power of Wimberly's drums while Bailey moves in and around the beat. The second take, subtitled "C & B", closes the album with a fascinating musical conversation for the bassist and Knuffke that leads to a splendid bass solo before a melodic sendoff. There's a playful undertone to the four musicians explorations on "Times That Bond" (with a sly reference to "A Love Supreme" for good measure) as well as throughout the sonic interactions of "Sun Mystery Ra History" - when the melody is finally revealed on the latter track, it's one of the prettiest on the album.
There's much to listen for on "Accortet" - the sound quality is excellent (kudos to Jim Clouse of Park West Studio in Brooklyn, NY), the compositions are thoughtful, and the musicianship unbeatable. Kurt Knuffke continues to impress in every setting he plays in and Art Bailey's musical palette shows how he continues to expand the vocabulary of the accordion. And the rhythm section keeps the music moving while being melodic and adding so many colors. Michael Bisio's music continues to evolve while continuing to challenge and reward the avid listener.
I was doing research on Henry Threadgill early one morning, following links on Google and in articles, and came across "Audio One: The Midwest School." This impressive dectet, organized in Chicago for concerts in 2014 by saxophonist Ken Vandermark, played for 2 nights at the Green Mill in the Windy City, one set featuring music composed by Julius Hemphill, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Anthony Braxton, and Mr. Threadgill and another set of Vandermark originals dedicated to those musicians (plus a song for the post-punk "screamo" band Anna Karina) - that set is featured on "Audio One: An International Report" and released on Vandermark's Audiographic Records. It's fascinating to hear how the saxophonist arranges this music for a large ensemble, how it both honors the originals and builds upon the ideas in the forward-looking music. That's how KV has approached his music since first emerging on the scene in the 1980s; listen, learn, find your way through the music and keep moving forward.
I am still trying to absorb the music but, if you are a fan of any of the musicians honored by "Audio One", go to audioone.bandcamp.com/album/the-midwest-school and check out this music.
Here's the group's take on the AEC's funky "Theme De Yoyo":
Percussionist and conceptualist Timothy "Tim" Daisy is on a national tour supporting his new solo recording "On the Ground 'An Amusing Mess'" (Relay Records). Daisy, who has recorded and toured with reed master Ken Vandermark, saxophonist Dave Rempis, cellist Fred Lonborg-Holm and so many more artists, is based in Chicago.To find out more and give a listen, go to timdaisyrelayrecords.bandcamp.com.
He's bringing his percussion array plus radio and turntables to the Uncertainty Music Series and Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.
The evening starts at 8 p.m. with the trio known as veRmulsCHt. Composed of Pierre Borel (saxophone, found objects), Léa Lanoe (video) and Paul N. Roth (saxophone, recordings, voice), the ensemble has a fascinating time creating new sounds from old, using multiple approaches to present its music. To find out more, go to www.paulnroth.com/music.
Been 3 weeks since I posted any items here (still somewhat active on twitter -@rbkmusicofwine) - school has started, family issues abound, and life sometimes gets in the way. There have been numerous great shows but there is more to come (as evidenced below).
Firehouse 12 in New Haven, now 3 weeks into its Fall 2015 season, presents Bryan & The Aardvarks for your listening pleasure this Friday October 2. The leader is bassist and composer Bryan Copeland while The Aardvarks include Chris Dingman (vibraphone), Joe Nero (drums), Jesse Lewis (guitar) and Julian Shore (subbing for Fabian Almazan on piano). As you might be able to tell from the instrumentation, this band focuses on melody but not at the expense of improvisation but as a basis for sonic explorations. Their 2011 debut CD, "Heroes of Make Believe", consisted of 12 tracks, 8 composed by the leader and 4 group improvisations. The band is currently preparing its sophomore effort for release in the next few months.
Bryan & The Aardvarks will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. (separate admission fee for each set). For more information, go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468. To lear more about the group, go to www.bryanandtheaardvarks.com.
Here's a track from that fine debut album:
Saxophonist, composer and educator Javon Jackson (currently the Director of Studies at the Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in Hartford) glides down CT Route 9 South for a 2-night gig at The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme. Joining Professor Jackson will be jazz greats Louis Hayes (drums), George Cables (piano) and Santi DeBriano (bass). Considering the careers of these 4 musician, there should be a wealth of material to be played on both Friday and Saturday nights. Jackson is a fluid tenor saxophonist whose original music shows the influence of great masters such as Art Blakey and Wayne Shorter but also Nat "King" Cole and Stevie Wonder. As for Messrs. Hayes, Cables, and DeBriano, this rhythm section has worked with most of the important jazz musician of the past 5 decades plus issued excellent albums of their own.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the Jackson 4 hitting the stage at 8:30. For more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.
The Uncertainty Music Series continues this Saturday at 3 p.m. in G Cafe, 141 Orange Street in New Haven. The concert features Broadcloth - the trio of Annie Rhodes (voice), Adam Matlock (recorders, accordion) and Nathan Bontrager (cello) - in a CD Release event. The ensemble's 5th album, "In Stitches", is released this week and is a compilation of sessions from 2011 - 2012. The music, inspired by the likes of Meredith Monk and Anthony Braxton, goes in varied directions, often where one least expects, surprising, challenging, and often fascinating. For more information about the trio, go to broadclothtrio.com.
Opening the show is a solo set from saxophonist and Hartford-area resident Richard McGhee III. Mr. McGhee has a long and impressive career as an improvising musician, one who is not afraid to take chances and who plays with both great fire and delicacy.
The Uncertainty Music Series moves to a new venue this Wednesday (7/22), the Ball & Socket Arts Garage, 530 West Main Street in Cheshire. Scheduled to perform is the trio known as Broadcloth (pictured left) composed of Anne Rhodes (voice), Adam Matlock (accordion, recorders) and Nathan Bontrager (cello). The trio plays "avant-garde chamber improvisational music" and does so with a great sense of adventure and drama. Scheduled to open the show at 7 p.m. is the trio of Bontrager, Loren Ludwig (analog synth, viola da gamba), and Spiff Wiegand (guitar).
This weekend, The Side Door Jazz Club presents 2 artists with a strong connection to the late saxophonist and educator Jackie McLean (1931-2006). On Friday (July 24), the Club presents pianist and composer Alan Jay Palmer brings his Nu Soil Ship to the Shoreline venue. Palmer, a native of Washington D.C., first encountered Mr. McLean when the young man came to Hartford to study at the Hartt School of Music. There, he studied with pianists Jaki Byard and Hotep Galatea. In Palmer's senior year, he toured Europe and Japan with the McLean Quintet and eventually made his recording debut on the alto saxophonist's 1992 recording "Rhythm of the Earth". Palmer continued to tour with McLean until a few years before the saxophonist passed. The pianist has gone on to work with trumpeter Roy Hargrove, rappers Mos Def and Common as well as saxophonist Kenny Garrett and many others.
Nu Soil Ship is the name of Palmer's large ensemble but there is no information about the group he's bringing to Old Lyme save the names of saxophonists Bruce Williams and Ronald Sutton, Jr. No matter who's in the band, the music should be energizing and challenging. Palmer and Nu Soil Ship hit the stage at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday 7/25, saxophonist and educator Jimmy Greene returns to The Side Door Jazz Club. The Hartford-native plays a hearty tenor saxophone and has become quite proficient on the soprano. He attended Jackie McLean's Artists Collective and earned his undergraduate degree at the Hartt School of Music/University of Hartford and his Master's from Boston University. Now on the faculty of Western Connecticut State University, Greene has worked with the late Horace Silver, Kenny Barron, Harry Connick Jr., Mario Pavone and so many others. He's bringing his Quartet but, as of this writing, I'm not sure who's in the band but you know that it will be a top-notch group as much of Greene's music is not for the faint of heart.
The door opens at 7:30 p.m. and the Jimmy Greene Quartet hits the stage at 8:30. For reservations and more, call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com. To learn more about the saxophonist, go to www.jimmygreene.com.
The Bushnell Park Monday Night Jazz series is in full swing and next week's show should be quite a good one. Trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense come to Hartford to perform original music that builds on modern beats and classic African American music from the likes of Ornette Coleman, Woody Shaw, and especially Steve Coleman. The trumpeter has been a member of Coleman's Five Elements since 2000, recording a number of impressive CDs and touring throughout the world. Finlayson's 2013 debut album "Moment and the Message" (issued on Pi Recordings), covered a wide swath of musical territory, filled with exciting playing and striking improvisations.
For the Hartford date, which begins at 6 p.m. with trumpeter Ricky Alfonso's group, Finlayson's quintet includes Miles Okazaki (guitar), Matt Mitchell (piano), John Hébert (bass), and Craig Weinrib (drums). It's quite a band and they should be firing on all cylinders.
For more information about the series, parking and rain location, go to hartfordmondaynightjazz.com. And, if you can't get to the Park, you can listen to the entire shore on WWUH-91.3 FM or online at www.wwuh.org.
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I have had the joy of hearing bassist and composer Mario Pavone many times over the past 4+ decades. I have seen him anchor and power groups led by the late Thomas Chapin and guitarist Michael Musillami plus play the fascinating music of reed master Anthony Braxton. He has recorded 17 albums as a leader, including 9 for Musillami's Playscape label, with groups of differing sizes composed of impressive musicians, composing music that pushes the boundaries and decidedly ignores genres.
Recording # 18 is here and it's his first on a European label. "Blue Dialect" arrives on Clean Feed based in Lisbon, Portugal. Pavone, who turns 75 in November of this year, wrote all of the pieces save for one group improvisation and is in the impressive company of pianist Matt Mitchell (Tim Berne's Snakeoil) and drummer Tyshawn Sorey (Paradoxical Frog, Steve Lehman). As to be expected from a Pavone program, the pieces are composed to features the interactions of the trio and build upon the impressive melodies. There's a mighty undertow of "swing" on "Two One" (listen to how Sorey converses with his cohorts from the drum chair) while "Xapo" has an intensity fired again by the propulsive drumming and the powerful countermelodies from the bass. "Silver Print" may remind some of the Duke Ellington/Max Roach/ Charles Mingus 1962 "Money Jungle" especially in how the rhythm section creates the tension that is released when the pianist moves into a higher gear.
Several pieces display an Andrew Hill influence in the melody lines and approach to the performance. "Reflections" has a quirky beat but a straight-forward melody that Mitchell splays over the rhythm. The unrelenting forward motion of "Suitcase in Savannah" pulls the listener in and makes one pay attention to the strong piano solo and the leader's active bass lines. There's a blues tinge to "Zines" as well as an Ornette Coleman feel in the hesitant piano lines. The group improvisation, "Trio Dialect", concerns itself with how these 3 musicians share a common language yet maintain their individuality.
I do love the energy of these performances, the tension and release, the leaps of faith each musician takes because of their relationship to each other and the music. "Blue Dialect" doesn't reinvent the piano trio as much as the 3 musicians shun the conventional approaches, eschew cliches, and has a relentless forward motion. Kudos to leader Mario Pavone, Matt Mitchell and Tyshawn Sorey for this splendid music.
For more information, go to www.mariopavone.com (although it needs a bit of an update).
Here's the group in action courtesy of Scott Friedlander:
For his second PosiTone release, tenor saxophonist and composer Walt Weiskopf takes to the "Open Road" with a quartet that features pianist Peter Zak, bassist Mike Karn and the dynamic drummer Steve Fidyk. The urgency in the saxophonist's attack is on display throughout, flying right out of the gate with the first 3 tracks, all originals (10 of the 12 cuts come from the pen of the leader.) The opener, "Premonition", leaps atop the fiery Fidyk, pushed forward by the 2-handed attack of the pianist and active "walking" bass lines. In the middle of the piece, Weiskopf and the drummer have a short but very high-energy exchange similar to ones that John Coltrane had with Elvin Jones on the early-to-mid 1960s.
Playing hard and forceful soloing is the modus operandi for the majority of the program. Weiskopf, who also tours the world with Steely Dan, drives the band with solo after solo that explode from the speakers. Whether it's the joyful fury of "Electroshock" or the clarion call of "Invitation to the Dance", the leader's energy never flags. The quartet does take its time on ballads such as "Stage Whisper" and the Matt Dennis-penned standard "Angel Eyes"; still, the tenor solos have an unmistakeable passionate edge. On "Nancy With the Laughing Face", the bass and saxophone lead the song in with a gentle reading of the theme before Zak's bluesy solo. When Weiskopf re-enters, his lines crackle with excitement.
The music and performances on "Open Road" refers back to the Prestige, Blue Note and Impulse sessions of the late 1950s through the mid-1960s. And the musicians do so without sounding deferential or imitative. For his 15th date as a leader, Walt Weiskopf gives listeners a welcome rush of fresh musical air to breathe deeply and savor.
The Uncertainty Music Series continues its monthly series of concerts on Saturday September 13 with a special quartet from Boston. BOLT - Eric Hofbauer (guitar), Eric Rosenthal (drums), Jorritt Djisktra (alto saxophone, lyricon) and Junko Fujiwara (cello) - has been an improvisational unit since 2011. The group's debut CD, "Shuffle", was issued this summer on the Boston-based, musician-owned Driff Records, and is a 19-track compilation taken from a 2013 recording session. It's made to played in "Shuffle" mode as there is no overarching theme other than the tracks are totally improvised. Playful, noisy, quiet and "free", the music displays myriad influences yet sounds like nothing you have really heard before. The blend of Hofbauer's slide with Fujiwara's groaning cello, Djisktra's "warbling" lyric on (it's an analog wind synthesizer) and Rosenthal's raucous drumming on "Blaze" is a delightful mash of sounds.
There are not as many concerts this week as last but what's on tap is quite interesting.
The Uncertainty Music Series presents an intriguing double-bill on Wednesday July 23 at 8 p.m. in The Big Room, 319 Peck Street in New Haven. Headlining the event is vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jen Shyu. Ms. Shyu (pictured left), a native of Peoria, Illinois, got involved in the arts at the age of 6 when she began ballet training. At 7, she began studying violin and, at 8, started piano lessons. She turned her attention to vocal training at the age of 12 continuing along different racks through her college career at Stanford University. Meeting Yosvany and Yunior Terry plus Dafnis Prieto turned her on to Afro-Cuban music, gong on to study in Cuba. Over the last decade, Ms. Shyu has studied and performed with Steve Coleman Five Elements and gone on to study Taiwanese music and culture. She has recorded with bassist Mark Dresser for Pi Recordings and issued 2 CDs as a leader for her own label. Ms. Shyu has also worked with Professor Anthony Braxton on his operas, including "Trillium E."
Her music certainly reflects her myriad interests, from storytelling to dance, traditional music to free improv. Mixing and matching traditional instruments with her soprano voice, Ms. Shyu breaks down barriers. To find out more, go to www.jenshyu.com.
Opening the show will be the "Chamber Improvisation/New Music" Trio, Broadcloth. Composed of Anne Rhodes (voice - she also works with Professor Braxton), Nathan Bontrager (cello, who plays in Prof. Braxton's Tri-Centric Orchestra) and Adam Matlock (accordion, who has recently been working with bassist Mario Pavone), the ensemble makes music that also moves through many different styles, from opera to free-improv and beyond, concentrating more on group interaction than on frequent solos.
The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme has 3 exciting shows scheduled this weekend. On Thursday, tenor saxophonist, bass clarinetist and composer Adam Kolker visits the venue with a Quartet that includes the great guitarist John Abercrombie (a rare CT gig for the New York state-based musician) plus the rhythm section of Joe Fitzgerald (bass) and Anthony Pinciotti (drums). Kolker, who is a busy free-lance player, is a member of Yard Byard, the quintet led by flutist/composer Jamie Baum, guitarist Jerome Harris and drummer George Schuller. He also plays in reed sections of the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (formerly the Mel Lewis Orchestra).
His own music bring in influences from many styles of contemporary American music, from standards to intelligent originals. Mr. Abercrombie, who is featured on the reed player's 2008 Sunnyside release, "Flag Day", does a fine job of blending his electric lines with the airy tenor and woody bass clarinet. To find out more about the leader and his music, go to www.adamkolker.com.
On Friday night, percussionist extraordinaire Steven Kroon brings his Sextet to the Old Lyme nightspot. Born in Harlem and raised in Queens, the New York native listened closely to the jazz, r'n'b and Latin music that permeated his neighborhood. After studying with Tommy Lopez, Sr. (who taught many modern percussionists) and Dom Um Romao (from the early years of Weather Report), Kroon went on to work and tour with the great vocalist Luther Vandross and bassist Ron Carter while playing on dozens of recording sessions.
He's released 5 CDs as a leader, the latest, "On The #1", coming in May of this year. For this gig, his Sextet includes Igor Atalita (piano), Ruben Rodriguez (bass), Craig Rivers (saxophones, flute), Diego Lopez (drums) and Bryan Carrott (vibraphone). This should be a fun evening, filled with exciting rhythms and dancing tunes. To find to more about the leader, go to www.stevekroon.com.
Saturday, tenor saxophonist and composer Eric Wyatt comes to The Side Door to celebrate the release of his first U.S, recording, "Borough of Kings" (Posi-Tone Records - my review will be posted this weekend.) Wyatt, a native of Brooklyn, New York!, had the joy of growing with a father who loved jazz and who introduced him, when he was in grade school, to both Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. In fact, it was the tenor saxophone legend who secured a recording contract for Wyatt on the Japanese King label (where he released 4 CDs.)
Pianist Benito Gonzalez (just in Hartford supporting Azar Lawrence) and drummer Shinnosuke Takahashi, both of whom play on the new CD, join bassist Essiet Okon Essiet (also part of Lawrence's group) in the handsome performance space. To learn more about Eric Wyatt, go to www.ericwyatt-music.com.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on each for the 8:30 first set. For tickets, reservations and more information, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.
The New Year has arrived and it's time for new musical experiences. The "Improvisations" series at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street in Hartford continues to impress with the width and breadth of the collaborations that co-curators Stephen Haynes (trumpets, cornet) and Joe Morris (guitar, bass) have brought to the performance space. This Sunday (1/12), percussionist Satoshi Takeishi (pictured) brings his unique talents and fascinating array of items to be struck, shaken, caressed and finessed. The Japanese-born Takeishi, whose brother Stomu is a world-class bassist, studied at the Berklee School in Boston and then spent 4 years in Colombia studying and performing Central and Latin American music. For the past quarter century, he has played and/or recorded with numerous creative musicians including bassist Marc Johnson, percussionist Ray Barretto, Anthony Braxton, cellist Erik Friedlander, guitarist Rez Abbasi and many others.
Any recording by trombonist/composer/educator Steve Davis is a reason to celebrate. A 1989 graduate of the HARTT School's Jackie McLean Institute (at the University of Hartford), Davis has performed with Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Christian McBride and so many others, especially the collective One For All. He's also served on the faculty of his alma mater since 1991 as well as working with Hartford's Artist's Collective.
"For Real" is the title of Davis's 4th release for PosiTone Records and an apt description of the man himself. Though he can play with great fire, Davis eschews histrionics in favor of a smooth, steady, tone and music that builds from solid melodic lines and a strong chordal structure. Joining him for this date is long-time associates Larry Willis (piano) and fellow HARTT faculty member Nat Reeves (bass), McLean Institute graduate Abraham Burton (tenor saxophone) and the fine young drummer Billy Williams. Right off the bat, the title track reminds this listener of the sounds of the Jazz Crusaders with its funky blend of 'bone, tenor sax and piano. Burton is a strong soloist, blending the drive of John Coltrane with the bluesy explorations of players such as Booker Ervin and Hank Mobley. Willis, the 71-year old native of Harlem (New York City), is, at turns, playful, wistful, swinging, and always melodic. On the rousing "Tactics" (all the songs on the CD are Davis originals save one), the pianist's solid chords give Reeves the freedom to fly while Williams supplies the drive. Willis's impressionistic chords open the handsome ballad "I Found You" with its 2-part melody line - his graceful solo unwinds freely over the classy foundations supplied by his partners in the rhythm section. The trombonist's solo blends short phrases with longer, sweetly flowing lines. Brazilian rhythms underpin the sprightly closing track "Daylight", giving the soloists a springboard for imaginative and hard-driving explorations. Burton's joyful romp builds off the energy created by Willis's ebullient solo. The leader picks up on the dancing quality of Reeves' bouncy bass lines and Williams's enthusiastic percussion, delivering a sweet melodic statement.
Yes, "For Real" is just that - "real" music that is as exciting as it is entertaining. Steve Davis connects with his audience on a number of levels, his honest approach to his art refreshing and certainly enjoyable. For more information, go to www.stevedavis.info.
On Saturday January 11, the Uncertainty Music Series continues at 8 p.m. in Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven, with solo sets by Landon Knoblock (synths, keyboards) and series curator Carl Testa (electronics). Knoblock, whose latest recording features saxophonist Oscar Noreiga and drummer Jeff Davis (collectively known as CACAW), creates music that takes from all genres to create an aural stew that is often noisy as well as melodic. His solo music is multi-layered, with pieces such as "She Called Them Tributes" that blend the fire of Art Tatum with the electronics of Wendy Carlos. Knoblock has a playful edge (give a listen at www.landonknoblock.com/solo-piano-audio) where anything goes, keeping the listener guessing. Carl Testa, whose impressive 2013 solo CD "IRIS" blended his bass playing with electronics, also has a playful edge and will keep you guessing as well.
Bassist/composer Mark Dresser and his accomplished Quintet are featured in this Friday's concert (12/13) at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, the ultimate show in the Fall 2013 Concert Series. The bassist, who last appeared in the venue as part of Trio M (with Myra Melford and Matt Wilson) in April 2012, is touring with the musicians (all but drummer Tom Rainey) from his most recent recording for Clean Feed Records, "Nourishments." Notice the "m" theme as the group includes Michael Sarin (drums), Denman Maroney (piano), Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone) and Michael Dessen (trombone). The interactions displayed by the musicians on the CD translate well to live performance as Dresser's compositions blend composed "through lines" and improvisations. The blend of the vibrant alto saxophone with the blustery yet melodic trombone, spurred on by the strong piano work, involves the listener multiple levels. Maroney's celebrated "hyper-piano" is in full bloom throughout the session.
The Mark Dresser Quintet plays 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - tickets are still available so go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468 for more information.
The Side Door Cafe at the Old Lyme Inn has another busy weekend of great music. Friday, they present the Bruce Barth Quartet, an ensemble that finds the pianist (pictured left) in musical conversation with the great Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Vicente Archer (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums). Nelson appears on several of Barth's CD including 2012's "Three Shades of Beauty" (Savant). Barth is a fine pianist who can play with equal shades of fire and gentleness, has a penchant for strong melodies and intelligent interactions.
On Saturday, pianist Kevin Hays returns to The Side Door, this time with a Trio featuring bassist Rob Jost and drummer Greg Joseph. Together, they go by the name of The New Day Trio and have been performing a new book of pieces Hays composed for the ensemble. Hays, who spent his childhood in Greenwich, CT, has worked with Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Roy Haynes and many others yet has also led his own groups for nearly 2 decades.
For more information about these shows and upcoming ones as well, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.
The Uncertainty Music Series continues on Saturday (12/14) with a double bill that features the Joe Moffett/Kristin Slipp Duo plus Jacket Thor. The latter is the name for the duo of Ryan Kalentkowski (guitar) and Marco Vernacatola (drums). Their music blends folk, rock, punk and other influences. Trumpeter Joe Moffett has worked with vocalist Kristin Slipp for the past 5 years, creating music under the name of Twins of El Dorado. They call themselves a "modern song ensemble", music that brings in myriad influences from different genres. Ms. Slipp also works with keyboard artist Dov Manski - their debut CD was issued earlier this year on Sunnyside Records.
The show starts at 8 p.m. and takes place at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven. For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.
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The Best of 2013 continues with 2 solo piano recordings.
Having seen and heard Myra Melford play solo over 2 decades ago, I often wondered why the pianist/composer did not do that more often. She has a strong left hand - actually she's quite the two-handed pianist -and has recorded numerous duos with the likes of Marty Ehrlich, Tanya Kalmanovitch and Han Bennink. She became inspired by the paintings of Don Reich, a family friend and, like the pianist, a long-time resident of California. Reich's work has always been a source of inspiration for Ms. Melford and he gave her a group of paintings as well as drawings to hang in her studio to see what might happen. "Life Carries Me This Way" (Firehouse 12 Records) is the result; the package comes complete with the paintings that inspired the music. This is a wonderfully personal experience, contemporary music that wears any of its influences very lightly and truly invites the listener in. Look at the paintings, listen to the piano, forget about drawing conclusions, just soak in these sounds.
There's a similar feel to "Piano Sutras" (Thirsty Ear), the latest solo venture from pianist/composer Matthew Shipp. The notoriously outspoken Mr. Shipp rarely has sounded as good as he does on these 13 tracks, all but 2 - "Giant Steps" and "Nefertiti", the shortest ones - original compositions. He has such a fertile mind, such a great sense of dynamics, with melodies that often sound like either short stories or fragments of poems. Also enjoyable is that one seems to hear something new each time out. I'm not sure Matthew Shipp has ever gotten enough credit for the strength of his compositions; these are among his finest. The presence of the piano on this CD stands out from the rest of his Thirsty Ear catalogue, even his most recent solo effort, 2010's "4 D."
The Side Door at the Old Lyme Inn continues is impressive run of shows this weekend starting Thursday 12/05 with an appearance by the Donny McCaslin Trio. The saxophonist/composer, who appears regularly with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, has led his own groups since the 1990s but is best heard in a small group. For this date, he partners with bassist Scott Colley and the Hartford native Jonathan Barber (drums). Expect this music to go in many directions as McCaslin is not only a player who loves melody but also enjoys really digging into a solo and seeing where it takes him and his fellow musicians. Considering the pedigree of the rhythm section, the possibilities are endless. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first set commencing at 8:30.
The following night, the club welcomes percussionist/composer Samuel Torres and his Octet. The Colombian-born musician will present the CT premiere of a new work, "Forced Displacement", whose creation was supported by Chamber Music America/ The Doris Duke Charitable Fund. Listen to this great lineup: Alex Norris (trumpet), Yosvanny Terry (saxophones), Ryan Keberle (trombone), the great Luis Perdomo (piano), Ricky Rodriguez (drum set), and Jonathan Gomez (Colombian percussion) join Torres for this fascinating musical adventure. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. For more information about Torres and his music, go to www.samueltorres.com.
Saturday night, the Side Door opens its doors to vocalist Shawnn Montiero and her fine Trio that includes Mike Renzi (piano), Nat Reeves (bass) and the legendary Jimmy Cobb (drums). Ms. Montiero, who is adjunct faculty at the Hartt School of Music/Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, seemingly can sing anything, from ballads to swing to Latin-infused melodies. With this sparkling rhythm section, this should be a memorable evening. For more information about the club, go to thesidedoorjazz.com. Check out the site for 2014 dates including the Matt Wilson Quartet with John Medeski (1/28) and the return of Fred Hersch, this time with his Trio in tow (2/07-08).
Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, presents the penultimate concert in its 2013 Fall Series on Friday 12/06 when drummer/composer and human hurricane Ralph Peterson brings his Fo'Tet Augmented to town. Joining him will be the superb young bassist Alex Claffy, percussionist Eguie Castillo, Felix Peikli (clarinet), Joseph Doubleday (vibes, marimba) and special guest Steve Wilson (alto saxophone). If you have ever seen and heard Mr. Peterson in concert, you know that he is an extremely dynamic drummer, that he mentors young musicians the way Art Blakey did in The Jazz Messengers, and that his music is often fiery (though he has a splendid touch on ballads.)
Ralph Peterson and the Fo'Tet play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - for more information, go to firehouse12.com. To get a taste of the drummer's music, go to www.ralphpetersonmusic.com.
The following night, the New Haven Improvisers Collective return to the Firehouse with a new program. Electronhic features NHIC founder/guitarist Bob Gorry in collaboration with Chapman Stick artist Brett Bottomley, Jeff Cedrone (electric guitar), Paul McGuire (saxophones, shawm) and Pete Riccio (drums). Because of the improvisatory nature of the music, this should be a challenging and rewarding show, with the musicians pushing each other continuously. The first set begins at 8:30 p.m. and more information is available at the venue's website above. To learn more about the various programs and groups associated with the NHIC, go to www.nhic-music.org/.
The Uncertainty Music Series continues with yet another fascinating double bill, this one featuring the trio of Phillip Greenlief (pictured left, saxophones), Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet) and Carl Testa (bass) paired with the duo of Anthony Coleman (organ) and Chris Cretella (guitar). The concert takes place Sunday 12/08 at 8 p.m. in a Elm City venue called Lipgloss Crisis, 756 Chapel Street in New Haven. Mr. Greenlief, who is based in Oakland, California, is the founder of Evander Music, a forward-thinking label that has issued CDs by bassist Todd Sickafoose, drummer Ches Smith, The Industrial Jazz Group, TinBag and a slew of groups co-led by its founder. Mr. Coleman is a keyboard player/composer most often identified with the Downtown Music Scene in New York City and John Zorn's Tzadik label.
One expects an evening of inventive improvisations from both groups; after all, these are people schooled in the art of creative dialogue and interactions. For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.
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