What live music are you going to see tonight?

[kh1958]

Last night, Mimi Fox (trio and solo) at The Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney.

[jlhoots]

I was going to see the Aaron Goldberg Trio, but it was canceled because one of the members has Covid. Damn!!

[BFrank]

Saw the Vijay Iyer Trio (Linda May Han Oh, Tyshawn Sorey) last night at SFJAZZ and a little over a week ago at Big Ears. Great communication between these three.

[ghost of miles]

Just got back from seeing Jeff Parker perform a set of his music with the Plummer Jazz Sextet (an ongoing group of IU’s best jazz students, named in honor of saxophonist Paul Plummer, who gave two million dollars about 10 years ago to found an IU jazz studies endowment). A beautiful performance to match the evening’s weather.

[ejp626]

In March and April, the Rex has been able to bring in a fair number of Juno nominees and even some winners.  I saw Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles a couple of weeks ago, and tonight was the Jocelyn Gould Quintet.  Gould is a guitarist heavily influenced by Wes Montgomery.  She is a Juno winner.  If I'm able to swing it, I'll see the Lauren Falls Quintet next Monday evening. 

[adh1907]

Almost reluctantly going to Cheltenham ‘jazz’ festival this weekend, seeing Xhosa Cole and black top. Not seeing Squeeze, Jake Bugg or Tony Hadley from the famous jazz group, Spandau Ballet…thin pickings this year with most of the jazz shoved into a small arts centre and the main venues given over to pop. 
 

Anthony

London

[sidewinder]

58 minutes ago, adh1907 said:

Almost reluctantly going to Cheltenham ‘jazz’ festival this weekend, seeing Xhosa Cole and black top. Not seeing Squeeze, Jake Bugg or Tony Hadley from the famous jazz group, Spandau Ballet…thin pickings this year with most of the jazz shoved into a small arts centre and the main venues given over to pop. 
 

Anthony

London

I haven’t been for years. Shame - that and the Bath Festival weekend used to be real highlights, with strong jazz content. The Cotswolds ‘gold card brigade’ moving in at Cheltenham put an end to it - hence Spandau etc. (who will no doubt play ‘Gold’).

They used to put on some of the best jazz groups in the Town Hall and that historic small theatre too, as well as the arts centre. It was a smaller, lower profile event but it had better jazz.

Edited April 27, 2023 by sidewinder

[Steve Reynolds]

Sally Gates on guitar with Zoh Amba on tenor saxophone & Dan Weiss on drums @ The New School

saw the young saxophonist on Tuesday night @ Zürcher Gallery with Gabby Fluke-Mogul, Steve Gunn & Ryan Sawyer. Mind blowing 50 minute improvised set. 
 

6th live jazz show in April. Another planned for Saturday night.

Edited April 27, 2023 by Steve Reynolds

[BFrank]

Tomorrow: Dee Dee Bridgewater w/Bill Charlap @ SFJAZZ

[Patrick]

Last night, Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya at Kennedy Center. Previous scheduled show cancelled due to death of Hugh Masekela. AI played a few long solos, but didn’t interact that much musically w the 6 piece band. Bit of a victory lap, but okay for 88 year old music/civil rights hero. 

[kh1958]

This past weekend was the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Day 1: Logistics were a bit of a disaster, but in the end I saw:

First the Jason Marsalis Quartet with Warren Wolf. First half of the set was Warren Wolf on vibes and Jason on drums playing mostly Warren Wolf compositions. Second half of the set was Jason on vibes and Warren Wolf on drums playing Lionel Hampton associated tunes, followed by a dual drum interlude before Warren Wolf returned to the vibes. And I should note that the very fine New Orleans pianist throughout was Oscar Rossignoli. It was a really good set.

Second, the elegant and refined New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones performed in Economy Hall.

Third, a group called Something Else, led by Vincent Herring, which included James Carter, Randy Brecker, Dave Kikowski, Paul Bollenback, Essiet Essiet, and Lewis Nash. Unforuntately, something else proved to be warmed over jazz/funk. The excellent acoustic bassist Essiet Essiet was on electric bass on most of the songs, which did not work. A couple of the songs were good (Freddie Hubbard's Spirits of Trane and Roy Hargrove's Strasbourt/St. Denis), and James Carter and Brecker both played well, but mostly a disappointing set.

Closing the first day was Nicholas Payton, in a trio with MonoNeon on bass guitar and Corey Fonville on drums. This was not boring jazz/funk but rather a wildly experimental set--the highlight being Payton's fantastic trumpet playing, and particularly the long interlude of a six part suite where Jesse McBride took over the piano and the trumpeter played an extended solo as he wandered throughout the jazz tent.

Day 2:

First, the New Orleans based Cuban percussionist Alexey Marti leads an exciting multinational Latin jazz band.

Second, the New Orleans street buskers, Tuba Skinny, who drew a pretty big crowd. During their set a deluge of rain arrives. Fortunately, songs by Ma Rainey are in their repertoire. 

Third, the fine jazz singer, Catherine Russell and her solid group play a long set.

Finally, another repertory group, Secret Six, who are excellent--a bit similar in approach to Tuba Skinny but I would say Tuba Skinny is a bit more early blues than early jazz, whereas Secret Six was pure early jazz. Especially enjoyed the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band songs.

Highlight of the day is in the evening, at the Virgin Hotel (for free even), in the form of a set by cellist Helen Gillet (in a duo with Brian Haas on keyboard). How have I missed her for so long? She is fantastic.

Day 3:

Starting with a very intense set by Mdou Moctar in the Cultural Pavilion. Unfortunately, the sound man is terrible and Moctar is more felt than heard.

Next, 90 year old tenor saxophonist Charlie Gabriel escapes from the confines of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to do a set of modern jazz paired with baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis. Gabriel sounds really good in this context. The rest of the group is also well seasoned and they sound great, playing the Blues Up and Down, among others.

Sunday is one of those great days at the NOJHF when top flight sets pile on top of each other.

Next is the Jordan Family Tribute to Kidd Jordan. That was one of the more intense emotional concerts I've ever experienced. It was a large group, featuring his four musician children (Stephanie on vocals, Rachel on violin, Kent on flute and Marlon on trumpet). Began with an extended Alvin Batiste composition with heavy contribution from the string section. Then they played a Love Supreme part 1 (the tenor soloist was unknown to me but rather good and outside), which was almost too much to bear, with his children appearing to be crying on stage. At one point they played a medley of Kidd Jordan compositions which were surprisingly melodic, catchy even (You didn't know our Dad could groove, said Stephanie). All of the children were featured and played/sang brilliantly. It was a great concert.

Keeping in the tribute vein, next was a Tribute to Sidney Bechet, featuring Dr. Michael White, Aurora Nealand and Donald Harrison. If less emotionally wrenching, this set was also superb.

Closing out the day at the Fest with something different, a New Orleans pop/jazz group called People Museum. Very fine singer. The group sounds like it should be featured in the next David Lynch movie, if there ever is one. Enjoyed a lot more than anticipated.

Finally, at the 3 Keys in the evening, some Brazilian bossa nova/jazz by Gabriel de Rosa. Also good.

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2023 by kh1958

[jlhoots]

Joshua Redman Trio - tomorrow night

[Steve Reynolds]

Last night James Brandon Lewis duo with Chad Taylor

plus Thumbscrew with Mary Halvorson, Michael Formanek & Tomas Fujiwara

duo was a bit of a slog as JBL plays way too much

Thumbscrew was incredible as always  / restrained yet powerful and they play great little tunes. Plus Mary is GOD! 

 

[BFrank]

10 hours ago, Steve Reynolds said:

Last night James Brandon Lewis duo with Chad Taylor

plus Thumbscrew with Mary Halvorson, Michael Formanek & Tomas Fujiwara

duo was a bit of a slog as JBL plays way too much

Thumbscrew was incredible as always  / restrained yet powerful and they play great little tunes. Plus Mary is GOD! 

 

Saw JBL Trio and Mary (with Amaryllis and Belladonna) at Big Ears. Agreed that JBL can overblow, but the 2nd half of his set was more restrained and interesting. Both of Mary's sets were excellent, although I think Amaryllis (w/string quartet) was more interesting.

[Steve Reynolds]

Tonight

Tim Berne, David Torn & Tom Rainey

yeah baby

[jlhoots]

Mark Turner Quartet tomorrow night.

[EKE BBB]

Surfin‘ Bichos 

Edited May 18, 2023 by EKE BBB

[Dmitry]

April 21, 2023

Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen

The Met, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

[ejp626]

Going for the first set at The Rex tonight - It's the Tim Posgate Quartet.  He plays both banjo and guitar.  Not sure which we'll get more of in the first set.  My money is on the banjo...  😉

Next week there are two dates by Thermo (Nathan Hiltz on guitar, and Mike Manny on piano) at The Rex.  But their recent recording features Neil Swainson on bass, and I'm certainly hoping he'll be at both gigs (May 28 & 29).  I'm fairly likely to go both nights if he is playing. 

[Steve Reynolds]

I’ve seen so many great shows over the past 2 to 3 months / probably 12 or so out of 18 to 20 have been fantastic 

tonight Tim Berne, Greg Belise-Chi and the *great* Tom Rainey 

this trio delivers 

Edited June 1, 2023 by Steve Reynolds

[ejp626]

On 5/22/2023 at 3:51 PM, ejp626 said:

Next week there are two dates by Thermo (Nathan Hiltz on guitar, and Mike Manny on piano) at The Rex.  But their recent recording features Neil Swainson on bass, and I'm certainly hoping he'll be at both gigs (May 28 & 29).  I'm fairly likely to go both nights if he is playing. 

Sadly, Swainson wasn't at the gig on the 28th.  He also was going to miss the 29th, so I didn't stop back on the 2nd night.  Thermo is a pretty good outfit, but I was really hoping to catch Swainson again.

He is supposed to be backing Pat LaBarbara at the Rex on June 24, and I should be able to make that show.

Edited June 3, 2023 by ejp626
typo

[sidewinder]

Good to hear that Pat LaBarbera is still musically active over there.

[mikeweil]

Tonight I took my wife and a young friend to a concert by my longtime friend and former colleague as dance accompanist at the Frankfurt music academy, Klemens Althapp. We enjoyed improvising together back then, and he recently added his own songs with his very personal lyrics in German language to his repertoire. He also sings some standards, and his choice of tempo and groove in Gershwin's Summertime makes much more sense to me than the way most people sing it. Another old friend, Klaus Frölich, added percussion accompaniment. 

We mused about trying to get a gig as a duo in my current hometown ..... 

Edited June 4, 2023 by mikeweil

[Gheorghe]

4 hours ago, mikeweil said:

Tonight I took my wife and a young friend to a concert by my longtime friend and former colleague as dance accompanist at the Frankfurt music academy, Klemens Althapp. We enjoyed improvising together back then, and he recently added his own songs with his very personal lyrics in German language to his repertoire. He also sings some standards, and his choice of tempo and groove in Gershwin's Summertime makes much more sense to me than the way most people sing it. Another old friend, Klaus Frölich, added percussion accompaniment. 

We mused about trying to get a gig as a duo in my current hometown ..... 

sounds like a great evening. 
About lyrics in German, I can´t say much. There was an aged amateur singer and jazz sessions sit-inner here, who wrote lyrics in German to American standards. "Our Love is here to stay" became "Unsere Liebe bleibt bestehn" . Reading your event I´m sure that your german friend does a better job singing in German.

[ejp626]

On 6/3/2023 at 3:38 AM, sidewinder said:

Good to hear that Pat LaBarbera is still musically active over there.

I know that he comes and plays in Toronto from time to time.  I found that there is a fairly interesting group, BadBadNotGood, coming to the Toronto Jazz Fest, but I can't go to both shows unfortunately.  Will opt for LaBarbera (and hopefully Swainson!).