Critics write, “The combination of these three virtuosos of the piano, B-3, and drums, and the freedom and structure of Andy's compositions, is absolutely engaging" (Keyboard Magazine) and “It all works so well, you wonder why more people don't try it" (Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes). AllAboutJazz.com's Andrew Hovan adds, “In hindsight, it's surprising that the piano and organ format has been so rarely utilized in jazz because it makes so much sense. The B3 is able to provide a bass line and a unique textural counterpoint that can complement as well as step forward. Really one of the most welcomed surprises of the season, Intelligent Design lives up to its name as one of LaVerne's best efforts thus far and one of the finest jazz releases of the year."
LaVerne's career spans more than 35 years and includes long-term collaborations with such artists as John Abercrombie, Stan Getz and Woody Herman among many others. He has recorded 50 titles as a leader/co-leader and received five jazz fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). His eclectic discography also includes sideman work with Jerry Bergonzi, Ted Curson, Steve Davis, Tom Harrell, Lee Konitz and Frank Sinatra. A former student of the legendary Bill Evans, LaVerne is also a prominent educator who has appeared on a number of instructional videos and play-along CDs, authored a variety of books and articles and taught at the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music and Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops.
2008 Spring Jazz Series schedule:
03/14 :: David Torn's Prezens
03/21 :: Susie Ibarra Trio
03/28 :: Dezron Douglas Quintet
04/04 :: Aaron Goldberg Trio
04/11 :: Joe Morris Quartet
04/18 :: Peter Brotzmann/Han Bennink Duo
04/25 :: Andy LaVerne's One Of A Kind
05/02 :: BassDrumBone
05/09 :: Miguel Zenon Quartet
05/16 :: Ralph Alessi & This Against That
05/23 :: Min Xiao-Fen's Asian Trio
05/30 :: Amir ElSaffar's Two Rivers
06/06 :: Ben Wolfe Quartet
For more information contact Improvised Communications.
