Spurred largely by the controversial 2005 book, Is Jazz Dead? by British writer Stuart Nicholson, the argument suggests that jazz is being advanced to a greater degree outside America — the country of its birth.
However you come down on that issue, most everyone can agree that audiences are created by the debate itself. Some of that music will cross the shores to America this month in a series of four April concerts presented by Earshot Jazz.
Its Spring Series 2009, which puts together prominent, avant-garde, European and American musicians, begins tonight with a performance at the Seattle Asian Art Museum by the Dutch saxophonist Ab Baars and his trio. Joining him will be Chicago saxophonist Ken Vandermark, known for his intricate compositions and multilayered improvisation.
The saxophone-dominated series continues Sunday night with a performance at the Triple Door by American alto saxophonist Steve Coleman and his group Five Elements.
The final two concerts come at the end of the month: German saxophonist Peter Brotzmann and his trio will play April 28 with Americans Eric Revis (Branford Marsalis' longtime bass player) and drummer Nasheet Waits. Then Norwegian saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and his trio The Thing will perform at Cornish College of the Arts on April 30.
However you come down on that issue, most everyone can agree that audiences are created by the debate itself. Some of that music will cross the shores to America this month in a series of four April concerts presented by Earshot Jazz.
Its Spring Series 2009, which puts together prominent, avant-garde, European and American musicians, begins tonight with a performance at the Seattle Asian Art Museum by the Dutch saxophonist Ab Baars and his trio. Joining him will be Chicago saxophonist Ken Vandermark, known for his intricate compositions and multilayered improvisation.
The saxophone-dominated series continues Sunday night with a performance at the Triple Door by American alto saxophonist Steve Coleman and his group Five Elements.
The final two concerts come at the end of the month: German saxophonist Peter Brotzmann and his trio will play April 28 with Americans Eric Revis (Branford Marsalis' longtime bass player) and drummer Nasheet Waits. Then Norwegian saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and his trio The Thing will perform at Cornish College of the Arts on April 30.
