While it was very disappointing to have the Chris Potter Quartet postponed due to the latest East Coast snowstorm, it was gratifying to hear two stellar local bands filling in last week at the Dakota (a last-minute assemblage from Steve Kenny and the Atlantis Quartet). Potter will be rescheduled. Meanwhile we have another week of largely local jazz wizards to warm our hearts and ears, including some of our long-standing titans— Phil Hey, Kenny Horst, Bruce Henry, Chris Bates; one of our favorite “sons" on leave from the Big Apple (Javi Santiago); a pair of guitar-centric trios (Firebell, Framework); a visiting bass monster (Mark Dresser)... and more. And more.
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, February 6. Possibly no other band exemplifies the concept of the “Bridge" series at Jazz Central better than the Phil Hey Quartet. Nearly exclusively, the band played for more than a decade at the Artists Quarter until the AQ closed a year ago, and we have heard only a very few gigs since, making tonight's appearance at Jazz Central a very special treat. Hey, Phil Aaron, Tom Lewis and Dave Hagedorn suggest what might have become of the Modern Jazz Quartet had it continued into the new millennium—inventive arrangements of the most inventive artists of the 20th century (Coltrane, Shorter, Coleman) and stunning originals. Well, it's alloriginal! For some vocal pleasures, Parma 8200 presents the very versatile voice of Katie Geartyin the company of the very versatile support team of Chris Lomheim and Graydon Peterson. A perfect wind-down from a busy week.
Friday-Saturday, February 6-7. Studio Z hosts the annual Keys Please concerts, the 13-year collaboration of pianist/composers Carei Thomas, Todd Harper and Paul Cantrell, this year with guest artist, saxophonist Nathan Hanson. The musicians bring music from diverse genres to the stage every winter, and the addition of Hanson this year guarantees two nights of surprise.
Saturday, February 7. Another auspicious double header at the Black Dog! The Jon Pemberton Trio opens, with the talented pianist/trumpeter in the lead chair with pals Matt Peterson and Cory Healey. Prime time finds Kenny Horstback after performing last weekend with Dave Brattain, this time leading his own quartet with Pete Whitman, Steve Kenny and Tom Lewis. In Minneapolis, Talking Strings entertains at the Loring Pasta Bar. With Pavel Jany on guitar, Dan Weston on bass and Gary Schulte on violin, expect some diverse world music from three consummate string specialists.
Saturday-Sunday, February 7-8. The acclaimed Legends Series continues at the Capri Theater, bringing “home" stellar vocalist Bruce Henry in celebration of Black History Month. Now based in his childhood home Chicago, Bruce returns to the Twin Cities often. This weekend, he takes us on a musical journey from the African drum to the Great American Songbook.
Monday, February 9. Whenever Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein convene, be ready to ring the Firebell! This blazing trio lights the stage at the Black Dog tonight, performing tunes from their recent release, Impossible Vacation, and new material.
Across town, Jazz Central puts the spotlight on tonight's “featured artist," trumpeter Solomon Parham. A Detroit native and dedicated jazz educator who directs bands at Walker West, Solomon is often heard with Eric Gravatt's Source Code. Wife and very fine vocalist Aja Parham joins him tonight.
And a bit down the street and a lot later in the evening, one of our native sons now living in New York creates some mayhem at the Icehouse. Pianist Javi Santiago is featured on JT's Jazz Implosion series, tonight celebrating an EP release for his Year of the Horse.He's joined by long-time drum partner Miguel Hurtado along with vocalist Proper T, guitarist Cory Wong, saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, and bassist Yohannes Tona.
Tuesday, February 10. The second night of back-to-back guitar trios at the Black Dog finds the common denominator—drummer Jay Epstein! Tonight Jay anchors Framework, featuring Chris Olson on guitar and Chris Bates on bass. It's really Olson's monthly “Chris Olson Project" night, and what a great project. Framework features original composition as well as intriguing arrangements of modern jazz giants.
Wednesday, February 11. Master of modern jazz/fusion bass Mark Dresser can be heard twice today: He's conducting a free public master class at the University of Minnesota (Ferguson Hall) at 3 pm, then moving across town to McNally Smith's auditorium for an evening concert (7:30 pm) — also free. Dresser is known for expanding the sonci and musical possibilities of the acoustic bass, using unconventional amplification techniques, and has performed solo and notably with John Zorn, Myra Melford, Anthony Braxton and Nicole Mitchell.
At Jazz Central, it's Chris Bates'improv night, and he's performing with PKD featuring brother JT and saxophonist George Cartwright. Notes Chris, “I’ve been intrigued and inspired by George Cartwright for a long long time. I’m excited to be playing with him for the first time. Plus, guys, JT Bates."
Thursday, February 12. The popular quintet Axis Mundiperforms tonight at Hell's Kitchen—leader Glen Helgesen (guitar), Gary Schulte (violin), Chris Bates (bass) and two percussionists—Dave Stanoch and Michael Bissonnette.
More Jazz All Week!Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities — check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:
Friday, February 6. Irv Williams Trio, happy hour at the Dakota; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures Restaurant (Winona); Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Tim Patrick and His Blue-Eyed Band at the Eagles' Club; Tommy O'Donnell at Scusi!
Saturday, February 7. Sidewalk Cafe at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Pig's Eye Jass Band at the Eagles' Club; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen; 7 Cats Swing Band at Crooner's Lounge; Barbara Meyer with Stan & Honeybee at The Nicollet; Mill City Hot Club at Erte
Sunday, February 8. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Fuzzy Math at the Black Dog (4 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Paula Lammers at Cinema Ballroom
Monday, February 9. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; BZ3 Organ Trio at the Narrows Saloon; Tommy and the Lieberman at the Dakota; the Riverside Trio at Crooner's Lounge; Fireside Five Quintet at the Underground Music Cafe
Tuesday, February 10. Don Strong, happy hour, followed by Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Sean McMahon and Adi Yeshaya, Live at 5 at McNally Smith; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central
Wednesday, February 11. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; Jazz at the Tangiers; Lisa Anderson Quartet at Crooners' Lounge
Thursday, February 12. Jennifer Grimm at Jazz Central; Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, February 6. Possibly no other band exemplifies the concept of the “Bridge" series at Jazz Central better than the Phil Hey Quartet. Nearly exclusively, the band played for more than a decade at the Artists Quarter until the AQ closed a year ago, and we have heard only a very few gigs since, making tonight's appearance at Jazz Central a very special treat. Hey, Phil Aaron, Tom Lewis and Dave Hagedorn suggest what might have become of the Modern Jazz Quartet had it continued into the new millennium—inventive arrangements of the most inventive artists of the 20th century (Coltrane, Shorter, Coleman) and stunning originals. Well, it's alloriginal! For some vocal pleasures, Parma 8200 presents the very versatile voice of Katie Geartyin the company of the very versatile support team of Chris Lomheim and Graydon Peterson. A perfect wind-down from a busy week.
Friday-Saturday, February 6-7. Studio Z hosts the annual Keys Please concerts, the 13-year collaboration of pianist/composers Carei Thomas, Todd Harper and Paul Cantrell, this year with guest artist, saxophonist Nathan Hanson. The musicians bring music from diverse genres to the stage every winter, and the addition of Hanson this year guarantees two nights of surprise.
Saturday, February 7. Another auspicious double header at the Black Dog! The Jon Pemberton Trio opens, with the talented pianist/trumpeter in the lead chair with pals Matt Peterson and Cory Healey. Prime time finds Kenny Horstback after performing last weekend with Dave Brattain, this time leading his own quartet with Pete Whitman, Steve Kenny and Tom Lewis. In Minneapolis, Talking Strings entertains at the Loring Pasta Bar. With Pavel Jany on guitar, Dan Weston on bass and Gary Schulte on violin, expect some diverse world music from three consummate string specialists.
Saturday-Sunday, February 7-8. The acclaimed Legends Series continues at the Capri Theater, bringing “home" stellar vocalist Bruce Henry in celebration of Black History Month. Now based in his childhood home Chicago, Bruce returns to the Twin Cities often. This weekend, he takes us on a musical journey from the African drum to the Great American Songbook.
Monday, February 9. Whenever Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein convene, be ready to ring the Firebell! This blazing trio lights the stage at the Black Dog tonight, performing tunes from their recent release, Impossible Vacation, and new material.
Across town, Jazz Central puts the spotlight on tonight's “featured artist," trumpeter Solomon Parham. A Detroit native and dedicated jazz educator who directs bands at Walker West, Solomon is often heard with Eric Gravatt's Source Code. Wife and very fine vocalist Aja Parham joins him tonight.
And a bit down the street and a lot later in the evening, one of our native sons now living in New York creates some mayhem at the Icehouse. Pianist Javi Santiago is featured on JT's Jazz Implosion series, tonight celebrating an EP release for his Year of the Horse.He's joined by long-time drum partner Miguel Hurtado along with vocalist Proper T, guitarist Cory Wong, saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, and bassist Yohannes Tona.
Tuesday, February 10. The second night of back-to-back guitar trios at the Black Dog finds the common denominator—drummer Jay Epstein! Tonight Jay anchors Framework, featuring Chris Olson on guitar and Chris Bates on bass. It's really Olson's monthly “Chris Olson Project" night, and what a great project. Framework features original composition as well as intriguing arrangements of modern jazz giants.
Wednesday, February 11. Master of modern jazz/fusion bass Mark Dresser can be heard twice today: He's conducting a free public master class at the University of Minnesota (Ferguson Hall) at 3 pm, then moving across town to McNally Smith's auditorium for an evening concert (7:30 pm) — also free. Dresser is known for expanding the sonci and musical possibilities of the acoustic bass, using unconventional amplification techniques, and has performed solo and notably with John Zorn, Myra Melford, Anthony Braxton and Nicole Mitchell.
At Jazz Central, it's Chris Bates'improv night, and he's performing with PKD featuring brother JT and saxophonist George Cartwright. Notes Chris, “I’ve been intrigued and inspired by George Cartwright for a long long time. I’m excited to be playing with him for the first time. Plus, guys, JT Bates."
Thursday, February 12. The popular quintet Axis Mundiperforms tonight at Hell's Kitchen—leader Glen Helgesen (guitar), Gary Schulte (violin), Chris Bates (bass) and two percussionists—Dave Stanoch and Michael Bissonnette.
More Jazz All Week!Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities — check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:
Friday, February 6. Irv Williams Trio, happy hour at the Dakota; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures Restaurant (Winona); Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Tim Patrick and His Blue-Eyed Band at the Eagles' Club; Tommy O'Donnell at Scusi!
Saturday, February 7. Sidewalk Cafe at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Pig's Eye Jass Band at the Eagles' Club; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen; 7 Cats Swing Band at Crooner's Lounge; Barbara Meyer with Stan & Honeybee at The Nicollet; Mill City Hot Club at Erte
Sunday, February 8. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Fuzzy Math at the Black Dog (4 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Paula Lammers at Cinema Ballroom
Monday, February 9. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; BZ3 Organ Trio at the Narrows Saloon; Tommy and the Lieberman at the Dakota; the Riverside Trio at Crooner's Lounge; Fireside Five Quintet at the Underground Music Cafe
Tuesday, February 10. Don Strong, happy hour, followed by Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Sean McMahon and Adi Yeshaya, Live at 5 at McNally Smith; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central
Wednesday, February 11. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; Jazz at the Tangiers; Lisa Anderson Quartet at Crooners' Lounge
Thursday, February 12. Jennifer Grimm at Jazz Central; Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge
