This week: John Raymond CD release at Vieux Carre'; Dave Karr Quartet in the Dunsmore Room A favorite son returns to celebrate what is arguably his best recording yet; another hometown hero celebrates a pretty big birthday with family and friends; a high-profile trio and a should-be high profile trio both play rare home gigs; one of our star composers brings a major work to Orchestra Hall; and three hot shows in a row fill the Dunsmore Room. Just a normal jazzy weekend in the Twin Cities!
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, January 22. It's a too-rare event these days when Happy Apple performs in home territory. Back from multiple appearances at the New York Winter Jazz Fest, Dave King and pals Mike Lewis and Erik Fratzke take the late night stage at the Icehouse; Tim Sparks and James Buckley offer a more sublime view of the music world earlier in the evening during the dinner hours.
Younger talents prevail elsewhere tonight: Trombonist Nick Symansbrings a quartet of like-minded spirits to the “Masters" sets at Jazz Central—with Ted Godbout on piano, Ted Olsen on bass and Pete James Johnson on drums. The “Young Masters" late set features guitarist Julian Manzara heading a quartet with Levi Schwartzberg on vibes, Drew Stinson on bass and Blake Huebl on drums.
At Reverie—the rebranded Nicollet, Friday Night Jazz (at Reverie) opens with the JazzINK Youth Showcase, tonight presenting dazzling teen guitar duo of Will Schmid and Adam Astrup, followed by the latest iteration of President Flow— Joe Mayo (sax), Josh Granowski (bass) and Rick Nair (drums), along with “surprise guests."
There's more guitar, with Ben Abrahamson and bass cohort Andrew Foreman on the early sets at Vieux Carré, followed by the NOLA-infused sounds of the Southside Aces. Crooners Lounge hosts the always-cool and often-sassy Debbie Duncan and her quartet, performing a tribute to the late Natalie Cole, while Headspace, the former Monday night staple at the old Artists Quarter, takes the stage at the SW Crafthouse (formerly Senor Wong's).
Friday and Saturday, January 22-23. Pianist/vocalist JoAnn Funk, usually with Jeff Brueske on bass, continues the winter edition of Jazz in the Lobby Bar at the Saint Paul Hotel.
Saturday, January 23. Surrounded by one of the best arrays of ethnic treats in the metro, Charmin Michelle and Joel Shapira give us a midday respite (voice and guitar, standards and samba) at Midtown Global Market. And it's the annual Winter Jazz Blastat McNally Smith College, lots of action for student musicians and an evening public concert featuring the JazzMN Orchestra and guest clinician Kenni Holmen, along with the McNally Smith Fusion Ensemble and Serbian Ensemble in the History Theater.
Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog features students of St. Olaf jazz professor Dave Hagedorn in the opening set, followed by the Good Vibes Trio, led by Chris Bates (bass) with Hagedorn on vibes and Phil Hey on drums. GVT doesn't hit the stage very often these days, but what a treat to the ears when they do— a chordless “Modern Jazz Quartet" with emphasis on “modern" yet always accessible.
In the heart of downtown St. Paul, Vieux Carré hosts the local CD release party for Twin Cities native, John Raymond, and his Real Feels trio. Dubbed the Roots Trio when they first toured and recorded the album at Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis, the band includes rising stars on the national scene, Gilad Hekselman on guitar and Colin Stranahan on drums, and of course leader John Raymond exclusively on flugelhorn. The Real Feels album is a magical set of arrangements of music that covers Americana, pop, bebop and more.
Another debut tonight: Jeremy Walker brings his 7 Psalmsproject to Orchestra Hall.Having performed this full-length work for jazz ensemble and choir twice at Bethel College (including the CD release), Jeremy collaborates with the new American Public Media Radio Choir, conducted by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and featuring vocal soloist Jason Harms; Walker appears on piano with jazzers Brandon Wozniak, Jeff Brueske and Tim Zhorne.
In the category of great bands that seldom play these days, saxophonist/flautist Doug Little brings his Seven Steps to Havana to the Dakota tonight, highlighting the rhythms of Cuba with an ensemble of globally-charged musicians—natives of the U.S., Cuba, Mexico, Brazil and Ethiopia.
At the Icehouse, Tim Sparks and James Buckley again provide the dinner sets, while later, popular bassist Billy Peterson is back in town, just in time to celebrate his 65th birthday with family and friends, and introducing Minnesota to the charms and talents of Iceland's vocalist Anna Mjöll.
Sunday, January 24. If you missed John Raymond's CD release last night, you can get a feel for Real Feels as well as learn something at his open Master Class at MacPhail Center for Music this afternoon! At the Bedlam, the now-weekly Solomon's Sessions brings trumpeter Solomon Parham to the stage to lead an open jam/improv session, often with a crew of students from McNally Smith.
On the first of three consecutive nights of music in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, it's another installment of the Birthday Club, led by pianist Dan Chouinard, and tonight featuring vocalist nonpareil Patty Peterson, singing songs from singers and composers with January birthdays! So often heard in larger ensembles, this is a rare opportunity to hear Patty in such an intimate setting where both piano and voice will shine.
Jerry O'Hagen has retired, but his dance band carries on, now under the leadership of Charmin Michelle and Mike Haynes, still most Sundays at Cinema Ballroom. Some room for spectators but this venue is one big dance floor and orchestra stage! The swing era comes to life- bring your dancing shoes.
Monday, January 25. “In the Crook" is a new monthly series in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, putting one of our talented local singers “in the crook" of the Bösendorfer with such talented pianists as Rick Carlson. Tonight Rick supports Rachel Holder, one of the area's accomplished and most versatile vocalists. Rachel has performed with The Girls, The Wolverines, The George Maurer Group, Vital Organ, Reception Jazz, The Modd Squad, and Bruce Henry Band, and teaches at McNally Smith.
In the spotlight at Jazz Central, yet another of the area's Young Lions— saxophonist Thomas Strommen. Still engaged in college studies (at the U of M), Thomas is a veteran performer, playing with the Dakota Combo during his senior year of high school, leading the quartet Dark Blue for several years, and on the front line with Steve Kenny's Group 47 since its inception.
At the Icehouse, a double-header for JT's Jazz Implosion starts with a heady trio of JT (drums), Anthony Cox (bass) and Paul Metzger (guitar and banjos), followed by the CD release for baritone guitarist Thomas Nordlund, and his young lions' ensemble (Ben Abrahamson on guitars, Jake Baldwin on trumpet, Kevin Gastonguay on keys, Andrew Foreman on bass and Lars-Erik Larson on drums. They will be playing the new album, Divide Avenue, front to back.
Tuesday, January 26. And the third consecutive night in the Dunsmore Room, the Tuesday Instrumental Jazz series presents beloved octogenarian reed man Dave Karr and his quartet—Phil Aaron on piano, Gordy Johnson on bass and Phil Hey on drums. Karr seldom takes the spotlight, but anytime he is on stage, the spotlight just naturally falls on Dave, one of the primo purveyors of bebop (and beyond) in the metro.
At Jazz Central, it's big band night, with the Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra taking their turn on the fourth Tuesday, under the batons of leaders Geoff Senn and Mac Santiago.
Vieux Carré brings back two favorites, Chris Lomheim on solo piano for the early sets, followed by vocalist Connie Evingson's “Hot Jazz" sets.
Wednesday, January 27. One of the most distinctive pairs in metro jazz, as well as one of the most eclectic, pianist Butch Thompson and guitarist Dean Magrawwill fill the room at Vieux Carré. And in their own salute to New Orleans, drummer JT Bates and pals Joel Schaan (guitar and vocals), Jim Anton (bass) and Kevin Gastonguay (organ) rock the stage at the Icehouse. The promo suggests we might hear JT sing a few as well! It's Wednesday so that means “new music" night at Jazz Central, which tonight features a new trio headed by trumpet king Jake Baldwin, with Ted Olsen on bass and Matt Buckner on drums.
Wednesday-Thursday, January 27-28. A special Winter Carnival edition of Jazz in the Lobby Bar brings JoAnn Funk and Jeff Bruesketo the Saint Paul Hotel for some midweek hipness.
Thursday, January 28. The masterful Joel Shapira plays solo guitar for the early evening sets at Vieux Carré, while talented young singer Katia Cardenastakes the stage for Jazz Vocal Night at Jazz Central, and pianist Benny Weinbeck serenades in the lounge at Parma 8200.
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, January 22. It's a too-rare event these days when Happy Apple performs in home territory. Back from multiple appearances at the New York Winter Jazz Fest, Dave King and pals Mike Lewis and Erik Fratzke take the late night stage at the Icehouse; Tim Sparks and James Buckley offer a more sublime view of the music world earlier in the evening during the dinner hours.
Younger talents prevail elsewhere tonight: Trombonist Nick Symansbrings a quartet of like-minded spirits to the “Masters" sets at Jazz Central—with Ted Godbout on piano, Ted Olsen on bass and Pete James Johnson on drums. The “Young Masters" late set features guitarist Julian Manzara heading a quartet with Levi Schwartzberg on vibes, Drew Stinson on bass and Blake Huebl on drums.
At Reverie—the rebranded Nicollet, Friday Night Jazz (at Reverie) opens with the JazzINK Youth Showcase, tonight presenting dazzling teen guitar duo of Will Schmid and Adam Astrup, followed by the latest iteration of President Flow— Joe Mayo (sax), Josh Granowski (bass) and Rick Nair (drums), along with “surprise guests."
There's more guitar, with Ben Abrahamson and bass cohort Andrew Foreman on the early sets at Vieux Carré, followed by the NOLA-infused sounds of the Southside Aces. Crooners Lounge hosts the always-cool and often-sassy Debbie Duncan and her quartet, performing a tribute to the late Natalie Cole, while Headspace, the former Monday night staple at the old Artists Quarter, takes the stage at the SW Crafthouse (formerly Senor Wong's).
Friday and Saturday, January 22-23. Pianist/vocalist JoAnn Funk, usually with Jeff Brueske on bass, continues the winter edition of Jazz in the Lobby Bar at the Saint Paul Hotel.
Saturday, January 23. Surrounded by one of the best arrays of ethnic treats in the metro, Charmin Michelle and Joel Shapira give us a midday respite (voice and guitar, standards and samba) at Midtown Global Market. And it's the annual Winter Jazz Blastat McNally Smith College, lots of action for student musicians and an evening public concert featuring the JazzMN Orchestra and guest clinician Kenni Holmen, along with the McNally Smith Fusion Ensemble and Serbian Ensemble in the History Theater.
Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog features students of St. Olaf jazz professor Dave Hagedorn in the opening set, followed by the Good Vibes Trio, led by Chris Bates (bass) with Hagedorn on vibes and Phil Hey on drums. GVT doesn't hit the stage very often these days, but what a treat to the ears when they do— a chordless “Modern Jazz Quartet" with emphasis on “modern" yet always accessible.
In the heart of downtown St. Paul, Vieux Carré hosts the local CD release party for Twin Cities native, John Raymond, and his Real Feels trio. Dubbed the Roots Trio when they first toured and recorded the album at Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis, the band includes rising stars on the national scene, Gilad Hekselman on guitar and Colin Stranahan on drums, and of course leader John Raymond exclusively on flugelhorn. The Real Feels album is a magical set of arrangements of music that covers Americana, pop, bebop and more.
Another debut tonight: Jeremy Walker brings his 7 Psalmsproject to Orchestra Hall.Having performed this full-length work for jazz ensemble and choir twice at Bethel College (including the CD release), Jeremy collaborates with the new American Public Media Radio Choir, conducted by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and featuring vocal soloist Jason Harms; Walker appears on piano with jazzers Brandon Wozniak, Jeff Brueske and Tim Zhorne.
In the category of great bands that seldom play these days, saxophonist/flautist Doug Little brings his Seven Steps to Havana to the Dakota tonight, highlighting the rhythms of Cuba with an ensemble of globally-charged musicians—natives of the U.S., Cuba, Mexico, Brazil and Ethiopia.
At the Icehouse, Tim Sparks and James Buckley again provide the dinner sets, while later, popular bassist Billy Peterson is back in town, just in time to celebrate his 65th birthday with family and friends, and introducing Minnesota to the charms and talents of Iceland's vocalist Anna Mjöll.
Sunday, January 24. If you missed John Raymond's CD release last night, you can get a feel for Real Feels as well as learn something at his open Master Class at MacPhail Center for Music this afternoon! At the Bedlam, the now-weekly Solomon's Sessions brings trumpeter Solomon Parham to the stage to lead an open jam/improv session, often with a crew of students from McNally Smith.
On the first of three consecutive nights of music in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, it's another installment of the Birthday Club, led by pianist Dan Chouinard, and tonight featuring vocalist nonpareil Patty Peterson, singing songs from singers and composers with January birthdays! So often heard in larger ensembles, this is a rare opportunity to hear Patty in such an intimate setting where both piano and voice will shine.
Jerry O'Hagen has retired, but his dance band carries on, now under the leadership of Charmin Michelle and Mike Haynes, still most Sundays at Cinema Ballroom. Some room for spectators but this venue is one big dance floor and orchestra stage! The swing era comes to life- bring your dancing shoes.
Monday, January 25. “In the Crook" is a new monthly series in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, putting one of our talented local singers “in the crook" of the Bösendorfer with such talented pianists as Rick Carlson. Tonight Rick supports Rachel Holder, one of the area's accomplished and most versatile vocalists. Rachel has performed with The Girls, The Wolverines, The George Maurer Group, Vital Organ, Reception Jazz, The Modd Squad, and Bruce Henry Band, and teaches at McNally Smith.
In the spotlight at Jazz Central, yet another of the area's Young Lions— saxophonist Thomas Strommen. Still engaged in college studies (at the U of M), Thomas is a veteran performer, playing with the Dakota Combo during his senior year of high school, leading the quartet Dark Blue for several years, and on the front line with Steve Kenny's Group 47 since its inception.
At the Icehouse, a double-header for JT's Jazz Implosion starts with a heady trio of JT (drums), Anthony Cox (bass) and Paul Metzger (guitar and banjos), followed by the CD release for baritone guitarist Thomas Nordlund, and his young lions' ensemble (Ben Abrahamson on guitars, Jake Baldwin on trumpet, Kevin Gastonguay on keys, Andrew Foreman on bass and Lars-Erik Larson on drums. They will be playing the new album, Divide Avenue, front to back.
Tuesday, January 26. And the third consecutive night in the Dunsmore Room, the Tuesday Instrumental Jazz series presents beloved octogenarian reed man Dave Karr and his quartet—Phil Aaron on piano, Gordy Johnson on bass and Phil Hey on drums. Karr seldom takes the spotlight, but anytime he is on stage, the spotlight just naturally falls on Dave, one of the primo purveyors of bebop (and beyond) in the metro.
At Jazz Central, it's big band night, with the Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra taking their turn on the fourth Tuesday, under the batons of leaders Geoff Senn and Mac Santiago.
Vieux Carré brings back two favorites, Chris Lomheim on solo piano for the early sets, followed by vocalist Connie Evingson's “Hot Jazz" sets.
Wednesday, January 27. One of the most distinctive pairs in metro jazz, as well as one of the most eclectic, pianist Butch Thompson and guitarist Dean Magrawwill fill the room at Vieux Carré. And in their own salute to New Orleans, drummer JT Bates and pals Joel Schaan (guitar and vocals), Jim Anton (bass) and Kevin Gastonguay (organ) rock the stage at the Icehouse. The promo suggests we might hear JT sing a few as well! It's Wednesday so that means “new music" night at Jazz Central, which tonight features a new trio headed by trumpet king Jake Baldwin, with Ted Olsen on bass and Matt Buckner on drums.
Wednesday-Thursday, January 27-28. A special Winter Carnival edition of Jazz in the Lobby Bar brings JoAnn Funk and Jeff Bruesketo the Saint Paul Hotel for some midweek hipness.
Thursday, January 28. The masterful Joel Shapira plays solo guitar for the early evening sets at Vieux Carré, while talented young singer Katia Cardenastakes the stage for Jazz Vocal Night at Jazz Central, and pianist Benny Weinbeck serenades in the lounge at Parma 8200.
