The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, September 27 - October 3

Dave Holland brings "Prism" to the Dakota this weekend

© Andrea Canter

I am gone for a few days and will miss a big weekend of jazz -- coming back just in time to catch the second night of Dave Holland's new Prism quartet. But I will miss an increasingly rare performance by Red Planet, a stunning CD release by Lila Ammons, and more! Bu there's always the coming week which is truly packed, with drum titan Billy Cobham and vibes master Gary Burton back-to-back at the Dakota, the hard-to-define acclaimed ensemble Kneebody at the Artists Quarter, Fat Kid Wednesdays back at the Icehouse, and even more.

Big Gigs This Week

Lila Ammons

Friday, September 27. Few seasoned classical/opera singers can claim to make the complete turn-around to jazz, but Lila Ammons did just that. With her legacy showing in every note (grandpa was boogie woogie pianist Albert Ammons; uncle was the great bop saxophonist Gene Ammons), Lila celebrates the release of her first solo recording, The Nearness of You, at Hell's Kitchen, backed by local cohorts Dean Brewington, Ted Godbout, Ron Evaniuk and Kevin Washington. The recording features an all-star New York cast including a few guest turns from Houston Person-- be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and a few for holiday gifts! One of the best local releases of the year and one of my favorite vocal releases from anywhere this year.

Red Planet

Friday-Saturday, September 27-28. Red Planet has long been a popular trio, with Dean Magraw, Chris Bates and Jay Epstein, but each has been so busy lately that we seldom get to enjoy their magical collaboration. They come back to home base, the Artists Quarter, this weekend, and we can expect them to tackle Coltrane, Coleman, and other notable repertoire as well a original works.

Craig Taborn, back home with Prism

Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29. It's a rare weekend at the Dakota that feature national touring artists from the jazz realm, but here comes one of the top new ensembles of the year--Dave Holland's Prism. Holland has long been known for assembling top musicians in freakishly stellar combinations, and this one is perhaps his best yet -- with Kevin Eubanks, Craig Taborn and Eric Harland. All have past history with Holland but never in a single band. The music is all original from the band,  and given the engaging material on their new self-titled album, the live show will no doubt be one of the most exciting jazz gigs of the year.

Sunday, September 29. Hard to believe that this is trad /stride piano master Butch Thompson's debut performance at the Schneider Theater of the Bloomington Center for the Arts. But this matinee indeed marks his first gig there in his 45-year career. He'll welcome savvy vocalist Lee Engele to the stage for what is sure to be an enjoyable Sunday afternoon of swinging tunes.

JT Bates

Monday, September 30. JT's Jazz Implosion is always worth the night at the Icehouse each Monday, but particularly when Fat Kid Wednesdays is on stage. JT joins Adam Linz and Mike Lewis, and then it's JT, Adam and Paul Metzger taking the late set as Embezzler.

Tuesday, October 1. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of his Spectrum album, Mahavishnu Orchestra drummer Billy Cobham comes to the Dakota with Jerry Goodman (violin), Dean Brown (guitar), Gary Husband (piano) and Ric Fierabracci (bass). Many consider Spectrum to be Cobham's best release.

Triose'

A much younger band of innovators squeezes into the music space at Cafe Maude in southwest Minneapolis. Triosé (Vinnie Rose, Jeremy Boettcher and Adrian Suarez) has a relatively short resumé but the trio has already demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with, and when they take apart 70s and 80s pop hits, there's no end to invention.

Gary Burton

Wednesday-Thursday, October 2-3.  Celebrating his 70th birthday, a new CD and a the publication of a riveting autobiography, vibes master Gary Burton returns to the Dakota with his "New" Quartet, featuring Julian Lage, Scott Colley and Antonio Sanchez. This is the same quartet that left audiences spellbound at the 2011 Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Across the river, a very different ensemble will be generating heat at the Artists Quarter, when the still-young cats of Kneebody come to town -- and invite Dave King to double the drum sets. Relatively young they may be, this band has been together for 12 yeas already --Adam Benjamin on keyboards, Shane Endsley on trumpet, Ben Wendel on tenor sax, Kaveh Rastegar on bass, and Nate Wood on drums. The New York Times tried to find a description, coming up with “There isn’t a handy term or genre for the music that Kneebody creates. It’s a band thoroughly acquainted with 1960s free-bop, 1970s jazz rock, 1990s hip-hop and postmillennial indie rock; along with classical postminimalism."

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Joyce Lyons

Friday, September 27. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, happy hour at the Dakota; Joyce Lyons and Phil Mattson at Parma 8200; Patrick Harison at the Icehouse

Saturday, September 28. JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Viva Brazil at Loring Pasta Bar; Gang Font at the Icehouse

Sunday, September 29. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Cafe; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Zacc Harris Trio at Merlin's Rest Pub (4 pm)

Monday, September 30. Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Adi Yeshaya and friends at Jazz Central

Tuesday, October 1. Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog; Cory Wong Quartet at the Artists Quarter; Bill Simonsen Orchestra at Jazz Central

Wednesday, October 2. Steve Kenny Group 47 at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; James Wallace at the Red Stag

Thursday, October 3. Vocal Night at Jazz Central; Moonlight Serenaders at Wabasha Street Caves; Jon Pemberton at the Red Stag; Zacc Harris Trio at Harriet Brewing Co

Coming Soon!

. October 4-5, Atlantis Quartet CD Release at the Artists Quarter

. October 5, JazzMN Orchestra with Kenny Drew, Jr at Hopkins HS Performing Arts Center

. October 6, Sounds of Blackness at the Dakota

. October 8, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. October 9, Charmin & Shapira and Friends at the Dakota

. October 10, Cosmic Troubadours (Young Artists Showcase) at the Artists Quarter

. October 11, John Penny and Pippi Ardennia at Senor Wong

. October 11-12, Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

. October 12, Vicky Mountain and Maryann Sullivan ("Dearie and O'Day"), Jazz @St Barneys (St Barnabas Arts Center)

. October 13, Steve Kimmel, PipJazz Sundays at Landmark Center

. October 15-16, Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion at the Dakota

. October 18-19, CD Release, Cory Wong at the Artists Quarter

. October 24, Pippi Ardennia CD Release at FACES Mears Park

. October 25, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. October 26, Rhonda Laurie, Jazz @ St Barneys (St Barnabas Arts Center)

. November 1, Erik Friedlander and Mitch Epstein at the Walker Art Center

. November 3, Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Fundraiser featuring Lynne Arriale Trio at the Dakota

. November 6, Marcus Roberts Trio at the Dakota

. November 7, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. November 9, Alan Toussaint at the Dakota

. November 10, PipJazz Youth All-Stars at Landmark Center

. November 12-13, José James at the Dakota

. November 16, Laura Caviani, Jazz @ St Barneys (St Barnabas Arts Center)

. December 6, Reynold Philipsek CD release at 318 Café 

The Atlantis Quartet releases new CD next weekend at the Artists Quarter

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, September 20-26

Soul Slinger Bettye Lavette holds back nothing at the Dakota, September 23-24

© Andrea Canter

Diane Witherspoon returns for a rare hometown gig; Katie Gearty, a jazz band and dance ensemble collaborate on Belmont Hotel; the "galician bagpipe diva" brings improvisation and a wide swath of music to the Dakota where the Great Lady of Soul (Bettye Lavette) returns a night later; Fat Kid Wednesdays is featured on the upcoming two Mondays of JT's Jazz Implosion; the Golden Strings celebrate 50 years; and the Artists Quarter hosts its largest regular ensembles, the Adam Meckler Orchestra and Pete Whitman X-Tet. It's a wild week in Twin Cities jazz and improvisational music.

Maud Hixson

Friday, September 20. Refreshed and still ecstatic from her New York CD release a couple weeks ago, songbird Maud Hixson is back home and ready to sing for her local audience, tonight at Parma 8200 with Rick Carlson and Gordy Johnson. She's got some great stories from her big night at the Cafe at Broadway -- just ask! And maybe she will work in a few of her sparkling Mickey Leonard tunes. Downtown Minneapolis at the Dakota, Ginger Commodore and Debbie Duncan are back on stage, surely one of the hottest vocal duos in the region. Standards, blues, soul and a thick sprinkle of sass and wit will keep Ginger's long-running band on its toes.

Diane Witherspoon (photo/artist)

Friday-Saturday, September 20-21. Native Twin Citian, vocalist Diane Witherspoon makes a rare stop home for a gig this weekend, with two nights at the Artists Quarter. Sister of the late Shirley Witherspoon and a second cousin to bluesman Jimmy Witherspoon, Diane has been performing and recording on the West Coast and abroad for the past 30 years. Her local support team this weekend is worthy of it own gig -- Laura Caviani, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst.

Katie Gearty in winter show at Southern Theater

Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 29. After opening last night, COLLIDE Theatrical Dance Company's new production of The Belmont Hotel continues through next weekend with Thursday-Sunday performances at the Southern Theater. The music is jazz from the Prohibition Era, with vocals from Katie Gearty and Cameron Wright and instrumental backing from a combo including jazz fans' favorite Graydon Peterson; the dancers of COLLIDE are led by choreographer Regina Peluso; and the story is right out of Broadway, filled with the dark drama of the Roaring Twenties.

Nichola Miller

Saturday, September 21. Motherhood has not made a dent in Nichola Miller's vocal talent; if anything there's even more swing and conviction in her delivery, and she hasn't lost an ounce of sass. Filling in for originally scheduled partner Tanner Taylor, Nichola will swing to the tips of the high beams at the St. Barnabas Arts Center as the opening concert in the Jazz @ St Barney's series. By the way, this is one of the best deals around, a monthly series of the best of area jazz, an early evening at 7 pm, snacks and beverages included in your $10

Sunday, September 22. Rooted in improvisation  but covering "the waterfront" of modern music, Cristina Pato plays piano, sings, and most famously plays the Galician bagpipe. A member of Yo-Yo Ma's renowned Silk Road project, Pato has performed world, jazz, classical and experimental music with the Chicago Symphony, The Chieftains, Arturo O’Farril, and Paquito D'Rivera, among others, and her latest release on Sunnyside, Migration, is getting kudos from all over. She's at the Dakota tonight.

Fat Kid Wednesdays at the Icehouse

Monday, September 23. Once in a while I find out who is on stage at the Icehouse for JT's weekly Jazz Implosion! So make note -- tonight and next Monday, Fat Kid Wednesdays and Embezzler go back to back. FKW is one of the most inventive of the experimental ensembles here, and with saxophonist Mike Lewis in town less and less often, it is more and more a treat to here these guys (with Adam Linz and JT Bates), and the ambience and wild lighting at the Icehouse make it a perfect home venue. The newer trio, Embezzler, puts Bates and Linz into collaboration with guitar hero Paul Metzger.

Tyler Anderso

Jazz Central continues its Monday night "Featured Artist" series with young upstart saxophonist Tyler Anderson. Tyler's been studying in a Masters' program with Branford Marsalis in North Carolina, so we're likely to see some new directions in his already exciting music.

Monday - Tuesday, September 23-24. No matter how you classify her, jazz audiences love Bettye Lavette, aka The Great Lady of Soul. And no matter how high her albums chart, Bettye Lavette loves the Dakota, one of the first clubs to book her when she launched a comeback nearly a decade ago. There is no other performer in my experience who can put so much raw emotion into a performance and retain her art so skillfully.

Adam Meckler Orchestra at the AQ

Tuesday, September 24. It's Big Band Night on both sides of the metro. The Adam Meckler Orchestra fills their monthly slot at the Artists Quarter, boasting a cool sampling of the area's top young jazzers and always some new arrangements and compositions from Adam. At Jazz Central, the weekly Big Band schedule presents the Nova Jazz Orchestra, also known for original charts and compositions.  Get your big band fix -- you can make it to both gigs if you start at Jazz Central; no problem getting to the AQ for the second set!

Paula Lammers

Wednesday, September 25. Fireside Pizza usually presents Charmin Michelle with Denny Malmberg, but tonight Paula Lammers takes over on vocals, giving southside jazz fans a not-too-common opportunity to enjoy her lus interpretations of standards and more... and of course there's that great thin-crust pizza.  Meanwhile Graydon Peterson, still glowing from his recent CD release, takes his music into Jazz Central.

Cliff Brunzell

A special celebration takes place at the American Swedish Institute-- the 50th anniversary of the Golden Strings, whose strolling violin show debuted at the old Minneapolis Radisson Hotel´s Flame Room on Valentine´s Day 1963. Violin virtuoso Cliff Brunzell has led the band ever since. Special guests Connie Evingson and Charmin Michelle join the Golden Strings in an evening including cocktails, dessert and coffee.  

Thursday, September 26. Used to be that the Pete Whitman X-Tet was the biggest ensemble to squeeze into the Artists Quarter, but the Adam Meckler Orchestra and recent JazzMN gig prove the X-Tet was just the beginning. But you won't find a band with a bigger sound or bigger following than the X-Tet, back at the AQ for their almost monthly blowout.

Sue Oattes

Jazz Central's Vocal Night tonight features veteran singer Sue [Tucker] Oattes with frequent piano partner Tanner Taylor. This is sort of a family affair, as Sue's dad Jack Oattes was Tanner's first mentor and employer in their native Iowa. Sue was a favorite among Twin Cities jazz vocal fans, dropped out for a while and has recently returned to the stage with her trademark swinging energy.

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, September 20. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, happy hour at the Dakota; Phil Aaron and Adam Wozniak at the Icehouse (dinner sets); Todd Harper followed by the Donald Washington Quartet with Brad Bellows at the Black Dog; Maurice Jacox and Friends at the Red Stag

Charmin & Shapira

Saturday, September 21. Charmin & Shapira at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, St Paul Hotel; Bryan Nichols and Brandon Wozniak at the Icehouse (dinner sets); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200

Sunday, September 22. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Cafe; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's Cafe; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom

Monday, September 23. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Head Space at the Artists Quarter

Tuesday, September 24. Joel Shapira at Hell's Kitchen; Cory Wong Quartet, early set at the Artists Quarter

Wednesday, September 25. Nick Haas at Hell's Kitchen; Steve Kenny's Group 47 followed by the Kenny Horst Quartet at the Artists Quarter; James Wallace at Barbette

Thursday, September 26. St Peter Street Stompers at the Red Stag; Connie and Herb at The Bean (Andover)

Coming Soon!

. September 27, Lila Ammons CD Release at Hell’s Kitchen

. September 27-28, Red Planet at the Artists Quarter

. September 28-29, Prism (Dave Holland, Craig Taborn, Kevin Eubanks, Eric Harland) at the Dakota

. September 30, Fat Kid Wednesdays/Embezzler at the Icehouse

. September 30, Adi Yeshaya, Dave Karr and Dave Graf at Jazz Central

. October 1, Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 at the Dakota

. October 2-3, Gary Burton Quartet at the Dakota

. October 3, Kneebody at the Artists Quarter

. October 5, JazzMN Orchestra with Kenny Drew, Jr at Hopkins HS Performing Arts Center

. October 5-6, Atlantis Quartet CD Release at the Artists Quarter

. October 11, John Penny and Pippi Ardennia at Senor Wong

. October 11-12, Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

. October 15-16, Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion at the Dakota

. October 18-19, CD Release, Cory Wong at the Artists Quarter

. October 26, Rhonda Laurie, Jazz @ St Barneys

. November 1, Erik Friedlander and Mitch Epstein at the Walker Art Center

. November 3, Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Fundraiser featuring Lynne Arriale Trio at the Dakota

. November 6, Marcus Roberts Trio at the Dakota

. November 7, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. November 9, Alan Toussaint at the Dakota

. November 10, PipJazz Youth All-Stars at Landmark Center

. November 12-13, José James at the Dakota

. November 16, Laura Caviani, Jazz @ St Barneys

. December 6, Reynold Philipsek CD release at 318 Café 

Dave Holland brings his new Prism ensemble to the Dakota, September 28-29

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, September 13-19

JazzMN Orchestra, Fundraiser at the Dakota on September 18th

© Andrea Canter

Two outdoor festivals bring jazz to community audiences this weekend, while a bunch of trombones make for "locally damaging winds" at the Artists Quarter and Tito Puente is the subject of a salute and workshop as Jazz at Studio Z returns for a third season. Doc Severinsen again launches his Midwest tour at the Dakota, where the JazzMN Orchestra holds a fundraiser and the Ravi Coltrane Quartet spend an evening.  All in all, not a bad week of live jazz in the Twin Cities!

Big Gigs This Week.

George Cartwright

Friday, September 13. It's a jazzy weekend at the Black Dog, and things kick off tonight with the return of Merciless Ghost, with George Cartwright, Josh Gronowski and Davu Seru. This is one of the most creative of free jazz ensembles, and they don't come together that often. Part of the Community Pool/Deep End series.

A unique and worthy collaboration, vocalist Lila Ammons teams up with guitarist Joan Griffith and pianist Phil Mattson in the bar/lounge at Parma 8200. Lila is seldom seen locally outside of Honey, and Joan is simply not seen enough, period. Add in the accompanist to the stars, Phil, and you have a lovely evening in a most relaxing venue.

Dave Graf and Brad Bellows

Friday-Saturday, September 13-14. Once in a while, some of the area's top trombonists get together with a rhythm section to create Locally Damaging Winds. The bones at the Artists Quarter this weekend belong to Dave Graf, Brad Bellows, Pete Enblom and Wade Clark, with Bryan Nichols, Tom Pieper and Mac Santiago providing ample backing. Note Enblom turns up again as featured artist at Jazz Central on Monday night.

Saturday, September 14. The city mouse and country mouse each have jazz festivals in their environs: The annual Selby Avenue Jazz Festival takes place at the intersection of Selby and Milton in St Paul, with contemporary jazz stars headlining the final sets-- raging saxophonist Damon Brown and keyboard monster Marcus Johnson. The also annual Heritage Showcase, Dick and Jane's Big Brass Band, Walker West Legends ensemble, the Lex-Ham Big Band, and Yohannes Tona Band round out the line-up of this neighborhood and family-friendly, free event. Out toward Taylor's Falls at Franconia Sculpture Park, it's the final Music @Franconia event of the season, a free jazz festival boasting Trio Pika (Adam Linz, Bryan Nichols, Phil Hey), the Atlantis Quartet, Sophia Shorai, Lucia Newell and Debbie Duncan.

Rey Rivera

After all that outdoor activity, you might enjoy some indoor jazz. Tonight is the opening of the third Jazz at Studio Z season, curated by Zacc Harris.  The subject is Tito Puente, and the teacher is percussionist Rey Rivera, who will present a short workshop on Puente and then bring his ensemble to the Studio Z stage for some live demonstrations. Should be over in plenty of time to get to action at the Artists Quarter or Black Dog.

Doc Severinsen

Monday, September 16. His term on the Tonight Show is long gone but Doc Severinsen continues to lead a big band on national tours. Over the past few years he has used the Dakota to launch his Midwest Tour, typically taking a few of our local heroes with him-- Mary Louise Knutson on piano, and often Michael Nelson on trombone, Adam Rossmiller on trumpet, and perhaps more.  Catch the always-energetic Doc and company tonight, two sets.

Phil Aaron

Tuesday, September 17. Triosé is one of the newer and more exciting small jazz bands around the Cities. With Vinnie Rose, Jeremy Boettcher and Adrian Suarez, the trio takes charge on Foodie Night at the Dakota. Meanwhile, the ever-sublime pianist Phil Aaron bring his trio into the Artists Quarter for an evening of bop standards and some originals are also likely to make it on the set list.

Wednesday, September 18. Young Will Kjeer will be so busy tonight he might miss curfew. The 17-year-old piano whiz starts the evening at the Artists Quarter with Steve Kenny's Group 47 for the early show (this is a reconfiguration of the old Bastids); and he stays on the bench for the Dave Brattain Quartet in prime time.

Doug Snapp, Mary Louise Knutson of JazzMN

Across town, the Dakota hosts a special fundraising gig for the JazzMN Orchestra's Educational Outreach Fund, which allows the band to visit area schools and provide performance and learning opportunities for student ensembles. It;s always a bit tight when a big band takes over at the Dakota, but it's also one of the most enjoyable ways to hear a big ensemble.

Thursday, September 19. It's been a few years since Ravi Coltrane came to town, and about 8 years since he appeared at the Dakota. He's back with his touring quartet, featuring Luis Perdamo on piano, Drew Gress on bass and E.J. Strickland on drums, a collaboration spanning about a decade and several hot recordings.

Tonight is the opening of Belmont Hotel, the latest collaboration between vocalist Katie Gearty and the CoLLide Dance Theater at the Southern Theater. Gearty is evolving into the jazz theater diva, and is joined by a band including bassist Graydon Peterson along with one of the area's most inventive dance companies.

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, September 13.  Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Retro Swing Sisters at the Village (Mendota Heights); Classic Big Band at the Bloomington Knights of Columbus Hall; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen

Saturday, September 14. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Mary Louise Knutson at Spirit United Methodist Church; Phil Aaron and Brian Courage, dinner sets at the Icehouse

Sunday, September 15.  Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Patty and the Buttons at the Dakota

Monday, September 16. Headspace at the Artists Quarter; JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse; Pete Enblom at Jazz Central; the Fantastic Merlins at the Black Dog

Tuesday, September 17. Cory Wong Quartet, early set at the Artists Quarter;  Agster/Haining Explosion at Jazz Central; Greg Beyer (solo cello) at the 331 Club

Wednesday, September 18. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Wolverines Trio with Maud Hixson at Hell's Kitchen; Chris Lomheim Trio at Jazz Central

Thursday, September 19. Lee Engele and Reynold Philipsek at Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes (4 pm); Dave Karr Quartet at the Artists Quarter; Jazz Central Vocal Night

Coming Soon!

. September 20-21, Diane Witherspoon at the Artists Quarter

. September 20-29, "Belmont Hotel" with Katie Gearty and Collide Theatrical Dance Company at the Southern Theater

. September 23-24, Bettye LaVette at the Dakota

. September 24, Adam Meckler Orchestra at the Artists Quarter

. September 26, Pete Whitman X-Tet at the Artists Quarter

. September 27, Lila Ammons CD Release at Hell’s Kitchen

. September 27-28, Red Planet at the Artists Quarter

. September 28-29, Prism (Dave Holland, Craig Taborn, Kevin Eubanks, Eric Harland) at the Dakota

. October 1, Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 at the Dakota

. October 2-3, Gary Burton Quartet at the Dakota

. October 3, Kneebody at the Artists Quarter

. October 5, JazzMN Orchestra with Kenny Drew, Jr at Hopkins HS Performing Arts Center

. October 5-6, Atlantis Quartet at the Artists Quarter

. October 11-12, Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

. October 15-16, Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion at the Dakota

. October 18-19, CD Release, Cory Wong at the Artists Quarter

. October 26, Rhonda Laurie, Jazz @ St Barneys

. November 1, Erik Friedlander and Mitch Epstein at the Walker Art Center

. November 3, Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Fundraiser featuring Lynne Arriale Trio at the Dakota

. November 6, Marcus Roberts Trio at the Dakota

. November 7, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. November 9, Alan Toussaint at the Dakota

. November 10, PipJazz Youth All-Stars at Landmark Center

. November 12-13, José James at the Dakota

. November 16, Laura Caviani, Jazz @ St Barneys

. December 6, Reynold Philipsek CD release at 318 Café 

Bettye LaVette returns to the Dakota on September 23-24

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, September 6-12

Jeremy Pelt and the United Trumpet Summit at the Dakota, September 11

© Andrea Canter

It's early for fall harvest, but there's sure a cornucopia of music this weekend and through the coming week, from the eclectic Concrete and Grass Festival at Mears Park to a first CD release for one of the area's most exciting new ensembles, a homecoming for harmonicist Clint Hoover, auditions for the Dakota Combo, a rare appearance (and free!) by the imaginative ETHEL quartet and a gathering of top trumpeters.

Big Gigs This Week

Clint Hoover returns with East Side

Friday, September 6. About a year ago, the Twin Cities lost one of the jazz harmonica players in the region when Clint Hoover moved to Pittsburgh. The move also reduced the quartet East Side to a trio, still strong with Reynold Philipsek (guitar), Matt Senjem (bass) and Michael Bissonnette (percussion). But thankfully Hoover return for a visit now and then, and East Side will reign as a full quartet at the Black Dog tonight. Swinging music with a modern twist. (Note the band will be at the 318 Café in Excelsior on Saturday night.)

Dorothy Doring

Music continues in the bar/lounge at Parma 8200. Tonight it's a delightful trio of vocalist Dorothy Doring, bassist/guitarist Joan Griffith, and pianist Phil Mattson. Reservations in the bar highly advisable as there is not a lot of tables. A really relaxing way to end the work week and contemplate the weekend. Joan in particular is not seen enough in club settings.

Graydon Peterson

Friday-Saturday, September 6-7. Versatile bassist Graydon Peterson stepped out as bandleader about two years ago, with his Quartet building its repertoire from Peterson's original compositions. Now the band is releasing its first (self-titled) recording with a bash at the Artists Quarter, and there is much cause for celebration. Eight compositions cover a wide range of musical and emotional space and highlight the sturdy chops of each artist-- Peterson, Adam Meckler, Vinnie Rose and Adrian Suarez.

The annual Lowertown Concrete and Grass Festival continues (it opened Thursday night) with two more days of diverse music at Mears Park, celebrating the wide musical tastes of our community. Tonight, start with A Rey (led by singer/songwriter Alicia Renee), move to Africa with the infectious rhythms of Marimba Africa, and finish out the night with the always surprising singer/songwriter Lucy Michelle, without her "Velvet Lapelles." Instead, her cohorts are New Standards veterans Chan Poling and John Munson. Saturday brings the jazzy Copper Street Brass, singers from the Minnesota Opera, the McNally Smith faculty ensemble Sphericals, and the closing set from Halloween, Alaska -- a rock-oriented project featuring Dave King.

JoAnn Funk

Saturday, September 7. Jazz returns to the Lobby Bar of the St. Paul Hotel, every Saturday night through November with JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske, piano and bass duo augmented by JoAnn's cool vocals. (In December, they add Friday nights.) JoAnn's repertoire covers a wide swath of jazz, with Blossom Dearie a longtime favorite. Another bar set worthy of note-- in place of the usual Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma tonight, it's popular vocalist Vicky Mountain and her swinging trio.

Not a public performance but young jazz musicians note the Dakota Combo Auditions will be held today from noon til 4:30 pm at MacPhail Center for Music. If you are a serious jazz musician in grades 9-12, this is a big opportunity to study with Adam Linz for a full school year, rehearse and perform with the best young artists in the area, with all tuition and fees covered by the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education. Bring your instrument and show up for the auditions!

Pavel Jany

Sunday, September 8. The annual salute to the end of summer, Pavel Jany presents the Adieu Summer Concert at Black Bear Crossing at the Como Park Pavilion a late afternoon event featuring Jany's Talking Strings, Ticket to Brasil, Lau Hawaiian Collective, and Bluesion -- a global smorgasbord in one of the loveliest of our metro parks.

Pippi Ardennia

Another way to beat the heat outside while reveling in smoldering music is PipJazz Sundays. The September concert at Landmark Center features series host Pippi Ardennia singing tunes (including originals) from her forthcoming CD, Love So Good (It Makes Me Want to Sang). If you have not yet heard the jazzy, bluesy big voice of PipJazz, you will be blown away. And if you are already a fan, I don't need to say anything. Pippi's youth guest will be bassist Gavin Taylor-Stark, a recent grad of Central High; and for his first concert as Youth Artist in Residence, pianist Will Kjeer will take over the piano bench for the entire evening, filling in for Peter Schimke. And he won't miss a beat.

Tuesday, September 10. The thoroughly modern, amplified string quartet ETHEL makes a rare Twin Cities appearance tonight in the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center of Macalester College. Even more rare, this is a free concert, part of the New Music Series sponsored by the Rivendell Foundation. ETHEL musicians (including their newest addition, Twin Cities' violinist Kip Jones) will be working with MAC students for a couple days before the concert, entitled "Grace." The performance will include a suite from the score to the film, "The Mission," by Ennio Morricone, as well as music from other cultures.

Randy Brecker

Wednesday, September 11. The Dakota hosts the United Trumpet Summit, a special touring ensemble featuring four of the leading trumpet voices on the American jazz scene-- Randy Brecker, Jeremy Pelt, Eddie Henderson, and relative newcomer, Leon Jordan, Jr. This should be a fascinating band given the somewhat different approaches to the horn taken by each musician.

Over at the Artists Quarter, another unusual evening features vocalist/percussionist Mansur Scott and his Harlem Quartet. Based in New York and heard throughout Europe, Scott has performed on most Big Apple stages, subbed for the late Leon Thomas, and recently made a comeback following a stroke. He's nicknamed "the jazz mayor of Harlem."

Phil Hey

Thursday, September 12. It's always a great evening when the Phil Hey Quartet comes into the Artists Quarter. A 21st century "Modern Jazz Quartet," the PHQ has outlasted most area ensembles and boasts musicians who should each be a household name -- Hey on drums, Dave Hagedorn on vibes, Phil Aaron on piano and Tom Lewis on bass. Their repertoire covers Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and the best of post bop as well as original fare.

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, September 6. Todd Harper, early show at the Black Dog; Lee Engele and James Allen at the Wine Market; Irv Williams and Peter Schimke (happy hour) at the Dakota; Arne Fogel at Hell's Kitchen; James Buckley and Bryan Nichols at the Icehouse (early evening)

Saturday, September 7. Retro Swing Sisters at Social Dance Studio; Joel Shapira Trio at Loring Pasta Bar; Nachito Herrera at the Dakota; East Side at the 318 Cafe'; Phil Aaron and Chris Bates, early evening at the Icehouse; James Wallace at the Red Stag

Sunday, September 8. Brio Big Band, Jesse James Days in Northfield (noon); Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom

Monday, September 9. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Twin Cities Hot Club at Famous Dave's (Uptown); JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse, featuring Big Blue Station Wagon; Preston Haining and Friends at Jazz Central

Tuesday, September 10. Cory Wong Quartet followed by Brandon Wozniak and Friends at the Artists Quarter; Cedar Av Big Band at Jazz Central; Chris Olson Project at the Black Dog

Wednesday, September 11. Connie Evingson with Dave Karr and Tanner Taylor, Jazz in the Lounge at the Mpls Woman's Club; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Chris Bates improv night at Jazz Central; Steve Kenny, early show at the Artists Quarter; Gypsy Mania at Barbette

Thursday, September 12. Minnesota Jazz Orchestra at Wabasha Street Caves

Coming Soon!

. September 13-14, Locally Damaging Winds at the Artists Quarter

. September 14, Selby Ave Jazz Festival (Milton and Selby Av)

. September 14, Franconia Sculpture Park Jazz Festival (Franconia Park)

. September 16, Doc Severinsen Big Band at the Dakota

. September 17, Phil Aaron Trio at the Artists Quarter

. September 17, Greg Byers at 331 Club

. September 18, JazzMN Orchestra Fundraiser at the Dakota

. September 18, Dave Brattain Quartet at the Artists Quarter

. September 19, Ravi Coltrane Quartet

. September 19, Dave Karr Quartet at the Artists Quarter

. September 19-29, “Belmont Hotel” at the Southern Theater (jazz vocals, dance featuring Katie Gearty)

. September 20-21, Diane Witherspoon at the Artists Quarter

. September 20-29, "Bedlam Hotel" with Katie Gearty and Collide Theatrical Dance Company at the Southern Theater

. September 23-24, Bettye LaVette at the Dakota

. September 24, Adam Meckler Orchestra at the Artists Quarter

. September 26, Pete Whitman X-Tet at the Artists Quarter

. September 27, Lila Ammons CD Release at Hell’s Kitchen

. September 27-28, Red Planet at the Artists Quarter

. September 28-29, Prism (Dave Holland, Craig Taborn, Kevin Eubanks, Eric Harland) at the Dakota

. October 1, Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 at the Dakota

. October 2-3, Gary Burton Quartet at the Dakota

. October 3, Kneebody at the Artists Quarter

. October 5, JazzMN Orchestra with Kenny Drew, Jr at Hopkins HS Performing Arts Center

. October 5-6, Atlantis Quartet at the Artists Quarter

. October 11-12, Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

. October 15-16, Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion at the Dakota

. October 18-19, CD Release, Cory Wong at the Artists Quarter

. October 26, Rhonda Laurie, Jazz @ St Barneys

. November 1, Erik Friedlander and Mitch Epstein at the Walker Art Center

. November 3, Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Fundraiser featuring Lynne Arriale Trio at the Dakota

. November 7, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. November 9, Alan Toussaint at the Dakota

. November 10, PipJazz Youth All-Stars at Landmark Center

. November 12-13, José James at the Dakota

. November 16, Laura Caviani, Jazz @ St Barneys

. December 6, Reynold Philipsek CD release at 318 Café 

Doc Severinsen Big Band at the Dakota, September 16