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Leigh Kamman, 1922-2014 |
© Andrea Canter
The Saint Paul Winter
Carnival is just getting underway. And it may seem like a winter jazz carnival
in the Twin Cities this weekend, most notably with the celebration of the life
of broadcaster/jazz wizard Leigh Kamman at the Saint Paul Hotel, just off the
epicenter of the Carnival in Rice
Park. Also this weekend, the annual Winter Jazz
Blast at McNally Smith with special
guest Ingrid Jensen and the Century
College festival with
special guest Steve Davis, who continues his Twin Cities run at the Icehouse on
Monday. The Illicit Sextet returns to the Black Dog, Debbie Duncan and Gwen
Matthews mix it up at the Dakota, and the Atlantis Quartet previews some new
material at Jazz Central. And the heat continues well into the week as Dianne
Reeves hits the Dakota and Maryann Sullivan celebrates a birthday at Jazz
Central.
Big Gigs This Week
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Atlantis Quartet |
Friday, January 23. A busy Friday all around the metro. In Minneapolis, the Atlantis Quartet (Zacc Harris, Brandon
Wozniak, Chris Bates, Pete Hennig) is featured on Jazz Central's
"Bridge" series, showcasing their always-intriguing improvisations
and previewing new works that will appear on their upcoming CD, recorded live
at the Icehouse. After debuting at Chicago's
Jazz Showcase recently, the band has signed on to appear on the main stage of
the Iowa City Jazz Festival in July.
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Maryann Sullivan |
In St Paul, Maryann
Sullivan's Corner Jazz brings swing, standards and a dash of sass to the
Black Dog. And you can't imagine a more swinging line-up-- Reynold Philipsek on
guitar, Jim Chenoweth on bass, and the Haining guys-- Doug on sax and son
Trevor on drums. And note her birthday gig at Jazz Central on Thursday. (Note to Maud
Hixson fans-- that gig at Parma
tonight is a private event that somehow got sent out as a public show.)
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Doug Little |
At the Dakota, Seven Steps to Havana returns after a
long break. This globally inspired septet lead by Doug Little includes Cuban
pianist Viviana Pintado and a cast of the best interpreters of Latin rhythms. And stay up late -- Late Night at the Dakota
features trombone master Steve Davis
(Chick Corea's Origin, Jackie McLean, etc.) with improvising hip hop group
Coloring Time. Davis
is also in town for the Century College Jazz Festival and JT's Jazz Implosion
-- see below.
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Ingrid Jensen |
Saturday, January 24. It's the third annual Winter Jazz Blast at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. For most of the
day, middle and high school jazz students participate in clinics and
performances. The evening agenda includes a public concert featuring this
year's guest artist, outstanding trumpeter Ingrid
Jensen, along with McNally Smith ensembles (X-Tet, Hornheads Tribute and
Fusion).
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Nathan Norman, Illicit Sextet |
Saturday Night at the Black
Dog features the Illicit Sextet,
popular in the 90s, dormant through most of the 00s, and reunited in 2009 at
full tilt. Some of the most accomplished veterans in the Twin Cities, the band
remains intact from its mid-90s edition, with Steve Kenny, Paul Harper, David
Roos, Chris Lomheim, Tom Pieper and Nathan Norman. Expect some tunes from their
Chapter Eleven release (2013) as well as some new material which will be part
of the next CD, to be recorded this year. Opening set will feature young
musicians from River
Falls, Dark Blue.
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Debbie Duncan |
At the Dakota, two of the
region's finest voices and entertainers team up -- Debbie Duncan and Gwen Matthews present "My Favorite
Things" with support from Adi Yeshaya, piano;Tome Lewis, bass; Joe
Pulice, drums; and Rich Manik, sax.
Sunday, January 25. The 26th
annual Century College Jazz Festival
welcomes guest artist, trombone master Steve
Davis, with public performances with the Century Jazz Ensemble at 3 and 8
pm. (Arrive early as Jana Nyberg will perform at pre-concert receptions at 2
and 7 pm.) Davis
will hang out a while, turning up at the Icehouse tomorrow night (see
below).
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Leigh Kamman |
The biggest event of the
weekend will take place at the Saint Paul Hotel (Grand Ballroom) as the Twin
Cities jazz community comes together to honor the life and work of Leigh Kamman, the voice of jazz radio
for more than 60 years. Kamman, who passed away in October, will be remembered
through performances by a long list of area musicians (including Dean Magraw,
Patty Peterson, Kenny Horst, Irv Williams, Conning Evingson and Butch Thompson),
appearing in familiar and unfamiliar configurations. It's officially 4-8 pm but
closing with a jam session that could go on much later. And there is an
"after-party" in the lower level of the Hamm Building
- -a familiar space that will soon hold a new club, designated for now as Room
With a Vieux. Bassist Gary Raynor
will lead a trio and guests to continue the celebration of Leigh Kamman well
into the wee hours.
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Phil Hey |
Monday, January 26. There's a new band in town and they kick-off with two
gigs today! Led by U of M trombonist Tom
Ashworth, the Fireside Five Jazz Quintet boasts heavyweights Brian Grivna, Phil Aaron, Gordy Johnson and
Phil Hey. They debut at 3:30 pm on campus at U of M Ultan Hall (West Bank),
and then move across town to the Underground Music Cafe in St Paul for the evening.
At Jazz Central, the
spotlight is on Dave Graf, resident
trombone magician. We hear Dave often in larger ensembles like JazzMN and Salsa
Del Soul, so this will be a much more intimate encounter with pianist Ted
Godbout, bassist Graydon Peterson and drummer Mac Santiago.
Billed as the second annual Steve Davis Throwdown, the Icehouse
hosts the masterful trombonist and Jackie McLean alum, who is making the most
of his Twin Cities visit. Tonight he performs the first set with in a burning
quintet with Bryan Nichols, piano; Jeff Bailey, bass; Brandon Wozniak, sax; and
JT Bates, drums. The late set finds Davis
co-leading the Steve and Jon Davis
Bonkers Electrorchesta, promising a list of guest artists and no doubt,
some electronic wizardry.
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Dianne Reeves |
Tuesday-Wednesday, January 27-28. When Dianne
Reeves headlined the 2014 Twin Cities Jazz Festival, she demonstrated much
more than her outstanding voice and creativity -- she showed us her flexibility
and sense of humor as well. The band arrived without luggage (i.e., without
wardrobe), and then had to made the quick move from Mears
Park to the Amsterdam when rain washed out the festival
stages. Unruffled, Reeves put on a memorable show for an overflowing audience.
This week, she will hopefully have a much better travel experience and there is
little chance of flooding at the Dakota. A multi-Grammy winner and nominee,
Dianne's 2014 release, Beautiful Life,
is up for another. The Dakota gig is an intimate one with just a trio--
Peter Martin on piano, Reginald Veal on bass and Terreon Gully on drums.
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Jake Baldwin |
Wednesday, January 28. Just a couple years out of the New England
Conservatory, trumpeter Jake Baldwin
brings a quintet to Jazz Central's weekly improvised music night. Jake came out
of gate leading bands, writing new music, finding chairs in area big bands and
just generally embedding himself in the Twin Cities jazz and improvised music
scenes.
Thursday, January 29. The curator books herself tonight at Jazz Central!
Join vocalist Maryann Sullivan and Corner Jazz for a swinging birthday party --
Maryann promises cake! (And two sets of foot-stomping music.)
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, January 23. Irv Williams and Steve Blons, happy hour at the
Dakota; Todd Harper, happy hour at the Black Dog; Jake Hanson and James
Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Vic Volare at Hell's Kitchen; JoAnn Funk
and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Seven Cat Swing Band at
Crooners Lounge
Saturday, January 24. Joel Shapira Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Katia Cardenas
at Mattie's on Main; Jake Hanson and James Buckley, dinner sets at the
Icehouse; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the
Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson Trio alternating sets with the Twin Cities
Hot Club at Patrick's Cabaret; Paula Lammers and Denny Malmberg at the Mason
Jar; Gary LaRue Quartet at Crooners Lounge; Dean Brewington Trio at Loring
Pasta Bar; Peter Ostroushko and Dean Magraw at Creek House; Jim Ten Bensel Trio
at Ngon Bistro
Sunday, January 25. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Cafe;
Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Charmin Michelle and the Jerry O'Hagan
Orchestra at Cinema Ballroom
Monday, January 26. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside
Pizza; BZ3 Organ Trio at The Narrows Saloon; Gary LaRue Quartet at Crooners Lounge
Tuesday, January 27. Firebell at Cafe Maude; Cafe Accordion at Loring
Pasta Bar; Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra at Jazz Central; Jazz on the
Prairie Big Band at Eden Prairie High School; Darren Saner Duo at Crooners
Lounge
Wednesday, January 28. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside
Pizza; Jake Hanson and James Buckley at Cafe Maude; JVP (Joey Van Phillips)
Ensemble at The Cedar; Jazz at the Tangiers
Thursday, January 29. John Devine and Friends at Loring Pasta Bar; Viva Brazil at the
Icehouse
Coming Soon!
. January
30, What Would Monk Do at Jazz Central
. January
31, Steve Cole with Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota
. January
31, Dave Brattain Quartet, Dean Granros Quartet at the Black Dog
. January
31, Butch Thompson, Jazz @St. Barneys
. January
31, Katia Cardenas at The Nicollet
. February
2, Jazz Implosion: Matt Otto with the Fantastic Merlins at the Icehouse
. February
2-3, Chris Potter Quartet at the Dakota
. February
3, Bill Simonsen Orchestra at Jazz Central
. February
3, Patrice Michaels, "Jazz Meets Classical" at Macalester College,
Mairs Hall
. February
3, Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog
. February
4, Connie Evingson's Jazz in the Lounge with Benny Weinbeck, Gordy Johnson and
Dave Karr
. February
7, Kenny Horst and Friends at the Black Dog (Opening - Jon Pemberton Trio)
. February
7-8, Bruce Henry, Legends series at the Capri
. February
9, Firebell at the Black Dog
. February
9, Solomon Parham at Jazz Central
. February 11, Mark Dresser, afternoon master class at Ferguson Hall, U of M, and evening concert at McNally Smith
. February 11, Mark Dresser, afternoon master class at Ferguson Hall, U of M, and evening concert at McNally Smith
. February
12, Jack Brass Band at the Amsterdam
. February
13, The Assad Brothers with Romero Lubambo at the Dakota
. February
14, Paul Harper Quartet (Opening - Central Standard Time) at the Black Dog
. February
14, Maud Hixson, Rick Carlson "Bad for Each Other" at the Icehouse
. February
17-18, David Sanborn at the Dakota
. February
21, Studio Z Winter Jazz Festival (Adam Meckler Orchestra, Endeavors, Atlantis
Quartet, Mancrush, Nichols/Bates/Bates, Graydon Peterson Quartet)
. February
21, Glen David Andrews at the Dakota
. February
21, Good Vibes Trio at the Black Dog (Opening - Central Standard Time)
. February
25, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
. February
28, U of M Jazz Festival with guest Pat Mallinger (evening concert)
. February
28, Zacc Harris Group at the Black Dog (Opening - Central Standard Time)
. February
28, Arne Fogel & Jennifer Eckes, “What The World Needs Now: The Songs of
Burt Bacharach & Hal David” at the Bloomington Center
for the Arts
. March 3,
Rene Marie at the Dakota
. March 6,
Eric Gravatt and Dean Magraw at The Nicollet
. March 6,
"Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance
Odyssey"
with Jasmine Guy and the Avery Sharpe Trio at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
. March 7,
DD7 at the Black Dog (Opening - Charles Lincoln Group)
. March 9,
David Sanchez Quartet at the Dakota
. March
10-11, Cassandra Wilson
at the Dakota
. March 12,
Jack DeJohnette at Walker
Art Center,
McGuire Theater
. March 14,
Chris Botti at Orchestra Hall
. March 15,
Jazz Mn Orchestra with Pete Christlieb at Hopkins High School
Auditorium
. March
23-24, Steve Tyrell at the Dakota
. March
25-26, Delfeayo Marsalis (Southern Gentleman) at the Dakota
. March 29,
Tierney Sutton and Mark Summer at the Dakota
. April 16,
Anthony Cox and Jeremy Walker, "Rage of Achilles" at Orchestra Hall
(Target Atrium)
. April 16,
Bettye LaVette at the Dakota
. April 17,
Ann Hampton Callaway at Orchestra Hall
. April 25,
JazzMN Orchestra with Bob Mintzer at Hopkins
High School Auditorium
. April
25-26, Irv Williams, Legends concert at The Capri
. May 2,
Jason Moran and Robert Glasper at the Walker
. June
25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears
Park and beyond
. July 2-4,
Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa,
Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS)
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Chris Potter returns to the Dakota on Feb 2-3 |