The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities LIve Jazz, January 9-15

Dean Granros and Joel Shapira, CD release January 9th at the Black Dog

© Andrea Canter

Only one international headliner in town this week (and Bill Carrothers is one of our own!) but there's no dearth of talent from our local roster of artists, and it's a particularly busy weekend -- don't become a couch potato as the cold settles in. Jazz will keep your blood flowing, ears glowing -- we have great music to keep you warm.

Big Gigs This Week

Dean Granros

Friday, January 9. About a year ago, guitarist Joel Shapira needed another local guitarist to help celebrate a duo CD recorded with New York-based guitarist Jack DeSalvo. Fortunately, one of the gurus of the instrument, Dean Granros, was available. That first pairing at the Black Dog proved magical, and the two reprised that gig on the opening night of the 2014 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. This time Dave Kanuth was on hand to record their sets, yielding Jazz Guitar Duets: Live at the 2014 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Joel and Dean recreate the magic tonight at the Black Dog.

Kevin Gastonguay

At Jazz Central, the Bridge Series introduces a new organ trio led by drummer nonpareil JT Bates, with one of the metro's finest B-3 masters, Kevin Gastonguay, and guitarist Zacc Harris. If Jack Frost has nipped your nose or toes, thaw out fast at Jazz Central tonight! And stick around for a late set with Twin Cities native Jerod Kaszynski (UW-Eau Claire) who joins forces with local author/vocalist Miri Francis in this musical interpretation of Miri's story of lost love and inspiration, featuring Jerod on sax, UW-EC grads Josh Huot-Gallus on trombone and Josh Gallagher on piano, UW-EC student Sam Olson on bass, and New York-based Adam Nussbaum on drums.

Arne Fogel

And for a more relaxed and songful evening, you can't beat a night at Parma 8200 with Arne Fogel, backed by Mary Louise Knutson and Steve Pikal. Singing Crosby, Sinatra and more, Arne brings authenticity to every tune he croons, not only in his musical approach but in the stories and tidbits he adds along the way.

Bill Carrothers

Saturday, January 10. It may seem to be an unfortunate conflict to have Jazz at Studio Z and Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog overlap. But remember, the two venues are just a block or so apart; Jazz at Studio Z will end around 9 pm, leaving you ample time to take in the late set, and probably part of the first set, at the Black Dog. And this is one of those nights you will want to do both!  At Studio Z, it's a rare local appearance by internationally renowned, Twin Cities native pianist Bill Carrothers -- who has not performed here since fall 2013. Tonight he brings in the Irishmen who have toured with him throughout Europe-- bassist David Redmond and drummer Kevin Brady.  Bill will kickoff the evening at 6 with an open master class, leading up to the 7 pm concert. 

Lars-Erik Larson

At the Black Dog, the main event (8:30 pm) features a relatively new ensemble headed by drummer Lars-Erik Larson, Mancrush. And it is a crush of talent, with Brandon Wozniak on sax, Zacc Harris on guitar and Bryan Nichols on keys. The band's repertoire comes mostly from Larson's original compositions and arrangements. You can ensure a table by arriving early, and catching the opening band, the Tommy Bentz Quartet. Guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Bentz is based in River Falls where he has performed regularly with the River Falls Cultural Project and runs Brickhouse Music.

Out in the west suburbs, Jazz @St Barneys (at St Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth) continues its long run of great mainstream jazz, tonight featuring vocalist Connie Evingson with the red hot Parisota Hot Club, covering music from Connie's recent release with the John Jorgenson Quartet, All the Cats Join In. Although as versatile a singer as you will find around here, Connie has established a significant niche as purveyor of the hot club tradition, appearing with the Twin Cities Hot Club, Clearwater Hot Club, Hot Club of Sweden, Pearl Django and more. And the new album just got a thumbs up from Geoffrey Himes in Downbeat (February 2015).

Adam Meckler

Monday, January 12. After a year of frequent performances and CD celebrations with his Adam Meckler Orchestra, as well as a fall tour in Europe with Youngblood Brass, trumpeter Adam Meckler spends a night in the more intimate context of a quintet. This week's "featured artist" at Jazz Central will remind us that he is one of the top brass players in the region, and in the fine company of Ted Godbout (piano), Chris Bates (bass) and Mac Santiago (drums). 

JT Bates

JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse presents a double-header at the Icehouse, starting out with Portland-based string specialist Ryan Francesconi, known for an obsession with Balkan folk music inspired by studies of Bartok. Ryan is regarded as a specialist on the Bulgarian Tambura  and kaval, one of the few artists  to play them at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, Red Rocks, and Austin City Limit. Following Ryan's set, JT Bates and Mike Lewis play a duo set that is bound to melt the ice on Nicollet.

And a new band debuts tonight at the relatively new Falcon Heights venue, Underground Music Cafe. U of M trombonist Tom Ashworth has assembled a star-bright quintet dubbed the Fireside Five-- with Brian Brivna, Phil Aaron, Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey. The professor gets an A+ in band recruiting!

Dakota Combo

Tuesday, January 13. The Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education (which is a separate entity from the Dakota Jazz Club) holds a low-key fundraiser tonight, at the Dakota, featuring music from the extraordinary youth ensemble, the Dakota Combo, and the Kevin Washington Quartet with Mary Louise Knutson, Solomon Parham and Jeffrey Bailey. Unlike most fundraisers, there is no cover or ticket! There will be plenty of opportunities to donate to the organization to support its mission to promote appreciation and knowledge of jazz as well as to provide clinics and workshops for young jazz musicians and increase performance opportunities. The DFJE in partnership with the MacPhail Center for Music has supported nine editions of the Dakota Combo, sponsors the Youth Stage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, sends a number of young artists to summer jazz camps, and hosts school-based clinics and metro-wide workshops. Tonight's event will also include an opportunity to donate via an auction of a set of Classic Prestige 10-inch LPs by Miles Davis (1951-54).

Chris Bates

Wednesday, January 14. For his monthly improvisers night at Jazz Central, bassist Chris Bates brings in piano vet Peter Schimke and young up-and-coming drummer Cory Healey. Notes Chris, "A reprise of one of my favorite interactions from last year. This trio has the ability to freely range all over the musical map."

Vinnie Rose

Earlier in the evening at Hell's Kitchen, enjoy the revival of Triosé, headed by guitarist Vincent Rose with pals Jeremy Boettcher on bass and Adrian Suarez on drums. We haven't heard from the trio in a while, and it's a very welcome return.

Larry McDonough

Thursday, January 15. Pianist/vocalist Larry McDonough is known for his eclectic tastes and quirky arrangements. Tonight it's a new show for vocal jazz night at Jazz Central-- "Chet - The Beautiful Music and Tragic Life of Singing Trumpeter Chet Baker." Larry's expanded ensemble includes Richard Terrill on saxes, Steve Kenny on trumpet, Greg Stinson on bass, Dean White on drums, and special guest Rosie McDonough on African drums.

Debbie Duncan

And perhaps the bargain of the week, Minnesota's First Lady of Song, Debbie Duncan, sings at Hell's Kitchen with no cover!

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 9. Todd Harper, solo piano happy hour at the Black Dog; Irv Williams and Steve Blons, happy hour at the Dakota; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Bryan Nichols and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Nachito Herrera Trio at the Dakota; Larry Dunsmore at Crooners Lounge; Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics at the Bloomington K of C.

Saturday, January 10. Charmin and Shapira at the Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Jack Brass Band at Webber Park Community Building (2 pm);  JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Joel Shapira Trio at the Loring Pasta Bar; Tim Sparks and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Will Schmid Trio at the 318 Cafe; Radio Joe and the Jazz Bos at Crooners Lounge; Kiss of Fire Cabaret at Mattie's on Main

Sunday, January 11. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Cafe; 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 Charmin Michelle at Cineam Ballroom

Monday, January 12. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; BZ3 Organ Trio at The Narrows Saloon (Wayzata)

Tuesday, January 13. Maryann Sullivan and Corner Jazz at The Nicolett; Chris Olson Project with Jay Epstein at the Black Dog; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Bill Evans New Orleans Band at Bennett's Chop and Railhouse; Jason Weisman Duo at Crooner's Lounge; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe

Wednesday, January 14. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Fred Montana at School II; Matra at the Black Dog; Orange Mighty Trio at Cafe Maude; Peter Shyu and Tom Lewis Duo with special guest at The Tangiers

Thursday, January 15. John Devine and Friends at Loring Pasta Bar; Beasley's Big Band at O'Gara's; Vinnie Rose at Adagio Pizza Factory

Coming Soon!

. January 16, Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200

. January 16, Joyce Lyons at Underground Music Cafe

. January 16, Steve Kenny Quartet at The Nicollet

. January 16, Far Cry followed by the Levi Schwartzberg Quintet at Jazz Central
. January 16-17, Debbie Duncan hosts "pop-up" nights at Vieux Carre' (408 St Peter St, St Paul) featuring Pete Whitman (1/16) and Kenni Holmen (1/17)

. January 16-18, "Holiday for Frank: Centennial Celebration for Frank Sinatra and Billie Holida" with Arne Fogel and Maud Hixson, Bloomington Center for the Arts Black Box Theater

. January 17, Joan Griffith and Reuben Ristrom at Hosmer Library

. January 17, Bottomless Pit at the Black Dog (opening: Jazz Front)

. January 18, Minnesota Guitar Summit at Jazz Central (4-8 pm)
. January 18, Paul Renz Quartet at the Aster Cafe'

. January 18, The Steeles' Martin Luther King Day Concert at the Dakota

. January 19, Flute Feature with Mark Yannie, Stan Scott and Doug Little at Jazz Central

. January 20, Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central

. January 20, Arne Fogel with the Acme Jazz Company at Crooners Lounge

. January 20-21, Jose James at the Dakota

. January 22, David Berkman at Orchestra Hall (Target Atrium)

. January 22, Jennifer Parker at Jazz Central

. January 22, Travis Anderson Trio at the Dakota

. January 23, Maryann Sullivan's Corner Jazz at the Black Dog

. January 23, Atlantis Quartet at Jazz Central
. January 24, McNally Smith Winter Jazz Blast at McNally Smith, featuring public concert by Ingrid Jensen in the History Theater

. January 24, Illicit Sextet at the Black Dog (opening--Dark Blue)

. January 24, Dean Brewington at Loring Pasta Bar

. January 25, Leigh Kamman Memorial Tribute at the Saint Paul Hotel (Grand Ballroom), 4-8 pm

. January 26, Chris Potter Quartet Postponed to Feb 2-3 at the Dakota

. January 26, Steve Davis at the Icehouse

. January 27-28, Dianne Reeves at the Dakota

. January 29, Maryann Sullivan at Jazz Central

. 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

. February 2-3, Chris Potter Quartet at the Dakota

. February 3, Patrice Michaels, "Jazz Meets Classical" at Macalester College, Mairs Hall

. 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 13, The Assad Brothers with Romero Lubambo at the Dakota

. February 14, Paul Harper Quartet (Opening - Central Standard Time)

. February 21, Studio Z Winter Jazz Festival

. February 21, Good Vibes Trio at the Black Dog (Opening - Central Standard Time)

. February 28, U of M Jazz Festival with guest Pat Mallinger

. 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 7, DD7 at the Black Dog (Opening - Charles Lincoln Group)

. March 9, David Sanchez Quartet 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

Jose' James, at the Dakota January 20-21