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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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!
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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).
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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 16-17, 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, 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, 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