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| The Phil Hey Quartet in a too-rare performance at Jazz Central, February 6 |
© Andrea Canter
While it was very
disappointing to have the Chris Potter Quartet postponed due to the latest East
Coast snowstorm, it was gratifying to hear two stellar local bands filling in
last week at the Dakota (a last-minute assemblage from Steve Kenny and the
Atlantis Quartet). Potter will be rescheduled. Meanwhile we have another week
of largely local jazz wizards to warm our hearts and ears, including some of
our long-standing titans-- Phil Hey, Kenny Horst, Bruce Henry, Chris Bates; one
of our favorite "sons" on leave from the Big Apple (Javi Santiago); a
pair of guitar-centric trios (Firebell, Framework); a visiting bass monster
(Mark Dresser)... and more. And more.
Big Gigs This Week
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| Dave Hagedorn (PHQ) |
Friday, February 6. Possibly no other band exemplifies the concept of
the "Bridge" series at Jazz Central better than the Phil Hey Quartet. Nearly exclusively,
the band played for more than a decade at the Artists Quarter until the AQ
closed a year ago, and we have heard only a very few gigs since, making
tonight's appearance at Jazz Central a very special treat. Hey, Phil Aaron, Tom
Lewis and Dave Hagedorn suggest what might have become of the Modern Jazz
Quartet had it continued into the new millennium--inventive arrangements of the
most inventive artists of the 20th century (Coltrane, Shorter, Coleman) and
stunning originals. Well, it's all
original!
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| Katie Gearty with Graydon Peterson |
For some vocal pleasures, Parma 8200 presents the
very versatile voice of Katie Gearty
in the company of the very versatile support team of Chris Lomheim and Graydon
Peterson. A perfect wind-down from a busy week.
Friday-Saturday, February 6-7. Studio Z hosts the annual Keys Please concerts, the 13-year collaboration of
pianist/composers Carei Thomas, Todd
Harper and Paul Cantrell, this year with guest artist, saxophonist Nathan Hanson. The musicians bring music
from diverse genres to the stage every winter, and the addition of Hanson this
year guarantees two nights of surprise.
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| Kenny Horst |
Saturday, February 7. Another auspicious double header at the Black Dog!
The Jon Pemberton Trio opens, with
the talented pianist/trumpeter in the lead chair with pals Matt Peterson and
Cory Healey. Prime time finds Kenny Horst
back after performing last weekend with Dave Brattain, this time leading his
own quartet with Pete Whitman, Steve Kenny and Tom Lewis.
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| Pavel Jany - Talking Strings |
In Minneapolis, Talking Strings entertains at the Loring Pasta Bar. With Pavel Jany
on guitar, Dan Weston on bass and Gary Schulte on violin, expect some diverse
world music from three consummate string specialists.
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| Bruce Henry |
Saturday-Sunday, February 7-8. The acclaimed Legends Series continues at the Capri
Theater, bringing "home" stellar vocalist Bruce Henry in celebration of Black History Month. Now based in his
childhood home Chicago, Bruce returns to the Twin Cities often. This weekend,
he takes us on a musical journey from the African drum to the Great American
Songbook.
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| Jay Epstein |
Monday, February 9. Whenever Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay
Epstein convene, be ready to ring the Firebell!
This blazing trio lights the stage at the Black Dog tonight, performing tunes
from their recent release, Impossible Vacation, and new material.
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| Solomon Parham |
Across town, Jazz Central
puts the spotlight on tonight's "featured artist," trumpeter Solomon Parham. A Detroit native and dedicated jazz educator
who directs bands at Walker West, Solomon is often heard with Eric Gravatt's
Source Code. Wife and very fine vocalist Aja Parham joins him tonight.
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| Javi Santiago |
And a bit down the street
and a lot later in the evening, one of our native sons now living in New York creates some
mayhem at the Icehouse. Pianist Javi
Santiago is featured on JT's Jazz Implosion series, tonight celebrating an
EP release for his Year of the Horse.
He's joined by long-time drum partner Miguel Hurtado along with vocalist Proper
T, guitarist Cory Wong, saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, and bassist Yohannes Tona.
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| Chris Olson (with Chris Bates) |
Tuesday, February 10. The second night of back-to-back guitar trios at the
Black Dog finds the common denominator--drummer Jay Epstein! Tonight Jay
anchors Framework, featuring Chris
Olson on guitar and Chris Bates on bass. It's really Olson's monthly
"Chris Olson Project" night, and what a great project. Framework
features original composition as well as intriguing arrangements of modern jazz
giants.
Wednesday, February 11. Master of modern jazz/fusion bass Mark Dresser can be heard twice today:
He's conducting a free public master class at the University of Minnesota
(Ferguson Hall) at 3 pm, then moving across town to McNally Smith's auditorium
for an evening concert (7:30 pm) -- also free. Dresser is known for expanding
the sonci and musical possibilities of the acoustic bass, using unconventional
amplification techniques, and has performed solo and notably with John Zorn,
Myra Melford, Anthony Braxton and Nicole Mitchell.
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| George Cartwright |
At Jazz Central, it's Chris Bates'
improv night, and he's performing with PKD featuring brother JT and saxophonist
George Cartwright. Notes Chris, "I’ve been
intrigued and inspired by George Cartwright for a long long time. I’m excited
to be playing with him for the first time. Plus, guys, JT Bates."
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| Gary Schulte |
Thursday, February 12.
The popular quintet Axis Mundi
performs tonight at Hell's Kitchen -- leader Glen Helgesen (guitar), Gary
Schulte (violin), Chris Bates (bass) and two percussionists-- Dave Stanoch and
Michael Bissonnette.
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, February 6. Irv Williams Trio, happy hour at the Dakota; JoAnn
Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; John Paulson with
Swing, Inc. at Signatures Restaurant (Winona); Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's
Lounge; Tim Patrick and His Blue-Eyed Band at the Eagles' Club; Tommy O'Donnell
at Scusi!
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| Sophia Shorai |
Saturday, February 7. Sidewalk Cafe at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Pig's
Eye Jass Band at the Eagles' Club; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn
Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Sophia Shorai at
Hell's Kitchen; 7 Cats Swing Band at Crooner's Lounge; Barbara Meyer with Stan
& Honeybee at The Nicollet; Mill City Hot Club at Erte
Sunday, February 8. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; 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 Paula Lammers at
Cinema Ballroom
Monday, February 9. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; BZ3
Organ Trio at the Narrows Saloon; Tommy and the Lieberman at the Dakota; the
Riverside Trio at Crooner's Lounge; Fireside Five Quintet at the Underground
Music Cafe
Tuesday, February 10. Don Strong, happy hour, followed by Larry Dunsmore
at Crooner's Lounge; Sean McMahon and Adi Yeshaya, Live at 5 at McNally Smith; Cafe
Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar
Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central
Wednesday, February 11. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; Lila Ammons Trio, Jazz at
the Tangiers; Lisa Anderson Quartet at Crooners' Lounge
Thursday, February 12. Jennifer Grimm at Jazz Central; Larry Dunsmore at
Crooner's Lounge
Coming Soon!
. February
13, The Assad Brothers with Romero Lubambo at the Dakota
. February
13, Jason Squinobal Quartet at Studio Z
. February
13, Fall of the House of Usher
. February
14, Nachito Herrera Valentines Day dinner and cocktail shows 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
14, Connie Evingson, "This Funny Thing Called Love" at the Cabaret at
Camp Bar
. February
14, The Girls (Patty Peterson, Lori Dokken, Judi Vinar, Erin Schwab, Rachel
Holder-Hennig), "This Thing Called Love" at the Hopkins Center
for the Arts
. February
15, Longfellow Concert and fundraiser, Laura Caviani, Pete Whitman and more (3
pm) at Christ Lutheran
Church (Minneapolis)
. February 15, Chomsky (Andrew Foreman et al) at the Aster Cafe'
. February 15, Chomsky (Andrew Foreman et al) at the Aster Cafe'
. February
16, Jon Wood/Dave Brattain at Jazz Central
. February
16, Enormous Quartet at the Icehouse
. February
17, Jack Brass Band at the Amsterdam
. February
17, Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central
. February
17-18, David Sanborn with Ricky Peterson at the Dakota
. February
20, Chris Lomheim Trio at Jazz Central
. 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
21, U Wisconsin River Falls Jazz Ensemble with Donny McCaslin, William
Abbot Concert Hall at UW-River
Falls
. February
21, Twin Cities Cabaret Network Salon at Town House Bar
. February
22, Lulu's Playground at Jazz Central (3 pm)
. February
23, Irv Williams at Jazz Central
. February
23, Quintet Party with Red 5 and Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the
Icehouse
. February
24, Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra at Jazz Central
. February
25, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
. February
25, Leisure Valley at Cafe Maude
. February
27, Javi Santiago and Friends at Jazz Central
. 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
. February
28, Minnesota State
University Mankato
Jazz Mavericks, with Mike Stern and Kenni Holmen in Halling Recital Hall, MSU Mankato
. March 2, Minnesota Youth Jazz
Bands Winter Concert at Famous Dave's (Uptown)
. 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 13,
Foreign Motion at The Nicollet
. March 13,
Peter Vircks Quartet at Jazz Central
. March 14,
Chris Botti at Orchestra Hall
. March 15,
Jazz Mn Orchestra with Pete Christlieb at Hopkins High School
Auditorium
. March 20,
Jake Baldwin Quintet at The Nicollet
. March
23-24, Steve Tyrell at the Dakota
. March
25-26, Delfeayo Marsalis (Southern Gentleman) at the Dakota
. March 27,
How Birds Work at The Nicollet
. 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 24,
Tuck and Patti at the Dakota
. April 25,
JazzMN Orchestra with Bob Mintzer at Hopkins l High School Auditorium
. April
25-26, Irv Williams, Legends concert at The Capri
. April 26,
KBEM's Jazz Noir at the Dakota
. April 27,
Omar Sosa at the Dakota
. April
29-30, Madeleine Peyroux at the Dakota
. May 2,
Jason Moran and Robert Glasper at the Walker
. May 9,
PipJazz "Women in Jazz" -- afternoon workshop and evening concert at
The Bedlam
. 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, Dakota
Combo)
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| Romero Lubambo joins the Assad Brothers at the Dakota, February 13 |
