The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, November 27-December 3

Steve Kenny's Group 47 (at the Black Dog on November 28)

© Andrea Canter

We may be facing the darkest days of the year, but we are also facing one of the most jazz-packed weeks of the year. There's no intentional festival or organized music conspiracy, yet making choices, especially Saturday, will make your ears spin. But it's all good. Without the travel or expense, we can experience what might be normal for jazz fans in the Big Apple. So rest up on Thanksgiving and have an extra slice of pie--and let the jazz-a-thon begin!

Debbie Duncan

Friday, November 27. Kick-start your Black Friday shopping with brunch at Hell's Kitchen, music courtesy of smart and sassy vocalist Debbie Duncan. Come back early this evening (5-8 pm) after your shopping spree to hear East Side, with Reynold Philipsek, Matt Senjem and Jay Epstein, as they take you on a journey of 21st century swing.

Sorry if I confused anyone (other than myself) last week regarding Patty Peterson's gig at Parma 8200. In truth, it is tonight! Sit back and enjoy one of the area's most popular singers in the pared-down company of brother Paul (bass) and nephew Jason DeLaire (keys and perhaps sax?).

Paul Harper's new "Chordless Quartet" launches at The Nicollet, with Paul on saxes, Steve Kenny on FLUMPET™, Tom Lewis on bass and young Matthew Buckner on drums. They'll be reinterpreting works by Henderson and Monk, and playing new works from Paul and Steve.

Charmin & Shapira

Vieux Carré 's double header features pianist Jeremy Walker for the early show, then the classy pizazz of Charmin and Shapira and Friends. Both vocalist Charmin and guitarist Joel have recently returned from global adventures, and due to Paul Harper's new band at The Nicollet, there will be a couple guests among the "Friends"-- saxophonist Pete Whitman and bassist Pooch Heine.

Levi Schwartzberg

There's trouble at Jazz Central but it's "Good Trouble," a band of Appleton, WI musicians currently or formerly enrolled at the Lawrence Conservatory--Ben Phillips on trumpet, Will Fraser on alto sax, Carson Caldart on tenor sax, Sam Genualdi on guitar, Jonathan Fagan on piano, Jakob Heinemann on bass, and Jack Lussenden  on drums.  Plan to make it a late night as the student jam (10 pm) kicks off with the new Levi Schwartzberg Project. Led by U of M student vibes master Levi, the band includes similarly prodigious young lions--Thomas Strommen on tenor sax, Jackson Mullett on trumpet, Drew Stinson on bass, Ben Beyene on drums.

Dave King (Gang Font)

The Icehouse hosts a rare local appearance by The Gang Font, described as "math punk indie jazz noise prog post post modern contemporary instrumental pop rock," and featuring Dave King (drums), Erik Fratzke (guitar), Bryan Nichols (piano) and Greg Norton (bass).

Meanwhile, the usual suspects: Irv Williams continues to give old age the cold shoulder at happy hour at the Dakota; bassist James Buckley, this time with guitar wizard Tim Sparks, keeps dinner hour on edge at The Icehouse; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske cover it all from Peggy Lee to Blossom Dearie in the Lobby Bar of the Saint Paul Hotel (now both Friday and Saturday through the holidays).

Saturday, November 28. The gigs tonight could be blocks apart in New York. As is, there's a lot just blocks apart in St. Paul alone

Adam Linz

You don't even have to wait til evening for some hot jazz in St Paul. Bassist Adam Linz is curating an afternoon of music at his part-time job at Barley Brothers Records, noon- 5 pm. Surrounded by shelves of vinyl, four bands keep live music in the air, starting with the Dominican Crisis Quintet at noon, followed by Ted King, the "Pony Show Edition" of Le Percheron (Adam, Noah Ophoven-Baldwin and Levi Schwartzberg), and winding up with the first public performance of the new edition of the Dakota Combo. No cover and lots of temptations among the record sales.

Steve Kenny

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog bills the two gigs as "opening" and "headliner" but that's not an accurate distinction tonight, although median age does distinguish Group 47 and Vector Families. Steve Kenny's Group 47 opens at 7 pm, a welcome return of the band that played weekly during the final six months of the Artists Quarter and then found new hosts at Jazz Central, the Black Dog, The Nicollet, Icehouse, Vieux Carré and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. It's a band that veteran trumpeter Kenny pulled together after his long-running Bastids ensemble completed its five-year tenure at the AQ, holding over bassist Adam Tucker and pulling in then very-young pianist Will Kjeer and nearly as young tenor saxophonist Thomas Strommen, along with UW-River Falls drummer Alex Burgess. Two years later, the band has a vinyl recording (Straight to Vinyl); Strommen has transferred from River Falls to the U of M, and Kjeer graduated from high school and is now studying at Cal Arts. Which means Group 47 gigs are limited to holidays and college breaks.

Anthony Cox

The "headline" band at the Black Dog is indeed a band of headliners. Formerly known as the PBR Street Gang, Vector Families features internationally renowned artists who happen to live in the Twin Cities--drummer Dave King and bassist Anthony Cox, along with local guitar legend Dean Granros and future legend, saxophonist Brandon Wozniak.

Peg Carrothers

The stars above St Paul are certainly casting a wide beam tonight. Two short blocks from the Black Dog, vocalist Peg Carrothers and her better-known spouse, pianist Bill Carrothers, celebrate Peg's new recording, Edges of My Mind, as well as the opening of a new Jazz at Studio Z concert season. Starting at 6 pm with a "master class" on jazz singing, Peg and Bill then join forces with the artists on the recording-- Dean Magraw on guitar and mandolin and Billy Peterson on bass--for a concert that takes us through the ethereal music of the CD, songs that stretch in time from Stephen Foster to the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

Pat Mallinger

And less than a mile away, Vieux Carré hosts an unusual "homecoming" for saxophonist and St Paul native Pat Mallinger, a long-time cohort of Bill Carrothers. For years since he relocated to Chicago, Pat returned for holiday gigs at the Artists Quarter, playing his last with Carrothers on Thanksgiving weekend 2013. Now he's back to the same space, new club, and he even has drummer and AQ owner Kenny Horst in tow to handle the drum duties. With his usual bandmates Bill Carrothers and Billy Peterson otherwise occupied at Studio Z, he'll be joined by Chris Lomheim on piano and Andrew Foreman on bass.

Charmin Michelle and Sam Miltich

In South St. Paul, there's a very special evening planned at the Croation Hall, where vocalist Charmin Michelle teams up with guitarist Sam Miltich for a dinner and music night. Augmenting the buttery voice of Charmin and the hot club swinging swagger of Sam's guitar will be sax giant Dave Karr, Sam's dad Matthew Miltich on bass and Nathan Norman on drums. There's an optional dinner buffet to complete the evening.

Jazz in the Lobby Bar with JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske, Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200, Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen, Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar, and Tim Sparks (dinner sets) at the Icehouse offer more choices for Saturday night jazz fever.

Andrew Walesch

Sunday, November 29.  In case you are tired of leftover turkey or managed to wipe it out, you might be up for jazz brunch -- the Andrew Walesch Trio at Crooners, Patty and the Buttons at the Aster Cafe, Robert Everest at Maria's. Or plan an evening away from leftovers at the Riverview Wine Bar with the Zacc Harris Trio.

Pat Martino

Monday, November 30. It's been a long time since guitar master Pat Martino was in town, but the durable virtuoso finally returns for one night at the Dakota, bringing in his smoldering organ trio with B-3 hot-handed Pat Bianchi and sleight-of-hand drummer Carmen Intorre. Already a star when a brain aneurysm left him unable to play, Martino famously relearned every lick and returned to star-level performing in one of the greatest comeback stories in music.

Vocalist Charmin Michelle is back at Crooners Lounge, this time in prime time with a quartet of feisty swingers-- Denny Malmberg on accordion, Steve Pikal on bass, and Jay Epstein on drums.

Jazz Central Studios welcomes Winston-Salem, NC-based keyboard monster Abebi Stafford to the Spotlight series. A Minnesota native, Stafford headlined the Twin Cities "Hot Sumer Jazz Festival" back in 2002, and in 2004 won the Future of Jazz Competition with his band Bayorhythm. He's toured internationally and is working on his fourth album.

Happy Hour at Crooners will feature vocalist/pianist Andrew Walesch all week, starting tonight. That's a cool way to start your evening, whether you plan to stay on for dinner and more music or just chill out before heading home.

JT Bates

JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse will feature the Bates Brothers (JT on drums, Chris on bass) "plus guests."Turns out those guests include Mike Lewis (sax) and Cory Wong (guitar). An enviable guest list.

Tuesday, December 1. Vieux Carré hosts two of our finest jazz women tonight, starting off with Mary Louise Knutson on solo piano, followed by Maryann Sullivan's Corner Jazz-- Maryann on vocals with Javi Santiago on piano, Steve Pikal on bass, and Trevor Haining on drums.

It's the First Tuesday, meaning Dean Magraw and Davu Seru create guitar/percussion mayhem at The Black Dog, while the Bill Simenson Orchestra holds its monthly bash at Jazz Central.

Steven Hobert

And it's instrumental jazz night at Crooners, with the Steven Hobert Quartet on stage. Inventive and eclectic, Hobert appears with strong support from saxophonist Brian Gallagher, bassist Yohannes Tona and drummer Pete Hennig.

Diane Schuur

Wednesday, December 2. It's a long-awaited return of Grammy-winning vocalist Diane Schuur, back at the Dakota tonight for two engaging sets. Her voice has covered nearly every corner of American music, and her sets are as entertaining as they are musical. And her band will be filled with first-call musicians.

A local songbird with an equally distinguished career, Connie Evingson hosts her monthly Jazz in the Lounge at the Minneapolis Woman's Club, tonight with Mary Louise Knutson, Dave Karr and Chris Bates.

At Hell's Kitchen, the Wolverines Trio (Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal, Jendeen Forberg) return with some devilish sets. Meanwhile at Jazz Central, the "new music" series presents a new quartet from Davu Seru, Destruct/Reconstruction, with Anthony Cox, Steve Kenny and Levi Schwartzberg.

Lila Ammons

And Lila's Jazz Triangle returns to the Tangiers for Jazz After Work, now at a new time to attract the after-work crowd (6-9 pm). Lila Ammons heads this trio, bringing her natural talents and experience touring in Europe, to say nothing of her legacy --granddaughter of boogie-woogie master Albert Ammons and niece of hard bop saxophonist Gene Ammons. Adding pianist Peter Schimke and bassist Jim Chenoweth only up the ante.

Thursday, December 3. Crooners is starting a special duo series on the First Thursday of the month, dubbed "In the Crook"-- singers and pianists. Tonight enjoy two of the hardest swinging musicians in town, vocalist Charmin Michelle with pianist (and every singer's best friend) Rick Carlson.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. The live edition of The Lead Sheet can be heard at 4:40 pm on Thursdays on KBEM, excerpts rebroadcast at 7:20 am on Fridays. On December 3, guest Steve Kenny talks about upcoming events at the Black Dog and Nicollet, including back to back performances by the Atlantis Quartet. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com).

Coming Soon!

. December 4, The Girls at the Dakota

. December 4, "Merry and Bright" with Charles Lazarus, Orchestra Hall

. December 4, Atlantis Quartet at The Nicollet

. December 4, Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

. December 5, Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. December 5, Connie Evingson, Jazz @ St Barney's

. December 5, PipJazz (Pippi Ardennia) at The Bedlam

. December 6, Capri Big Band at the Capri Theater

. December 7, Lawrence University Faculty Jazz Quartet with Laura Caviani, Adam Meckler and Mary Louise Knutson at the Dakota

. December 7, Acme Jazz Company at Crooners Lounge

. December 8, Jamison Ross at the Dakota

. December 8, Butch Thompson and Dean Magraw at Crooners Lounge

. December 9, "Feel Good Revolution" at Vieux Carré

. December 9-10, Ramsey Lewis Holiday Show at the Dakota

. December 10, Adam Meckler Orchestra at Vieux Carré

. December 10, Vicky Mountain Jazz Central

. December 10, Debbie Duncan Quartet at Crooners Lounge

. December 11, Laura Caviani Holiday Show at Vieux Carré

. December 12, Fletcher/King/Woods CD release at the Black Dog

. December 12, JT Bates "Grain", Jazz at Studio Z

. December 12, Peter Kogan Quartet at Vieux Carré

. December 13, Fuzzy Math CD Release at the Icehouse

. December 14-15, New York Voices Holiday show at the Dakota

. December 15, Jazz 88 Holiday Party with Mary Louise Knutson and Katia Cardenas at Vieux Carré

. December 15, Phil Aaron Trio at Crooners Lounge

. December 17, Larry McDonald Holiday Show at the Dakota

. December 18 & 20, "Jingle Bell Doc," Doc Severinsen and the MN Orchestra at Orchestra Hall

. December 19, Ginger Commodore Holiday Show at Vieux Carré

. December 20, Peterson Family Christmas at the Dakota

. December 21-22, Nachito Herrera and the Universals at the Dakota

. December 22, Connie Evingson "Hot Jazz" at Vieux Carré

. December 22, Bill Carrothers Trio (with Billy Peterson and Dave King) at Crooners Lounge

. December 25-28, The Bad Plus at the Dakota

. December 27, Big Band Christmas at Jazz@ St Barneys

. December 31, Artists Quarter New Year's Eve with Carole Martin at Hell's Kitchen

. December 31, New Year's Eve Dinner Show with Jazzland Wonderband at Vieux Carré

. December 31, New Year's Eve Benefit for Feed My Starving Children with The Niskas at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Burnsville)

. January 9, Andrew Walesch at Jazz @St Barneys

. January 10, Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues at the Dakota

. January 17, John Penny CD release at the Icehouse

. January 22, Happy Apple at the Icehouse

. January 23, Jeremy Walker's Seven Psalms at Orchestra Hall

. January 23, Rick Carlson and Steve Pikal at Jazz @St. Barneys

. January 31, Winter Jazz Festival at the Saint Paul Hotel, featuring the Cyrus Chestnut Trio

. February 2, Charles Lloyd Trio with Bill Frisell at the Dakota

. February 8-9, John Scofield and Joe Lovano at the Dakota

. February 20, Swing Sister (Maryann Sullivan and Rhonda Laurie) at Jazz @ St Barneys

. February 22, Ches Smith Trio with Craig Taborn at the Icehouse

. February 25, Rez Abassi with Rudresh Mahanthappa at Walker Art Center

. February 25, Jazz in the Target Atrium, Atrium Jazz Ensemble with Bryan Nichols at Orchestra Hall

. March 2-3, Brian Blade Fellowship at the Dakota

. March 5, Pete Whitman X-Tet at Hopkins Center for the Arts

. March 13, JazzMN Orchestra with Tierney Sutton at the Hopkins High School Auditorium

. April 23, JazzMN Orchestra with Bob McChesney and Andy Martin at Hopkins High School Auditorium

. April 28, Jazz in the Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall

. May 7, Steve Lehman Octet at the Walker Art Center

Remember New Year's Eve at the Artists Quarter? Enjoy the music and party again  as the Artists Quarter celebrates at Hell's Kitchen on December 31, with Carole Martin, Phil Aaron, Dean Magraw and of course Kenny Horst! Reserve at www.artistsquarter.com

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

Karrin Allyson, coming to the Dakota November 22-23

© Andrea Canter

Colder weather, darker days, holiday shopping--we are getting into Minnesota Winter mode. But we do not hibernate here-- we go out and enjoy live music! And we have plenty of options between now and Thanksgiving, with an ever-increasing number of "holiday" gigs appearing on the jazz calendar. This weekend, enjoy some favorite vocalists, local as well as internationally acclaimed honorary Minnesotan Karrin Allyson; some of our local legends take on the tunes and attitudes of Thelonious Monk; JazzMN Orchestra takes us on a tour of jazz from Jelly Roll to Snarky Puppy. Into the coming week, it's the Twin Cities debut of another international star, vocalist/composer/conceptualist Jen Shyu; energetic octogernarian Dave Karr takes the stage at Crooners; Jay Young leads with his piccolo bass at Jazz Central.....keep the jazz coming.

Big Gigs This Week

Sarah M. Greer

Friday, November 20. A vocalist known for her improvisation as well as teaching skills, Sarah M. Greer joins Peter Schimke, Anthony Cox, and Cory Healey for the "Masters" slot at Jazz Central Studios. On the other end of the experience spectrum, Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet host the Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands I and II for a memorable evening of young talents, led by Phil Holm and David Mitchell.

McNasty Brass

More youthful energy is on stage at the Icehouse, as the McNasty Brass Band plays the first of the late night sets. Originating from a core of McNally Smith musicians, the band describes itself as  "a reckless, ten-piece megazord of horns and drums."

Jon Pemberton

At Vieux Carré, Jon Pemberton brings a quartet to the prime time slot, with Jon doubling on trumpet and piano, along with alto saxophonist Brad Holden, bassist Matt Peterson and drummer Mac Santiago. Brad is not heard as much as his talent deserves so this is a perfect opportunity to hear him along with his expert cohorts. Accordion star Dan Newton plays the early sets. Another accordion monster, Patrick Harison plays solo sets over the dinner hours at the Icehouse.

Andrew Walesch

Crooners Lounge hosts its first Founders Day event with a nonstop line-up from Happy Hour to closing, including sets from Andrew Walesch, Debbie Duncan, and the finale with Davina and the Vagabonds. That's a lot of music -- and as always, no cover at Crooners.

And it's a Washington family night at The Black Dog, with the monthly Donald Washington ensemble, which tonight features the saxman's wife Faye on flute and cello, son Kevin on drums, and friend Dick Studer on bass.

If you are out in the New Ulm area, be sure to catch the Atlantis Quartet performing at the Grand Kabaret-- it's a free show!

JazzMN Orchestra

Saturday, November 21. The second JazzMN Orchestra concert of the season--at the Hopkins High School Auditorium-- will take the audience on a journey through the history of jazz, from the days of Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, through the Swing Era and early days of bebop, into the world of John Coltrane and the cool jazz movement, up through modern legends like Herbie Hancock, and finally the 21st century's new voices, including Snarky Puppy. This show focuses on the talents of the band along with guest vocalist, Debbie Duncan.

Joyce Lyons

The Jazz @St. Barney's series continues at St. Barnabas Church in Plymouth with accomplished vocalist Joyce Lyons and her band--Phil Aaron, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein.

Kenny Horst, WWMD

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog kicks off with up-and-coming sax star Evan Benidt and pals Ted Olsen and Lars-Erik Larson, followed by a veteran quartet exploring What Would Monk Do. WWMD launched at the Artists Quarter a few years ago, and now continues with a few gigs each year -- featuring Steve Kenny, Peter Schimke, Chris Bates and Kenny Horst. Their interpretations of Monk, as well as Monk-inspired originals, are as unique and entertaining as their namesake's compositions.

And if you prefer your Patty Peterson fix in the larger ensemble context, Patty and Friends take over the lounge at Crooners (with Sean Turner, Billy Franze and Bobby Vandell). And if you come early for Happy Hour, your treat will be a rare solo guitar performance from Reynold Philipsek.

James Buckley

Patrick Harison and James Buckley cover the dinner sets at the Icehouse; Maurice Jacox and trio performs at Normandy Kitchen; Robb Henry and Jim Plattes make guitar and violin duets at Merlin's Rest; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; the Talking Strings provide the sound track at the Loring Pasta Bar; and JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske hold their weekly sessions at the Lobby Bar of the Saint Paul Hotel. Note that JoAnn and Jeff also perform in the Lobby Bar on Fridays through the holidays.

Jerry O'Hagan

Sunday, November 22. Enjoy a jazz brunch with the usual suspects-- Patty and the Buttons at The Aster, Robert Everest at Maria's, the Andrew Walesch Trio at Crooners. Later, catch the Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar or put on your dancing shoes and follow the Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra at Cinema Ballroom.

Karrin Allyson, new CD*

Sunday-Monday, November 22-23. Seems the holidays usually bring Karrin Allyson back to her adopted home in the Twin Cities and the Dakota. Last year she had a new holiday recording (Yuletide Hideaway), and now she has another new release, her first on Motema, celebrating Rodgers and Hammerstein on Many a New Day. The album features Kenny Barron and John Patitucci, but her touring trio includes stars in their own right--guitarist Ron Fleemans and bassist Larry Kohout; and as usual for her Dakota gigs, Karrin features local piano star Laura Caviani--when Karrin is not handling the keys herself. She'll be performing tunes from the new recording as well as some holiday fare and older favorites, and perhaps an original tune or two. It's always a celebration when Karrin is in town.

Jen Shyu*

Monday, November 23. Whether the talent is local or imported, JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse is always worth the effort to find parking along Nicollet! Tonight JT has outdone himself, with three separate "solo" sets on the schedule. The first set marks the local debut of internationally acclaimed composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist Jen Shyu, performing her solo opera, Solo Rites: Seven Breaths. This work, composed and choreographed by Shyu, features her talents on vocals, dance, Taiwanese moon lute, piano, and the Korean gayageum. The New York Times described it as “songs that could remind you of ancient court music or Joni Mitchell,”  a musical pilgrimage through Taiwan, East Timor, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea. Two additional solo acts follow, with New York-based Jonah Parzen-Johnson (Bari sax and synthesizer) and JT Bates himself on solo percussion.

JT Bates

Joni Mitchell and Carole King are the subject matter for Lori Dokken and Friends at Crooners, while veteran sax titan Dave Brattain takes the "Spotlight" at Jazz Central.

Dave Karr

Tuesday, November 24. Tuesday Instrumental Jazz Night at Crooners features the one and only Dave Karr and his quartet, featuring Chris Lomheim on piano. Given his busy schedule (including JazzMN Orchestra) and energetic saxophoning, it's hard to remember that Dave is in his mid-80s. 

Also high energy is the Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra, performing on big band night at Jazz Central Studios. In St. Paul, Vieux Carré hosts "hot jazz" with vocalist Connie Evingson.

Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg

Wednesday, November 25. Start your holiday early at Crooners, where Happy Hour brings back Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg. If you're missing their long run at Fireside Pizza, consider this an upgrade-- a much bigger menu and more parking!

Jay Young

Take some time out from Thanksgiving preparations to stop at Jazz Central, where Jay Young pulls out his piccolo bass and heads an inventive ensemble with Pete Whitman, Gary Raynor and Jay Epstein. He dubs this band The Advisory Committee.

Debbie Duncan

Thursday, November 26. A lot of venues are closed for the holiday, but not Crooners. Debbie Duncan performs in the lounge from Noon - 3 pm, and you can enjoy the music with or without a holiday dinner! Or after your feast, come out to Parma 8200 for an evening with Benny Weinbeck.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. The live edition of The Lead Sheet can be heard at 4:40 pm on Thursdays on KBEM, excerpts rebroadcast at 7:20 am on Fridays. (Special guest on November 19 -- --Jeremy Walker re the Jazz in the Target Atrium series; on November 25--a day early due to Thanksgiving--Steve Kenny talks about Group 47 and other upcoming events at the Black Dog and Nicollet.) Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com).

Coming Soon!

. November 27, The Gang Font at the Icehouse

. November 27, Paul Harper Chorless Quartet at The Nicollet

. November 27, Patty Peterson at Parma 8200

. November 28, Pat Mallinger Quartet at Vieux Carré

. November 28, Group 47/Dave King's Vector Families at the Black Dog

. November 28, Jazz at Studio Z, Peg Carrothers CD release

. November 30, Pat Martino Quartet at the Dakota

. December 1, Steven Hobert Quartet at Crooners Lounge

. December 2, Diane Schuur at the Dakota

. December 4, The Girls at the Dakota

. December 4, "Merry and Bright" with Charles Lazarus, Orchestra Hall

. December 4, Atlantis Quartet at The Nicollet

. December 4, Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

. December 5, Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. December 5, Connie Evingson, Jazz @ St Barney's

. December 6, Capri Big Band at the Capri Theater

. December 8, Jamison Ross at the Dakota

. December 9-10, Ramsey Lewis Holiday Show at the Dakota

. December 12, Fletcher/King/Woods CD release at the Black Dog

. December 13, Fuzzy Math CD Release at the Icehouse

. December 14-15, New York Voices Holiday show at the Dakota

. December 16-17, Nachito Herrera and the Universals at the Dakota

. December 18 & 20, "Jingle Bell Doc," Doc Severinsen and the MN Orchestra at Orchestra Hall

. December 20, Peterson Family Christmas at the Dakota

. December 25-28, The Bad Plus at the Dakota

. December 27, Big Band Christmas at Jazz@ St Barneys

. December 31, Artists Quarter New Year's Eve with Carole Martin at Hell's Kitchen

. December 31, New Year's Eve Benefit for Feed My Starving Children with The Niskas at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Burnsville)

. January 9, Andrew Walesch at Jazz @St Barneys

. January 10, Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues at the Dakota

. January 17, John Penny CD release at the Icehouse

. January 23, Jeremy Walker's Seven Psalms at Orchestra Hall

. January 23, Rick Carlson and Steve Pikal at Jazz @St. Barneys

. January 31, Winter Jazz Festival at the Saint Paul Hotel, featuring the Cyrus Chestnut Trio

. February 2, Charles Lloyd Trio with Bill Frisell at the Dakota

. February 8-9, John Scofield and Joe Lovano at the Dakota

. February 20, Swing Sister (Maryann Sullivan and Rhonda Laurie) at Jazz @ St Barneys

. February 25, Rez Abassi with Rudresh Mahanthappa at Walker Art Center

. March 2-3, Brian Blade Fellowship at the Dakota

. March 5, Pete Whitman X-Tet at Hopkins Center for the Arts

. March 13, JazzMN Orchestra with Tierney Sutton at the Hopkins High School Auditorium

Pat Mallinger,"home" at Vieux Carre' on November 28

* All photos by Andrea Canter except Karrin Allyson CD cover and Jen Shyu (by Thitpol Kanteewong)

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

Regina Carter, at the Dakota on November 16

© Andrea Canter

 We're starting to see holiday ads and decorations, so we might as well getting into the spirit of the season--and there's plenty of jazz to add to the celebrations. This week brings the final two nights of the Zeitgeist New Music Cabaret with jazz, global music, and genre-defying new works at Studio Z; more great music on the Friday Night Jazz at the Nicollet and Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog series; the next installment of the 8 O'Clock Jump series at Walker West with Eric Gravatt; the return of fabled violinist Regina Carter and her Southern Comfort Project at the Dakota; the debut of the Adam Meckler Orchestra at Vieux Carré; and that's just a start on the list.

Big Gigs This Week

Arne Fogel

Friday, November 13. It would seem there's nothing but good luck on this Friday the 13th! JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske signal the holiday season by returning to Friday nights (along with Saturdays) in the Lobby Bar of the Saint Paul Hotel. The crooning jazz historian Arne Fogel takes his turn at Parma 8200 with Chris Lomheim and Steve Pikal in joyful support, while Bryan Nichols and James Buckley entertain over the dinner hours at the Icehouse and world music grooves take the stage with Axis Mundi at Hell's Kitchen. And Crooners Lounge features the Debbie Duncan Quartet with Minnesota's "First Lady of Song," following Happy Hour entertainment from singer/pianist/humorist Lori Dokken.

Jordan Anderson

Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet hosts the JazzINK Youth Showcase (7 pm), this month spotlighting the Jordan Anderson Quartet. 17-year-old pianist Jordan was on stage last month when the Will Schmid Quintet performed on the Showcase, and tonight it's most of that ensemble with Jordan-- saxophonist Gerhardt Robinson, bassist Alma Engebretson, and drummer Simon Petrick, four of the most talented and engaging teen jazzers around.  It's a hard act to follow but the funky fusionists Rare Medium are up to the challenge, playing the headline sets at 9 pm.

Over at Jazz Central, it's a rare appearance by the Charlie Christenson Five-- "a ragtag group of amateur comedians, political activists, college professors, traveling salesmen and European jazz enthusiasts" as well as accomplished musicians. The band includes Charlie--who heads the Voice Department at McNally Smith-- on keys and vocals, Adam Meckler on trumpet, Patrick Horigan on guitar and keys, Katie Marshall on guitar and vocals, and Matt Edlund on drums.

Eric Gravatt

The Walker West 8 O'Clock Jump concert series continues with Eric Gravatt and Source Code, which tonight will feature Chris Thomson, Solomon Parham, Dean Magraw, Ron Evaniuk and Eric. This series has already presented Nicole Mitchell, Ron Carter and Yolande Bruce, and the 2016 line-up will be announced soon. It's a small performance space so call or go online now for tickets.

Atlantis Quartet

The Atlantis Quartet, coming off a short vacation, returns to Vieux Carré, and tonight they help celebrate Chris Bates' birthday as well as the birth of Brandon Wozniak's daughter. Soon they will also have a new CD to celebrate. Jeremy Walker and Anthony Cox start out with some cool duo sets.

Dave Hagedorn

The second night of the Zeitgeist New Music Cabaret features the voice/sax duo of Allyssa Anderson and Jeffrey Kyle Hutchins, the Zeigeist ensemble, and the Dave Hagedorn Quartet (Dave Milne , Chris Bates and Phil Hey), all performing new works at Studio Z.

Lucia Sarmiento

Saturday, November 14. The double-header at the Black Dog (Saturday Night Jazz series) is a McNally Smith affair, with most of the musicians having student and/or faculty ties to the St. Paul music school: First up, a voice/guitar duo dubbed Tempestad (Maria Vejdani and Tomás Simpson​), followed by the Gerard Ahlgren Quintet led by trumpeter Algren with a crew of very able past and current students -- Lucia Sarmiento on sax, Kelly Blau on guitar, Ry Dill on bass and Lars Johnson on drums. This is Ahlgren's Black Dog debut, but we've heard most of these musicians in other contexts including the McNally X-Tet, Breaking Brass, Lucia's Quintet, etc.

Solomon Parham

At Studio Z, it's the finale of the Zeitgeist New Music Cabaret, featuring an ensemble led by trumpeter Solomon Parham, the Zeitgeist ensemble, and Gao Hong performing original works on the Chinese pipa in collaboration with sound designers.

Travis Anderson

The Travis Anderson Trio returns to the Normandy Kitchen, Nachito Herrera holds his monthly firestorm at the Dakota, Benny Weinbeck and his intrepid trio (Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey) perform in the lounge at Parma 8200, the Talking Strings take over the Loring Pasta Bar; Tim Sparks and James Buckley hold a string fest over the dinner hours at the Icehouse, followed by a return engagement with the young trombone duo, the Potash Twins.

Patrick Harison (Patty and the Buttons)

Sunday, November 15. Jazz Brunch is easy to find -- Patty and the Buttons at the Aster, the Andrew Walesch Trio at Crooners, Robert Everest at Maria's. Later in the day, Solomon Parham hosts his Sessions at the Bedlam, the Zacc Harris Trio prevails at the Riverview Wine Bar.

Regina Carter

Monday, November 16. It's been a few years since master jazz violinist Regina Carter has been in the Twin Cities, and now she's back with her Southern Comfort ensemble for two sets at the Dakota. Featuring folk tunes and newer compositions that honor her grandfather's southern roots, the MacArthur "genius grant" recipient makes the violin sing in the key of jazz on each of her diverse projects, and her bands always include the best artists on the scene.

Jake Baldwin

At the Icehouse, JT's Jazz Implosion features BDP, led by trumpeters Jake Baldwin and Cameron Kinghorn, with Kinghorn also providing vocals, with Ted Godbout on keys, Andrew Foreman on bass and Andres Crovetti on drums. Young lions ripping through the jazz jungle!

At Jazz Central, the spotlight shines on Berklee-trained drummer/multi-instrumentalist Rodney Rocques, aka Rodney Ruckus, and his Ruckus Quintet. After completing college studies, Rodney hit the road with the likes of Tia Fuller, Herbie Hancock, Billy Childs and more.

And at the Black Dog, it's another night with the Cherry Spoon Collective, an area experimental music ensemble led by Michelle Kinney (cello), Nick Guadette (bass) and Patrick O’Keefe (sax), along with a revolving cast of the best of Twin Cities improvisers.

There's good music for a good cause tonight at the Jungle Theater, where vocalist Connie Evingson teams up with the swinging Patty and the Buttons in a fundraiser ("20/20") for Angel Flight, a charity organization that provides volunteer pilots and planes to transport individuals to access critical medical care. Tickets and information at www.afc2020.eventbrite.com

Adam Meckler Orchestra

Tuesday, November 17. Move the tables and chairs, the Adam Meckler Orchestra will take over much of the central space at Vieux Carré! The AMO has been rather quiet lately as leader Adam has been on the road, recording with his quintet and adjusting to fatherhood, but they're back in full sound with 18 of the area's finest, and many among the area's youngest, jazz artists. The setlist features all original music. Guitarist Joel Shapira goes solo for the early evening sets.   

In Minneapolis, the Explosion Big Band, led by Doug Haining and Scott Agster, offers another opportunity to enjoy the area's finest big band players on Jazz Central's weekly Big Band night.

Tommy O'Donnell

At Crooners Lounge, Tuesday Instrumental Jazz Night features the return of the Tommy O'Donnell Trio with Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey, a sublime and swinging piano band that should be a perfect match to the fine sound in the lounge and the equally fine fare on the new menu.

Noah Ophoven-Baldwin

Wednesday, November 18. Arne Fogel and the Wolverines, one of the longest-running partnerships in area jazz, take the stage at Crooners Lounge. In a far different vein, at Jazz Central, "Sisters" (aka the Baldwin Sisters) are actually musical brothers (unrelated)-- trumpeters Jake Baldwin and Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, offering up some free-wheeling improv duets on "New Music Night."

Thursday, November 19. At Vieux Carré, Jon Pemberton (on piano) opens the evening for a McNally Smith Night featuring the McNally X-Tet, led by Pete Whitman and modeled after his famed X-Tet.

Katia Cardenas

At Jazz Central, Vocal Jazz Night offers something a little different as singers Sheridan Zuther and Katia Cardenas try out solos and duets from Carole King's iconic Tapestry album. It's the first time these singers have presented King's music. More vocal jazz at Crooners tonight with the Ginger Commodore Quartet on stage.

Ron Miles

Jazz in the Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall, curated and led by Jeremy Walker, holds its second concert of the season, with special guest, trumpeter Ron Miles. "Looking East: New York Looms Large" considers the music of Ellington, Gershwin and others who celebrated their home town in their compositions. The Atrium Jazz Ensemble tonight features Chris Thomson, Jeremy Walker, Jeff Brueske and Tim Zhorne along with Denver-based trumpet star Miles, who was a celebrated guest last season as well.

Khyber Pass Cafe presents a too-rare performance by Michael Lewis, in town for a late fall visit. This is one of the metro's smallest venues, repeatedly offering some of the most adventurous music.

Kevin Washington

A late night session at the Icehouse brings drummer Kevin Washington to the stage with his band, playing some music and hosting a jam session--and no cover!

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. The live edition of The Lead Sheet can be heard at 4:40 pm on Thursdays on KBEM, excerpts rebroadcast at 7:20 am on Fridays. (Special guest on November 12 --Andrew Walesch re his big band Frank Sinatra show and new CD; November 19 --Jeremy Walker re the Jazz in the Target Atrium series). Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com).

Coming Soon!

. November 20, Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands at The Nicollet

. November 21, Joyce Lyons, Jazz @ St. Barneys

. November 21, What Would Monk Do at the Black Dog

. November 21, JazzMN Orchestra at Hopkins High School Auditorium

. November 22-23, Karrin Allyson at the Dakota

. November 23, Jen Shyu at the Icehouse

. November 24, Dave Karr Quartet at Crooners Lounge

. November 27, The Gang Font at the Icehouse

. November 27, Paul Harper Chorless Quartet at The Nicollet

. November 27, Patty Peterson at Parma 8200

. November 28, Pat Mallinger Quartet at Vieux Carré

. November 28, Group 47/Dave King's Vector Families at the Black Dog

. November 30, Pat Martino Quartet at the Dakota

. December 2, Diane Schuur at the Dakota

. December 4, The Girls at the Dakota

. December 4, Atlantis Quartet at The Nicollet

. December 4, Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

. December 5, Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. December 8, Jamison Ross at the Dakota

. December 9-10, Ramsey Lewis Holiday Show at the Dakota

. December 14-15, New York Voices Holiday show at the Dakota

. December 16-17, Nachito Herrera and the Universals at the Dakota

. December 20, Peterson Family Christmas at the Dakota

. December 25-28, The Bad Plus at the Dakota

. January 10, Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues at the Dakota

. January 17, John Penny CD release at the Icehouse

. January 23, Jeremy Walker's Seven Psalms at Orchestra Hall

. January 31, Winter Jazz Festival at the Saint Paul Hotel, featuring the Cyrus Chestnut Trio

. February 2, Charles Lloyd Trio with Bill Frisell at the Dakota

. February 8-9, John Scofield and Joe Lovano at the Dakota

. February 25, Rez Abassi with Rudresh Mahanthappa at Walker Art Center

. March 2-3, Brian Blade Fellowship at the Dakota

. March 5, Pete Whitman X-Tet at Hopkins Center for the Arts

. March 13, JazzMN Orchestra with Tierney Sutton at the Hopkins High School Auditorium

Karrin Allyson returns to the Dakota, November 22-23