It's another great week for local fans -- we've got players from old to young and in-between this week ....
Thursday, April 30
The Highland Park-based Jim Lapidus Trio will be at Steakhouse 85 , 85 Church St., New Brunswick.
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, May 1
The annual Cranbury-Princeton High School Jazz Dance begins at 7 p.m. Friday in the Cranbury School Auditorium, 23 N. Main St., Cranbury. The event will feature several area school jazz bands, including Princeton High School’s award-winning Studio Band and Jazz Ensemble. The $6 adult tickets ($4 for seniors and children) will help support Princeton bands; buy some refreshments to support Cranbury musicians. Tickets will sold at the door or by band members.
Guitarist Dick Gratton will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe on main Street in Lawrenceville, with sets at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Trenton Marriott at 1 West Lafayette, always features live jazz music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No cover.
Saturday, May 2
James Stewart will be at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St., Trenton, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 3
Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village has a jazz brunch, with live music, starting this weekend. The brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dick Gratton makes his regular appearance at Hightstown's Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer St. Sets at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium hosts a jam session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park.
Monday, May 4
The incomparable Maria Schneider will be in concert with the New Jersey City University Jazz Ensemble, at 7:30 p.m. in the Margaret Williams Theatre at NJCU in Jersey City. $15 general admission; $10 students/seniors.
Thursday, May 7
The Princeton University Sinfonia will conclude its 2008—2009 season at 8 p.m. May 7 with the premiere of Princeton-area composer Laurie Altman’s jazz-influenced work "In Another Time," as well as several orchestra favorites. The orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will be joined by Fuma Sacra, a professional vocal ensemble directed by Andrew Megill, guitarist Nate Radley, and the Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Anthony D.J. Branker. "In Another Time" was commissioned and supported by the Lewis Center for the Arts, the Princeton University Jazz Program, and the Princeton University Music Department. Tickets for the concert are $5 and seating is general admission. For tickets call 609-258-9220 or order online at www.princeton.edu/utickets.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
When reviewing new releases for publications, one often gets smitten with a new release. Most of the time, the love doesn't last -- once you're not listening to something as closely, whatever beauty it had fades and when it's heard again ... well, it's like bumping into an old aquaintance you've forgotten about.
But every now and again, there's real gold among the thousands of new releases, and one of my favorites is Ray Barretto's "Time was -- Time is" from 2005 on O+ Music.
It was Ray's last studio release, and it's a fine tribute to this incredible musician who gave us "El Watusi" in the 60s, 1972's "Carnival" and this, before his death in early 2006. His contributions to salsa music is legendary -- but his jazz was also first rate.
I find the opening track of "Time was - Time is" -- "Drume Negrita" -- completely enchanting. With Barretto on shakers, pianist Robert Rodriguez outlines the harmonic structure with a series of whole-note chords.
Then, in a beautifully realized and powerful statement, Sean Conly's bass gives the tune's bottom end. It's a wonderful fulfillment of the rhythm and chordal presence, with a snaking rhythm moving down a descending melody line.
By the time the two horns -- Joe Magnarelli on trumpet and altoist Myron Walden -- join, the song balances on the interplay between the elements.
There are times I will crave another listen to this delicious serving the way some people crave ice cream -- it begins with the hypnotic shakers, then the bass line ...
Throught the CD, Baretto's percussion work is moved up in the mix, creating a more urgent feel to the music. It's not in-your-face percussion, but -- typical of Barretto -- perfectly placed and played.
But every now and again, there's real gold among the thousands of new releases, and one of my favorites is Ray Barretto's "Time was -- Time is" from 2005 on O+ Music.
It was Ray's last studio release, and it's a fine tribute to this incredible musician who gave us "El Watusi" in the 60s, 1972's "Carnival" and this, before his death in early 2006. His contributions to salsa music is legendary -- but his jazz was also first rate.
I find the opening track of "Time was - Time is" -- "Drume Negrita" -- completely enchanting. With Barretto on shakers, pianist Robert Rodriguez outlines the harmonic structure with a series of whole-note chords.
Then, in a beautifully realized and powerful statement, Sean Conly's bass gives the tune's bottom end. It's a wonderful fulfillment of the rhythm and chordal presence, with a snaking rhythm moving down a descending melody line.
By the time the two horns -- Joe Magnarelli on trumpet and altoist Myron Walden -- join, the song balances on the interplay between the elements.
There are times I will crave another listen to this delicious serving the way some people crave ice cream -- it begins with the hypnotic shakers, then the bass line ...
Throught the CD, Baretto's percussion work is moved up in the mix, creating a more urgent feel to the music. It's not in-your-face percussion, but -- typical of Barretto -- perfectly placed and played.
The arrangements and perfomances here -- recorded over a three-day session at the end of November 2004 -- are sublime and fresh. The septet with two horns is an unusual combination, but it works -- they're light and nimble, and Magnarelli is fantastic here.
It's become one of my favorite recordings of the decade, one that earns repeated listens and deserves to become a classic. As a final effort, it shows what an immense talent Barretto was.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Finding a surprise on Saturday night
Last week, I mentioned Julian Lage and Tal Wilkenfeld, a couple of up-and-coming musicians who have been getting lots of attention and press. Saturday, I witnessed an impressive performance by some talented local youth while out and about in Princeton.
Unfortunately, I didn't catch the names of the keyboard-flugelhorn-drums lineup -- they were playing at the Carousel Luncheonette, as part of an event for the Princeton Young Achievers.
But they did a terrific job, listening and responding to each other. They played well, like mature musicians, although I don't think any of the trio I heard was more than 20 years old. Their arrangements on standards were tasteful and creative, and void of the usual over-playing young and inexperienced players often give.
I'll keep an eye out for these musicians -- and so should you -- they may be among the future stars.
Unfortunately, I didn't catch the names of the keyboard-flugelhorn-drums lineup -- they were playing at the Carousel Luncheonette, as part of an event for the Princeton Young Achievers.
But they did a terrific job, listening and responding to each other. They played well, like mature musicians, although I don't think any of the trio I heard was more than 20 years old. Their arrangements on standards were tasteful and creative, and void of the usual over-playing young and inexperienced players often give.
I'll keep an eye out for these musicians -- and so should you -- they may be among the future stars.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
We're having a heat wave ...
It’s getting hot this week … and we’re not talking about the weather! Lots happening for jazz lovers – get out and support local musicians.
Thursday, April 23
Alan Holdsworth opens a four-night arpeggio-fest at Iridium in Manhattan. Tix are $30 – get some at www.iridiumjazzclub.com, see him and be prepared to be amazed … he’s adding two shows at The Turning Point, Monday. That’s at 468 Piermont Ave., Piermont, N.Y. 10968; 845-359-1089
Friday, April 24
Trumpeter Gordon James will be at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton Forrestal Village from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gordon’s got a new release – "In Joy" on Caress Music – coming out and he’s booking dates in area clubs (he’ll be in new Brunswick Sunday).
Guitarist Dick Gratton will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe on main Street in Lawrenceville, with sets at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Trenton Marriott at 1 West Lafayette, always features live jazz music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No cover.
John Scofield and Chris Potter’s Underground at McCarter Theater. ‘Nuff said. Check here for details.
Saturday, April 25
The Watchung Arts Center will feature Brazilian pianist Adriano Santos, with composer Helio Alves, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16; $8 for students. Click here, e-mail to wacenter@optonline.net, or call 908-753-0190 to reserve yours.
If you miss Santos’ Watchung show, don’t fret – he’s playing Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola from April 28 to May 3 in "Samba Jazz and the Music of Jobim," a tribute to Jobim. He’ll join Eddie Gomez, Claudio Roditi and Toninho Horta, Duduka Da Fonseca on drums, and singer Maucha Adnet. Click here for more details.
John Nobile's Summer Swing Orchestra will be at the Indigo Ballroom, 17 Division St. in Somerville at 8:30 p.m. There’s a $20 cover charge, but that includes a one-hour swing dance lesson, and refreshments. Call 908-218-9418 for more information.
Sunday, April 26
Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village has a jazz brunch, with live music, starting this weekend. The brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dick Gratton makes his regular appearance at Hightstown's Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer St. Sets at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Somerset Jazz Consortium hosts a jam session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park.
Gordon James kicks off what he hopes will become a regular Sunday night event — Smooth Sensual Sunday — 6 p.m. at the Progressive Temple 186 Hale St. in New Brunswick. He’ll have his band, a light show and "visual motion photography" by Funkologist. Tickets are $15.
The New Jersey Jazz Society meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at Trumpet's Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair. Today’s meeting will feature pianist-singer-educator Dena DeRose in the NJJS’s Intimate Portrait Series features. Click here for details.
Monday, April 27
The Justin Derman Jazz Trio will perform at the Bound Brook Library at 7 p.m. Monday. Justin Derman is a Bound Brook resident who studied at Kean University and New Jersey City University. The concert is free, thanks to the Friends of the Bound Brook Library.
Tuesday, April 28
Shanghai Jazz in Madison has Russell Malone – if you haven’t seen Malone on stage, you really haven’t heard him. He’s got a great musical presence on stage, playing with more energy than on many of his releases. There’s no cover charge, but $35 per person for food and drink minimum at all tables ($10 to sit in the bar). Call 973-822-2899 to make the required reservations.
Thursday, April 23
Alan Holdsworth opens a four-night arpeggio-fest at Iridium in Manhattan. Tix are $30 – get some at www.iridiumjazzclub.com, see him and be prepared to be amazed … he’s adding two shows at The Turning Point, Monday. That’s at 468 Piermont Ave., Piermont, N.Y. 10968; 845-359-1089
Friday, April 24
Trumpeter Gordon James will be at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton Forrestal Village from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gordon’s got a new release – "In Joy" on Caress Music – coming out and he’s booking dates in area clubs (he’ll be in new Brunswick Sunday).
Guitarist Dick Gratton will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe on main Street in Lawrenceville, with sets at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Trenton Marriott at 1 West Lafayette, always features live jazz music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No cover.
John Scofield and Chris Potter’s Underground at McCarter Theater. ‘Nuff said. Check here for details.
Saturday, April 25
The Watchung Arts Center will feature Brazilian pianist Adriano Santos, with composer Helio Alves, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16; $8 for students. Click here, e-mail to wacenter@optonline.net, or call 908-753-0190 to reserve yours.
If you miss Santos’ Watchung show, don’t fret – he’s playing Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola from April 28 to May 3 in "Samba Jazz and the Music of Jobim," a tribute to Jobim. He’ll join Eddie Gomez, Claudio Roditi and Toninho Horta, Duduka Da Fonseca on drums, and singer Maucha Adnet. Click here for more details.
John Nobile's Summer Swing Orchestra will be at the Indigo Ballroom, 17 Division St. in Somerville at 8:30 p.m. There’s a $20 cover charge, but that includes a one-hour swing dance lesson, and refreshments. Call 908-218-9418 for more information.
Sunday, April 26
Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village has a jazz brunch, with live music, starting this weekend. The brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dick Gratton makes his regular appearance at Hightstown's Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer St. Sets at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Somerset Jazz Consortium hosts a jam session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park.
Gordon James kicks off what he hopes will become a regular Sunday night event — Smooth Sensual Sunday — 6 p.m. at the Progressive Temple 186 Hale St. in New Brunswick. He’ll have his band, a light show and "visual motion photography" by Funkologist. Tickets are $15.
The New Jersey Jazz Society meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at Trumpet's Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair. Today’s meeting will feature pianist-singer-educator Dena DeRose in the NJJS’s Intimate Portrait Series features. Click here for details.
Monday, April 27
The Justin Derman Jazz Trio will perform at the Bound Brook Library at 7 p.m. Monday. Justin Derman is a Bound Brook resident who studied at Kean University and New Jersey City University. The concert is free, thanks to the Friends of the Bound Brook Library.
Tuesday, April 28
Shanghai Jazz in Madison has Russell Malone – if you haven’t seen Malone on stage, you really haven’t heard him. He’s got a great musical presence on stage, playing with more energy than on many of his releases. There’s no cover charge, but $35 per person for food and drink minimum at all tables ($10 to sit in the bar). Call 973-822-2899 to make the required reservations.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Keeping up with the kids
Music can be a merciless taskmaster ... and jazz is the meanest mistress. Many spend their lives struggling to master the delicacies of a minor 7 with a flatted fifth ....
Of course, others aren't so hampered: they get it early on in life.
To wit: check out Julian Lage, an old-hand on the jazz circuit at 21. I first read about him five years ago, when Just Jazz Guitar did a profile on the 16-year-old phenom.
How about Tal Wilkenfeld -- here she is doing her rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" with Jeff Beck. She toured Australia last year with Chick Corea. She's 21, too.
A quick search on Google finds links to articles from Maine to California about teenage and early-20-year-old jazz musicians ... and if you pursue it, you'll find there's a lot of good music coming from them.
Now, back to practicing those altered dominant sevenths ...
Of course, others aren't so hampered: they get it early on in life.
To wit: check out Julian Lage, an old-hand on the jazz circuit at 21. I first read about him five years ago, when Just Jazz Guitar did a profile on the 16-year-old phenom.
How about Tal Wilkenfeld -- here she is doing her rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" with Jeff Beck. She toured Australia last year with Chick Corea. She's 21, too.
A quick search on Google finds links to articles from Maine to California about teenage and early-20-year-old jazz musicians ... and if you pursue it, you'll find there's a lot of good music coming from them.
Now, back to practicing those altered dominant sevenths ...
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