1. Keith Ganz's playing Friday night at Sharp Nine was the best I've heard--& his band kept up with him!: Some nights you know from the first number that it's gonna be special; this was one. Keith's & pianist Ariel Pocock's playing was distinctive, with bassist Paul Creel & drummer Kobie Watkins both keeping things moving & adding equally distinctive solos that fit the vibe.
2. You can have two special nights in a row: I know NCCU student is an enthusiastic musician who can't stop moving while he listens to others playing, but his quartet started as specially & swinging Saturday night at Sharp Nine as Friday night had. As Dexter put it, they decided to play standards that deserved quality play, & they delivered, with Dexter giving space to the whole band & varying the trad soloing/duoing/trading patterns. Plus, ECU grad student pianist Graeme Slonaker was a inventive, imaginative surprise. I need to hear more of him.
3. It was a Passing Fancy: Went to 2nd Wind to hear Yeaux Katz but found it's playing every other week, but was entertained by this clarinet-banjo-piano trio that played delightful old Tin Pan Alley jazz. As refreshing as a bubbly drink.
4. The Durham Hotel has shifted its Thursday jazz jam to every 2nd Thursday for the winter.
This Week features the traditionally barely publicized NCCU end of semester jazz combos & a vocal jazz & big band concert with a guest artist. Details below.
Monday
- Vocalist Autumn Rainey at Local Jazz Club @ The Fruit 7:30p. I'll be there.
- NCCU features student jazz combos at B.N. Duke Auditorium.
- Alison Weiner hosts her second Choochooanoo jazz/spoken word gig at The Station 7p. I'll be there.
- Yeaux Katz back at 2nd Wind 8p.
- NCCU end of semester vocal jazz & big band concert at B.N. Duke 8p.
- Greensboro-based drummer joins bassist Steve Haines, guitarist Gabe Dansereau, & saxophonist Dave Finucane at Sharp Nine 8p. I need to hear Dave play.