1. Al Strong playing well & putting on a good show with his quartet at C Grace with...
2. Durham-developed pianist Ryan Hanseler playing better than ever, having stopped on his way back to New Orleans, with...
3. The quietest, most respectful audience I've experienced at C Grace, plus...
4. Two glasses of smooth cabernet sauvignon.
This Week: Busier, of course, with lots of choices.
Sunday
- Sharp Nine jazz jam 4p.
- Griffanzo & Grewen combine standards, a trombone, a piano, & occasional guests @ Imbibe 7p.
- Reed player Keenan McKenzie debuts his "Bull City Holiday" with a horde of local musicians 8p. Keenan's a great musician & composer, slanting towards facilitating eruptions of swing dancing. I will be there!
- Ed Palantonio plays solo--& beautifully--at the Empress Room 7:30p, from which you can go downstairs to...
- Brian Horton's trio at C Grace 9p.
- James Brown alum trombonist Fred Wesley joins the Duke Jazz Ensemble at Bardwin 8p.
- Simultaneously, the NCCU jazz faculty take on Christmas music at Sharp Nine 8p.
- The UNC Jazz Band does its Christmas at Moser Auditorium 7:30p.
- Guitarist Russell Favret plays at Arcana 9p.