My live music choices last weekend inspired the above. Listening to Ira Wiggins Quartet at the Beyu & an Al Strong Trio at Alley 26 Friday night, & then a Stephen Anderson trio at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouise Saturday night, I was impressed by the quality of the music. If you want to hear good jazz, it's here every weekend; if you want to hear great jazz, wait for Wayne Shorter or Branford Marsalis, etc., to appear at one of our universities. And, in between, the university jazz programs bring in guest artists who perform with some fine student musicians. Again, not a bad deal...
In addition to the usual weeknight choices, Friday poses some problems for me. However, it may be possible to eat my cake & eat it: I can go hear the Gregg Gelb Quartet at the 140 West Franklin "Live & Local" music series at that address in Chapel Hill since they start at 6pm; after a set there, saxophonist Aaron Hill & pianist Eric Hirsh (who were great in Eric's quartet at the Beyu nine nights ago) at Brasa starting at 6:30pm; & then, if Al Strong is playing at Cuban Revolution at 9pm, there's another opportunity (I'll doublecheck that during the week).
I should also take in saxophonist Brian Horton at the Straw Valley Café on the Durham-Chapel Hill border Saturday at 9pm. I will find out that night at the very latest what the Cafe's jazz plans are & if they go beyond Brian's twice-a-month gig.
Not a bad deal!