1. Numerous new CDs:
- Kobie Watkins' "Movement" is a solid, straight-ahead recording, worthy of in-car rotation.
- Thomas Taylor's "The Seeker" was recorded live in his hometown, Elizabeth City, & it--like his CD release show at Sharp Nine Friday--is full of down-home joy. Keep an eye out for another performance by the group.
- Eric Hirsh's "Distillation" is a lovely "best of his career" tunes.
3. Jeff "Tain" Watts comes to NCCU's "Give The Drummer Some": He appears with many other drummers & groups Sunday 8/26 6p. Link: http://www.nccu.edu/calendar/dept.cfm?deptid=92.
This Week's Highlights:
Sunday/Tonight: Guitarist Jimmy Gilmore's Freetet debuts their 3rd Out & Gone CD 7p. I'll be there because I like their listenable free jazz style.
Monday: Ernest Turner's trio & vocalist Ariel Pocock play at Durham's United Methodist Church 7p. Worth a look.
Tuesday: Guitarist Scott Sawyer replaces Alison Weiner at the Eddy Pub 7p.
Friday: A night of choices!
- Pianist Jim Crew's duo at the NCMA's Iris Restaurant 5:30p.
- Vocalist Frankie Alexander with pianist Ed Paolantonio at Durham's Parizade 7p.
- DC-based steel pan player Victor Provost at Sharp Nine 8p.
- Saxophonist Alan Thompson at Circe 1888 (unless he's home with their new baby).
- Gregg Gelb goes Latin at C Grace 9p.
- Tea Cup Gin at Hillsborough's Hot Tin 9p.
- Decatur Street Beat at Meadowmont's Carolina Bakery/Café 10a.
- Vocalist Lydia Sallet & pianist Stephen Anderson at Sharp Nine 8p.
- Vocalist Autumn Rainey Trio at Clayton's Revival 1869 8p. Yes, there is a jazz club in Clayton!
- Zen Poets plays tunes from its new CD with vocalist Nishah DiMeo 9p. Worth it.
- Percussionist Brevan Hampden with pianist Eric Hirsh at C Grace 9p.