OK, so I said I'd go to two gigs last night in my "This Week" blog. I did. I am happy...

​First, it was good to hear alto saxist Aaron Hill & his trio (drummer Aaron Tucker & bassist Jason Foureman) at the Beyu for their first set. Yes, it would've been even finer to hear their second set, but...

​Then I went to The Shed to hear tenor saxist Shaquim Muldrow lead a quartet of skilled fellow students (drummer Atticus Reynolds, bassist Aaron Gross, & pianist Andrew Berinson). Shaquim shook it up. Every time I hear him, he's better & better. He's still got plenty of room to grow, but he has his sound. And his band is a fine bunch. I have no qualms about listening to such "students". They're learning as they play, & they play well.

​As importantly for me, for a change--& it's a big change for us--Shaquim included vocalist Dupresha Townsend, who sang three standards in the two sets. It was good to hear her sing, it was good to have the Sister Singers Support Team of other NCCU female singers there--& it's what we need more of! As much as I enjoy hearing instrumentalists, as good as they may be, more singers bring more variety, a different way of hearing, &, ultimately, more customers.

​So I'll continue my personal quest to, e.g., push for more NCCU female student vocalists on the scene. Let's see what happens.

Though there are lots of small groups playing at our local venues, the most popular long-term gig here is the monthly North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra performance at Sharp Nine. They've sold out 10 months in a row, even last night when many folks could've chickened out for fear of icy roads.

​Despite recent weather Sharp Nine was packed last night since the NCJRO has built up a core audience, perhaps since it found a home there in the last few years. It's part of the overall "they will come if you have regular jazz in a venue" approach to jazz locally. Sharp Nine, Beyu, The Shed, & C Grace have all started offering regular jazz & have been rewarded.

​What makes the NCJRO special? Good question. As one who's paid more attention to jazz combos than to big bands, I find it refreshing just to hear the energy & textures of the NCJRO (& the university big bands). Yeah, it's the big band version of small group straight-ahead jazz, but c'est la vie ici. It will continue to bring out capacity crowds at Sharp Nine every fourth Tuesday of the month, the next being 2/23.

 OK, the ice will melt this week & we can get out safely. Here are things to consider:

--Don't forget pianist Ernest Turner & trio at The Shed every Monday, followed by a jam session. I was reminded of that at the jam session Duke Performances-facilitated there Thursday night (even though extravore guitarist Rez Abbasi couldn't be there). It's a good way to get to know local musicians.

--Don't know whether the NCJRO is sold out as usual at Sharp Nine Tuesday night, but I will be there. Not only fine big band music but another opportunity to meet local players.

I could be very busy Thursday:
--The Carrboro Century Center in the middle of Carrboro has music on Thursday's at noon. This week it's Doug Largent &/or guitarist Kevin Van Sant. A little ambiguous but still worth pursuing. I'll be there.
--Fine NCCU student saxist Shaqim Muldrow leads a quartet of solid peers at The Shed at 8; & since the next starts earlier...
--Alto saxist Aaron hill leads his trio at the Beyu at 7. Since I can do both, I will.

Friday Al Strong's scheduled to play as a duo at Alley 26. If I have energy left, I'll be there.

Too many choices on Saturday--good saxists at G2B (Keenan McKenzie) & Irregardless (Chad Eby), but I can't miss Ernest Turner plus the unique sound of saxist Stephen Riley at Sharp Nine.

And, for those looking farther ahead, do not miss my favorite extravore pianist, Jason Moran, at UNC at 8 Friday 2/5.