Discoveries:
1. Carrboro's Arts Center reminded me of their 2017-8 jazz performance sprinkled among other interesting stuff: Raleigh's The Hot At Nights/ extravore guitarist Matthew Stevens, Jason Marsalis Quartet...
2. MahaloJazz has a new website calendar. I not that because I really appreciate Alison Weiner listing who's playing with her at gigs. E.g., I truly enjoy hearing Carter Minor sing...
This Week: Weeknights of usual suspects/places, & some nice weekend choices...
Friday: If I was here Friday, I'd consider doing a double: Mark Wells & Al Strong have played together for years & are at Brasa 7p, while the so-called Carolina Jazz Messengers--Chad Eby & pals from Greensboro-- explore Art Blakey's legacy 8p. Or, for percussionist Brevan Hampden fans, he's at C Grace 9p.
Saturday: At 8p drummer & Durham native Dave Potter premiers his new CD with a solid set of sidemen (WNCU has been playing it lately) at Sharp Nine, while, for Al Strong fans, he reappears with a quartet at C Grace 9p.
Next Week: I'll catch up "missing" gigs when I come back since I have many blank spaces on my calendar. But, the weekend has plenty to offer.
Friday: Locavore pianist Jonathan Markow brings in extravore bassist Iris Ornig to Sharp Nine 8p to play Burt Bachrach. I've listened to their playing so this is worth my being there.
Saturday: I plan to start my day at the Station 2p, listening to Frankie Alexander sing standards well; then continuing on to locavore pianist Ed Paolantonio & NC native saxophonist Brad Linde explore the music of bebop pianist Lennie Tristano at Sharp Nine 8p. Another gig is well worth noting: for free jazz fans, guitarist James Gilmore offers controlled anarchy with the NC Freetet at Durham's Arcana.
Sunday: UNC wisely offers the second performance of "Ella At the Savoy: A Centennial Celebration" at Kenan Building's rehearsal hall. If you haven't seen this yet--I have & it's great--you need to go.
Tuesday 10/10: Pianist Ernest Turner & saxophonist Stephen Riley--this area's premier Monkistas--celebrate Monk's actual birth date at Sharp 9 7p. Sorry to be so bold, but this is another must-see event!