Fine, fine, original pianist Eric Hirsh plans to record his first CD in January & has started a Kickstarter campaign. I recommend supporting him highly. He's too good not to have more people hear his music!

To find out how to contribute: ​https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/67568290/eric-hirsh-original-jazz-album-debut?ref=card

Discovery:​ After a very quiet Thanksgiving at Hatteras, I'm ready for some jazz...

​...This Week:

Monday:​ If you want to dance, the Pittsboro Road House has its monthly bandfest, this week with Gregg Gelb's Swing Band.

Tuesday:​ The NCJRO at Sharp Nine 8p is a literal & figurative blast.

Wednesday:​ Don't forget Durham's Bar Virgile has brought back pianist Ariel Pocock 7p; & newcomer vocalist Steve Muscarella premieres at C Grace 9p.

​Thursday:​ Female vocalists this evening, Frankie Alexander at Irregardless & The Woman Who Should Have Her Own Piano Bar, Lydia Dudley at Vinos Finos--both 6:30p. Or, the Ernest Turner jazz jam at Imbibe 8p.

​Friday = University Choices:​ the Duke Jazz Band with organist Joey DeFrancesco 8p; or the NCCU Faculty at the Beyu 7 & 9p; or the UNC Faculty at Sharp Nine 8p. Serendipity can also be cruel.

Saturday:​ I was all set to see amazing young pianist Sean Mason at Sharp Nine 8p, when I saw the Beyu's got fine extravore alto player Braxton Cook 7 & 9p. Looks like a night when I have to double up!

Discoveries:

1. ​Ace local guitarist Danny Gotham at 2nd Wind this afternoon:​ While checking out something else, I saw Danny will be with his group Jazzbeau today 2p. Having never seen him thus, I'll be there then.

2. Ernest Turner is playing better than ever:​ His first set at the Thursday night Imbibe jazz jam last week sounded like his playing at Monk @ 100 at Duke, fully modern, exploring sounds others can't hear. It was enough to make me swear to catch that jazz jam every week. Further benefit: lots of young players there that night too...

​3. Jazz venues come & go:​ Carrboro's Looking Glass has been bought by the Honeysuckle Tea House folks, who plan to "reorganize" it inside & decide on a music schedule--after having ended the 7 year run of guitarist Brad Maiani at short notice. I'll check rumored changes at Alley 26 & Durham's West End Wine bar in the next few days.

​​This Week:​ Yup, we need more jazz venues, especially if the news above turns out badly. I am happy, though, to see the Imbibe jazz jam turnout last week. With the passing of The Shed, there hasn't been a place to jam. Nevertheless, we could use a Durham jazz jam venue or one willing to add a jazz night to its mix. That being said, this is a week where we could easily check out a local suspect or two:

Monday: ​​Trombonist & crooner Danny Grewen & pianist Robert Griffiin frolic at Imbibe; the Triangle Jazz Orchestra plays danceably at the Pittsboro Roadhouse.

Tuesday:​​ Drummer Donovan Cheatham's trio heats up the Durham Hotel Roof 6-9p. He promises to play tunes people know & a few (e.g., by pianist Cedar Walton) not generally known. I'll be there.​

​Wednesday: More frolicking jazz with Yeaux Katz at 2nd Wind, 7-9p.

​Saturday:​​ If I have the energy after driving back from the beach, I'll go hear​ singer Ti Harmon (who lit up Ed Furtick's annual jazz jam party) sing at Irregardless &/or young saxist Sam King light up C Grace, both at 9. Maybe I should just get a hotel room to sleep after all that...