1. Angela Bingham isn't just a vocalist, she's a performer: At Sharp Nine Friday night, she didn't just sing, she made the event fun.
2. Joey Calderazzo lives five minutes from Sharp Nine: He was at Sharp Nine Saturday night, with NCCU prof Brian Horton on saxes, & students Chris Sharp on bass & Dorian Dotson on drums. Joey spoke warmly of the students he's mentored as a NCCU adjunct over the years, in addition to playing beautifully. To cap it off, Branford Marsalis burst from the crowd for the last two numbers.
These Weeks: Yup, things quiet down, including me (though I hope to see fantastic pianist Sullivan Fortner in NYC). If I was around I'd take advantage of these...
Tuesday 12/17: The NCJRO @ Sharp Nine 8p.
Wednesday 12/18: Peter Lamb & the Wolves join forces with Sidecar Social Club at Humble Pie 8:30p. One hell of a ride!
Friday 12/19: The vivacious vocalist Dupresha Townsend @ Irregardless 6:30p. She could make folks stop eating & pay attention.
Saturday 12/28: Atomic Rhythm All-Stars takes over Raleigh's Neptunes Parlour 9p. Travel back to the '20s & '30s.
Tuesday 12/31: I'm not a New Year's Eve person, but the combination of Kobie Watkins on drums, Jason Foureman on bass, Brian Horton on saxes, Dave Finucane on tenor, Guglehupf goodies, & bubbly is too much to resist. Plus, who know what other musicians might show up.
I'll update early January after I get back & catch up with schedules. Whether you hear local jazz or not, have a fine holiday season!