1. A pleasure to hear Gregg Gelb playing in a small group: He led a combo Friday night at the new Triangle Youth Music Center in the rather quiet Cary Towne Mall, blending drummer Kobie Watkins with two Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble musicians. He promises more such gigs, giving TYJE musicians more chances to perform with experienced musicians. Good news!
2. You have to support Scott Sawyer's "Night Visions" recording: Beyond our just supporting one of our best local musicians, based on the live quartet performance Saturday night at Sharp Nine, this is a CD to buy. Make a choice on this website: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/scott-sawyer-night-visions?fbclid=IwAR2-NINILIi7Fuj-7q1sactQBNtCItWbcmYqodVeEwXQ2XOA8Bv9sH2rxwU#/
This Week is one of those Usual Suspect, Dealer's Choice weeks, in which I haven't yet decided what to see, though I may be more drawn to Raleigh than usual...
Monday: Should I stay close & hit Griffanzo & Grewen at Imbibe 7p or the last Atomic Rhythm All-/Stars residency at Raleigh's Neptunes Parlour 8p?
Tuesday: The Jazzbeau Quartet at 2nd Wind 7:30p or the NCJRO at Sharp Nine 8p?
Thursday: Slide down to Raleigh to catch Frankie Alexander at Irregardless 6:30p &/or pianist Ed Paolantonio solo at Empress Room 7:30p?
Friday: Catch the Andrew Berinson duo at Sullivan's 5:30p &/or cross the street to C Grace for singer Lauren Meehan 9p?
Saturday: Sleep in my car in Raleigh overnight & then choose--or move between--singer Megan Causey & City Lights at Irrgardless &/or saxophonist John Troy at C Grace, both 9p?