1. A great night at the Village Vanguard: Whenever extravore pianist Sullivan Fortner returns to our area--especially with locally-based drummer Bean Clemmons--go see him. Fortner is an incredibly imaginative player, one who incorporates most jazz history in his playing. E.g., "Barb's Strut" imagines the relationship of Monk & his mother as if they lived in New Orleans.
2. Pianist Andrew Berinson brought spirit & fire to his CD release gig: I've listened to a bit of the CD, which starts out with the Episcoplian version of his "House of Prayer"; he went Pentacostal live, managing three quiet ballads too in a bout of barely controlled adrenaline at Sharp Nine Friday night. Buy the CD!
This Week: Check out the Usual Suspect Venues this week because there are lots of choices besides those below. I.e., a busy week!
Tuesday even has an interesting choice...
- Keenan McKenzie leads his Riffers swing band at Carrboro's Vecinos Brewing Company 7:30p. I'll be there after the first set at...
- Extravore saxist Jeff Lederer leads a locavore big band organized by locally-raised (& Washington DC jazz leader) Brad Linde at Sharp Nine 8p. I'll catch the first set before the above.
- Eric Hirsh Quartet monthly residency at Durham's Arcana 8p. I should be there.
- Extravore saxist Tim Armacost playing with a fine local trio Sharp Nine 8p. He sounds worth hearing on YouTube so worth taking a flyer on.
- Vocalist Angela Bingham & guitarist Scott Sawyer return to Sharp Nine 8p. Great chemistry. I'll be there.
- Durham's Golden Belt holds its first jazz jam 12p.
- Durham's Rhythms Live holds its first jazz/blues jam 3p.
And three extravore events worth noting...
Thursday 4/18: Pianist Jason Moran's Bandwagon Trio at Duke Perfs 8p. My favorite pianist.
Friday 4/19: Pianist Jason Moran's Fats Waller Dance Party at Duke Perfs 8p.
Saturday, 4/27: The DO NOT MISS "Leaves of Grass" orchestrated & played by the great pianist Fred Hersch & sung/read by Kurt Elling & Kate McGarry. OF COURSE I'LL BE THERE!