1. Drummer Lewis Nash was fabulous playing with the Renee Rosnes Quartet 5/4 at the Jazz Arts Forum in Tarrytown NY. You talk about how drummers can add value to a band, Lewis Nash was a master class, boosting everyone else while taking complex, fitting solos. Give this drummer some!
2. Kate McGarry upped her game with Fred Hersch at Jazz Standard 5/9--but who couldn't with such a beautifully playing pianist? I was lucky to hear such fine music while travelling.
This Week: We may be in post-graduation doldrums--i.e., giving us time to catch up with Usual Suspects--but these gigs are worth noting:
Today/Sunday: Jazz/blues guitarist Randy Johnson makes a regular visit to the Blue Note Grill 5p.
Monday: The free "Blues Women" multi-media performance is at NCCU's Communications Building 10a.
Wednesday: The Mint Julep Jazz Band makes both dancers & listeners swing at Cary's Koka Booth Theater 5:30p.
Friday: It's probably worth a trip to Greensboro's O Henry Hotel weekly jazz gig to hear fine once-local pianist Thomas Linger play 6:30p.