1. Eric Hirsh didn't invent indie jazz, but his quartet does as good a job as any jazzing indie music as any band (even the Bad Plus, for me).
2. WNCU is mixing neo-soul, etc., with jazz, not necessarily a good thing: I understand the need to attract younger listeners & those who can't find the music elsewhere, but it's bland, boring music with no swing. If you feel the same way, please complain to General Manager Lakisha Freeman ([email protected]).
3. Bassist Jason Foureman is doing a duo recording session with pianist Stephen Anderson this week: That'll be worth waiting for. Don't know if Jason has recorded before.
4. Scott Sawyer has some upcoming gigs on his website: Not exactly big news, but he's been so busy he hasn't been able to do so until last week.
This Week: The Fruit jazz series starts ripening Monday night & Ed Furtick has his first 80th birthday party at Sharp Nine Friday night, with plenty in between & after.
Monday: Beyond Atomic Rhythm at Raleigh's Neptunes Parlour & Grewen & Griffin at Imbibe...
- Al Strong's 99 Brass Band plays The Fruit 7p. For better or worse, advance sales only. I've got my ticket to see this fun group.
- Keenan McKenzie's Riffers again provide great jazz for swing dancers at Carrboro's Vecino's 8p. Worth a listen even if you don't dance.
- Fusionish guitarist Russell Favrett plays Durham's Beer Study 7p.
- Al Strong presents fusionists Greyscale Whale (w/ fine bassist Kevin Beardsley) at Durham Hotel 7p.
- Pianist Jonathan Markow & vocalist Any Hancock turn the Empress Room into a standard cabaret 7:30p. Despite Greyscale Whale, I'll be here.
- Pianist Andrew Berinson, drummer Donovan Cheatham, saxist Shaquim Muldrow, & bassist Kevin Beardsley serenade both Ed & us at Sharp Nine 8p. There's rumor of a birthday cake.
- Lenora Helm, her Tribe Big Band (= the best of local players), & Lisa Simone pay tribute to Lisa's mother, Nine Simone, at the NC Museum of Art 9p. Here's my excuse for missing this primo event: gotta go see my 99 Mom in New York. I'm not sure that's good enough.
Oh, there's even more coming in the next two weeks (The Fruit series, Brian Horton's residency at Durham's Kingfisher bar, Yolanda Rabun as Nine Simone at UNC Playmakers Theater, Brian Horton playing Wayne Shorter music at Sharp Nine, NCCU'S "Give the Drummer Some" annual concert, more Fruit, the NCJRO, & the Usual Suspects. Yeah, there's hope beyond Kate & Keith moving to Oakland.