1. Ace local guitarist Danny Gotham at 2nd Wind this afternoon: While checking out something else, I saw Danny will be with his group Jazzbeau today 2p. Having never seen him thus, I'll be there then.
2. Ernest Turner is playing better than ever: His first set at the Thursday night Imbibe jazz jam last week sounded like his playing at Monk @ 100 at Duke, fully modern, exploring sounds others can't hear. It was enough to make me swear to catch that jazz jam every week. Further benefit: lots of young players there that night too...
3. Jazz venues come & go: Carrboro's Looking Glass has been bought by the Honeysuckle Tea House folks, who plan to "reorganize" it inside & decide on a music schedule--after having ended the 7 year run of guitarist Brad Maiani at short notice. I'll check rumored changes at Alley 26 & Durham's West End Wine bar in the next few days.
This Week: Yup, we need more jazz venues, especially if the news above turns out badly. I am happy, though, to see the Imbibe jazz jam turnout last week. With the passing of The Shed, there hasn't been a place to jam. Nevertheless, we could use a Durham jazz jam venue or one willing to add a jazz night to its mix. That being said, this is a week where we could easily check out a local suspect or two:
Monday: Trombonist & crooner Danny Grewen & pianist Robert Griffiin frolic at Imbibe; the Triangle Jazz Orchestra plays danceably at the Pittsboro Roadhouse.
Tuesday: Drummer Donovan Cheatham's trio heats up the Durham Hotel Roof 6-9p. He promises to play tunes people know & a few (e.g., by pianist Cedar Walton) not generally known. I'll be there.
Wednesday: More frolicking jazz with Yeaux Katz at 2nd Wind, 7-9p.
Saturday: If I have the energy after driving back from the beach, I'll go hear singer Ti Harmon (who lit up Ed Furtick's annual jazz jam party) sing at Irregardless &/or young saxist Sam King light up C Grace, both at 9. Maybe I should just get a hotel room to sleep after all that...