1. I'd never heard Katherine Whalen before: Being in & out of this area over the years I missed the Squirrel Nut Zippers. So, hearing Katherine Whalen sing at Imbibe Friday night with pianist Robert Griffin was a pleasure, as the two of them whirled through the jazz songbook. And, they'll do that every other Friday at Imbibe.
2. Shana Tucker is a delightful, uncategorizable singer: Heard her open for Kaira Ba at the Cradle last night. She's personable, imaginative & can sing in many styles, with a jazzish spirit.
3. Watts & Ward has a new online schedule: I often struggle to keep up with some venue/performer links since they can change without notice other than the old link suddenly disappears or has old info. I'm happy to say Watts & Ward now has a monthly calendar format for its gigs. Enjoy...
This Week: Don't ignore the Usual Suspects at the Usual Venues while distracted by these highlights...
Monday: A reminder that Ernest Turner leads the monthly Calvary United Methodist Church jazz jam 7:30p. I'll be there.
Friday:
- Originally "local" vocalist Carol Sloane sings with the Duke Jazz Band led by John Brown at Baldwin Auditorium 8p.
- Will Goble leads a solid quartet at Sharp Nine 8p.
- Durham's Holy Cross Catholic Church--2438 S. Alston Avenue--celebrates famous parishioner Mary Lou Williams with music from pianist Lydia Salett Dudley & discussion led by musicologist Howard Burchette 7-10p. This could be special.