1. Too few people heard Sean Mason play with his trio at Sharp Nine Friday night. Sean is the most exciting young pianist in an area full of distinctive pianists. He should not be missed.
2. Eric Hirsh has a Kickstarter campaign for recording his first CD: Speaking of distinctive pianists, Eric deserves contributions at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/67568290/eric-hirsh-original-jazz-album-debut?ref=card
This Week: A usual week, with time for Usual Suspects (I'll see Yeaux Katz at 2 Wind Wednesday 7p) & some Friday decisions...
Friday: Four semi-competing choices. Jo Gore sings at Parizade 6:30p; the Kobie Watkins Quintet honors durmmer Philly Jo Jones at Sharp Nine 8p; Al Strong's trio debuts at Durham's Millenium Hotel 8p; & Stephen Anderson joins Gregg Gelb at C Grace 9p. Since I haven't heard them in a while, I think I'll first catch Jo Gore & then meander over to Al Strong.
Saturday: To be honest, one reason to skip Sharp Nine Friday is to catch most of the same musicians--except for Scott Sawyer--at Sharp Nine 8p this night, as Charlotte-based pianist Lovell Bradford's quintet. You pays your money & takes your chances...