Tuesday: I could go to either the NCJRO at Sharp Nine for big band jazz, or to Looking Glass for Brad Maiani's guitar trio, but I will look at the future at The Shed, where NCCU student drummer Curtis McPhatter Jr will lead a group of young NCCU-ish musicians. I haven't heard him play & haven't heard the other musicians in a while, so I'm overdue. And, yes, I will ask for those of us who remember, I'll ask if he's related to '50s singer Clyde McPhatter--especially since Wikipedia says the latter was born in Hayti...
Friday: In addition to percussionist Brevan Hampden at C Grace, we have competing pianists: the Ernest Turner Trio at Sharp Nine & Eric Hirsh leading a quartet for the first time in months, at the Beyu. A hard choice for me (& you) since I love them both. Too bad they're playing at the same time. Whatever I decide, I'll probably drift over the Alley 26, where Al Strong will play with someone interesting while true listeners sit close & tune out the cocktailers talking in the background. Plus, they have a great cheese plate & quite palatable wine.
Saturday: Even more choices! One is easy: singer Frankie Alexander & good local musicians at the Station's 2pm escape-the-heat Saturday afternoon performance. The rest are harder: saxist Chad Eby at The Shed; funky trombonist Reginald Cyntje at Beyu; singer Jo Gore at the Empress Room; Al Strong's Quartet at C Grace; singer Carolyn Mitchell at Irregardless with pianist Martin Eagle; &--my choice--Larry Q Draughn paying tribute to pianist Billy Taylor at Sharp Nine. My reason? Larry's publicity blurb noted pianist Chris Pattishall, whom I then listened to on You Tube, where he'd played lovely, lovely music. That tilted the playing field (pun intended) toward Q. Still, tough choices.
Sunday: In addition to the Chapel Hill/Durham West End Wine Bars' gigs, you can also hear pianist Eric Hirsh in his hip-hop jazz guise with the Beast on the roof of the Durham Hotel at 5:30. Bring some shade & a fan to accompany whatever cool drinks will be available...