www.hothousejazz.com - Hot House Jazz Guide
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 1
The only jazz magazine THE LATIN SIDE OF
in NY in print, online HOT HOUSE
and on apps! EMILIO SOLLA P30
January 2020 www.hothousejazz.com
Blue Note Page 10 First Presbyterian Church, Ta
T vern on George
Page 19
Daniel Bennett Ray Blue
Wallace Roney Jim Snidero
Café Bohemia, The Falcon Page 21 Zinc Bar Page 10
Where To Go & Who To See Since 1982
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 2 2
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 1:40 PM Page 3
3
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 10:01 AM Page 4 4
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 5
5
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 6 6
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 7
7
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/19/19 5:08 PM Page 8 8
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 12:47 PM Page 9
9
206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 9:38 AM Page 10
WINNING SPINS By George K anzler
A DDING AN INSTRUMENT FROM
outside the standard complement of
Euro-American musical fare, or creating
trast with horn lines until a jaunty inter-
lude leads to swirls of strings and horns
suggesting the film's horrific climax. On
an ensemble sound by multitracking "DMZ," Do Yeon jangles and hard-strums
instruments are two ways the albums con- strings to evoke "the scariest place on
sidered here achieve their exotic or esoteric Earth" (the demilitarized zone between the
sound. One of the recordings takes the two Koreas). Jim and Dave engage in short,
familiar sax-trumpet-piano-bass-drums bursting trades that lead to piano and
quintet and adds a Korean gayageum, a drums before all six come together in three
kora- or zither-like string instrument, to conflicting keys and Do Yeon plays a folk
present a repertoire influenced by or based song. Jim also recasts the K-pop hit "Jenga"
in Korean music. The other CD features a in swinging ¾, featuring the quintet with-
pair of musicians creating an ensemble out gayageum. He puts his "Seoulful" in
sound by overdubbing various instruments, straight eight with volleying riffs and Do
both melodic-harmonic and rhythmic. Yeon's most jazzy single-notes solo, and
Jim Snidero's Project-K (Savant), finds offers up a cozy, midtempo blues on
the veteran alto saxophonist exploring the "Goofy," featuring a compelling, long-notes
music of Korea, his wife's country of origin, alto solo. Throughout, Project-K casts a dif-
with an all-star quintet comprising Dave ferent perspective on what a post-bop mod-
Douglas, trumpet; Orrin Evans, piano; ern jazz combo can accomplish.
Linda May Han Oh, bass, and Rudy We Are the Orchestra (Manhattan
Royston, drums, plus Korean gayageum Daylight Media), from the Daniel
player Do Yeon Kim. The gayageum, based Bennett Group, consists of two musicians
in a pentatonic rather than a tempered with these credits: Daniel Bennett, alto
(Western) scale, brings an exotic atmos- sax, tenor sax, flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe,
phere to several of the eight selections, six piano, percussion, and Mark Cocheo, elec-
of which are Jim's originals. A ringing tric guitar, banjo, acoustic guitar, nylon-
Korean prayer bowl is the first sound on string guitar. The pair simulate a much
the opening track, "Han," a Korean larger ensemble through overdubbing, and
word/concept that Jim defines as "a sense the resultant songs, either written by
of sorrow or incompleteness tempered by Daniel or, in two cases, his arrangements
endurance and acceptance." Do Yeon and a of Verdi opera themes, are what he calls
muted Dave introduce Jim's melody, which "avant-pop." The "pop" part is obvious: the
he picks up and shares with piano and rather metronomic percussion beats perco-
gayageum. Improvisations from the leader, lating on most of the tracks, as well as
Dave and Orrin eschew the proto-bop Daniel's penchant for creating tunes that
forms they are associated with, as much of approximate ear candy. What rescues the
this music brings out a more contempla- music from pop simplicity is the often
tive, meditative poise in solos that flow and engaging improvised solos, as likely to be
ripple rather than cascade and roil. A the product of Mark's strings as Daniel's
sense of calm also pervades "Jeju," a jazz horns. Mark even gets into a rock guitar-
waltz celebrating a Korean island; Do Yeon hero mode on the closer, "Carl Finds His
layers the melody over humming horns, Way." Daniel uses clarinet, oboe and flutes
and Linda's orotund bass notes lead off a mostly for arranged tonal effects, soloing
round of solos. There is a return to the Han most persuasively on alto sax, especially
theme at the end with the Korean folk on the two Verdi themes and his own
song, "Han O Bak Nyun," performed by the "Inside Our Pizza Oven." Mark's solos also
quartet of gayageum, alto sax, bass and range to acoustic guitar and, in a surpris-
percussion. ingly jazzy turn, banjo on "I'm Not Nancy."
Not all of Jim's music here is calm or
meditative. He also references scarier Jim Snidero brings his Project-K
aspects of Korean culture, as on "Mother," band to the Winter Jazzfest at Zinc
dedicated to the "artistic creativity" of a Bar, Jan. 11. Daniel Bennett plays a
horror film of the same name. Prayer bowl release gig for We Are the Orchestra
ringing and gayageum angular lines con- at the Blue Note’s Sunday Brunch,
Jan. 12.
10 Bennett cover photo by Alexa Drew, Blue by James Brooks, Roney by Richard Ryals.206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 11
Sign-up for our E-ALERT at www.hothousejazz.com and be the 1st to know
when the latest Hot House is available on line
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR: For advertising requests and listing
Gwen Kelley (formerly Calvier) information contact Gwen Kelley
gwen@hothousejazz.com 203-434-4646/gwen@hothousejazz.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Elzy Kolb Hot House Jazz Magazine is published monthly and all
elzy@hothousejazz.com copyrights are the property of Gwen Kelley. All rights
PRODUCTION & ART DIRECTOR: reserved. No material may be reproduced without written
Karen Pica karenhothousejazz@gmail.com permission of the President. Domestic subscriptions
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: areavailable for $37 annually (sent first class). For Canada
Ken Dryden, Ken Franckling, $39 and international $50.
Raul da Gama, Seton Hawkins, PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Dave N Dittmann
Eugene Holley Jr., Stephanie Jones, CO-FOUNDERS: Gene Kalbacher,
George Kanzler, Elzy Kolb, Lynn Taterka & Jeff Levenson
Michael G. Nastos, Don Jay Smith, COPY EDITOR: Yvonne Ervin 2012-2019
Addie Vogt, Eric Wendell For press releases and CD revues send a copy to
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Fran Kaufman Gwen Kelley: PO Box 20212 - New York, NY 10025
11206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 12
CLUBS & HALLS
UPPER MANHATTAN
(Above 70th Street)
AMERICAN LEGION POST: 248W 132nd St
(bet 7th & 8th Avs). 212-283-9701. Sun, atler-
BILL’S PLACE: 148W 133rd St (bet Lenox &
native Wed & Thurs: 6:30-10:30pm Jam.
7th Avs). www.billsplaceharlem.com. 212-
281-0777. Fri-Sat: 8&10pm $20 don Bill
CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE: 2485 Bway (bet
Saxton Bebop Band.
92nd & 93rd Sts). www.cleopatrasneedleny.
com. 212-769-6969. Sets: Early (E), Late (L);
Sun E 4-8pm, L 9pm-1am; Mon-Tues E 8-
9pm, L 10pm-1am; Wed-Thurs E 7-11pm, L
11:30pm-2:30am; Fri-Sat E 8pm-12am, L
12:30-3am. Free adm/$10 min. Trios except
Mon&Thurs-Fri Duos unless otherwise
noted. L Jam. Residencies: Sun E Open mic
w/Keith Ingham, L Benno Marmur; Mon Mark
Hagan; Tues Marc Devine; Wed E Open mic
w/Les Kurtz, L Nathan Brown; Thurs L
Nathan Brown; Fri L Robbie Lee; Sat L T.
Kash. Jan 2: Noriko Kamo; 3: Gil Schwartz;
4: Paul Special Band; 9: The Equiliprium Gp;
10: Didi Grooves; 11: Denton Darien; 16: Alan
Rosenthal; 17: Dan Furman; 18: Jon Weiss
Duo; 23: tba; 24: Kuni Mikami Trio; 25: Soul
GINNY’S SUPPER CLUB: At Red Rooster.
Gard Band; 30: tba; 31: Steve Sandberg.
310 Lenox Av (bet 125th & 126th Sts).
www.ginnys supperclub.com. 212-792-9001.
Sets: 7&9pm. Thurs except 01/16: Pedro
Martinez. Jan 3: Denise King; 10: Damien
Escobar; 17: Johnny O’Neal; 18: Mathis
Sound Orch; 25: C. Anthony Bryant; 31:
LENOX SAPHIRE: 341 Lenox Av at 127th St.
Milton Suggs.
www.lenoxsaphireharlem.com. 212-866-
9700. Thurs: 8-11pm Keyed Up series w/Phil
MINTON’S PLAYHOUSE: 206W 118th St (bet
Young Oct.
St. Nicholas Av & Adam Clayton Powell
Blvd). www.mintonsharlem.com. 212-243-
2222. Sets: 7:30& 9:30pm. Residencies:
Thurs Jazzmobile; Sat JC Hopkins Biggish
Band. Jan 12: Royal Bopsters; 31: Gabriel
MIST HARLEM: 46W 116th St (bet Lenox & 5th
Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sxt.
Av). www.mistharlem.com. 646-738-3043. Fri:
NATIONAL JAZZ MUSEUM IN HARLEM:
10pm-2am $10 adm Harlem Late Night Jazz.
58W 129th St at Malcolm X Blvd. 212-348-
8300. www.jmih.org. Jan 12: 2pm free adm
Jazz Power Initiative’s Intergenerational Jazz
Jam; 13&27: www.jazzfoundation.org 6:30-
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY: 96th Street Branch.
9:30pm Jazz Foundation of America Jam.
112E 96th St (bet Lexington & Park Avs).
212-289-0908. www.nypl.org. Jan 16: 4:30-
5:30pm free adm www.jazzfoundation.org
Jazz Foundation of America feat Gene
PARIS BLUES: 2021 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Bertoncini & Roni Ben-Hur.
Blvd at 121st St. 347-852-2866/212-222-9878.
Sets/adm: 9pm-1am, Sun + 5-9pm; free. 9:30-
11pm feat Al Black. Sun: 5pm Double G & the
Posse, 9pm 1st&3rd Lombro, 2nd&4th
Double G; Mon: Keyed Up feat John
12206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 9:40 AM Page 13
Cooksey Spontaneous Combustion; Tues: Louisa Poster Trio; 11: BT 9pm free Arthur
Antoine Dowdell Gp; Wed: Les Goodson & Sadowsky & The Troubadours; 17 7pm & 18
the Intergalactic Soul Jazz Band; Thurs: 8pm: $10-45 Afro Latin Jazz Orch; 19: BT
Chiemi & the Chiemistry Set; Fri: tba; Sat: 7pm free E.J. Decker; 25: BT 9pm free Miki
PATRICK'S PLACE: 2835 Frederick Douglass The TRIAD THEATER: 158W 72nd St (bet
69th Street Band. Yokoyama.
Blvd at 151st St. 212-491-7800. www.patricks Bway & Columbus). www.triadnyc.com. 212-
placeharlem.com. Jan 27: 7-10pm Whitney 362-2590. 2 drink/min. Jan 6: 7pm Stephanie
ROOM 623: Below B Squared Harlem. 271W
Marchelle & Patience Higgins. Nakasian & Matt Baker; 7: 7pm Stephanie
Sellars; 24: 9:30pm Jeanne Gies w/Jazz
119th St (bet Frederick Douglass & St Nick Masters.
Blvds). www.b2harlem.com/room623. www.
room623.eventbrite.com. 212-280-2248.
Sets/adm: Sun 3-6pm $12/$15 min; Wed 8- MID-TOWN MANHATTAN
11pm $12/$10 min; Fri 10pm-1am $20.
Residencies: Sun Vocal Jazz Jam by Jocelyn (Between 35th & 69th Street)
AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM: 2 Lincoln
Medina; Wed The Harlem Jazz Session
w/Peter Brainin & friends; Fri The Late Set
w/Marcus Goldhaber. Jan 3: Benny Benack Sq on Columbus Av (bet 65th & 66th Sts).
Trio; 10: Andy Bianco Trio; 24: Brad Whiteley www.folkartmuseum.org. 212-595-9533.
Organ Trio; 31: Jordan Young & Soul Juice Wed: 2-3pm free adm Bill Wurtzel Trio w/Jay
SHOWMANS: 375W 125th St at Morningside. The BEACH CAFE: 1326 2nd Av at 70th St.
Organ Trio. Leonhart.
SHRINE: 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
212-864-8941. www.thebeachcafe.com. 212-988-7299. Fri:
BIRDLAND: 315W 44th St (bet 8th & 9th Avs).
9:30-11:30pm free adm Ginetta's Vendetta.
(bet 133rd & 134th Sts). 212-690-7807.
www.shrinenyc.com. Sets unless otherwise 212-581-3080. www.birdlandjazz.com. Sets:
noted: Early (E) 6-7pm, Late (L) 7-8pm. 8:30&11pm; Early (E) 5:30pm except Mon
Residencies (R): Sun E-L Jam; 1st Sun 8- 7pm. Residencies: Sun (R) except 01/12
10pm The Shrine Big Band. Jan 7: 9-10pm Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orch;
Real Stormin Norman; 8: E-L Jeff McGregor Wed E except 01/1 David Ostwald’s Louis
Trio; 10: L Furmi Gomez Qrt; 16: E-L Tuomo Armstrong Eternity Band; Fri E The Birdland
Uusitalo; 18: 8-10pm Wack Cheddar; 23: 8- Big Band; Sat E except 01/4&11 Eric
9pm Lizzy Ossevoor; 25: 8-9pm Gina D'Soto; Comstock w/Sean Smith & spec guest
27: E-L Takeshi Otani Band; 29: L Joel Barbara Fasano. Jan 1-4: The Birdland Big
SILVANA: 300W 116th St at Frederick
Shapira. Band w/spec guest Nicole Zuraitis; 1: E Greg
Ruvolo Big Band; 2-4: E The Birdland Big
Douglass Blvd. www.silvana-nyc.com. 646- Band; 5: E Emilio Solla + R; 6: E Naama
692-4935. Sets unless otherwise noted: Early Gheber Qrt w/spec guests; 7: Frank
(E) 6-7pm, Late (L) 7-8pm. Jan 4: 10pm-12am Kimbrough Trio; 8-11: Kurt Elling; 9: E John
Blu Cha Cha; 7: L Hiroko Kanna; 10: E-L Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey Duo; 11: E
Michael Sarian Acoustic Qrt; 13: L Port Sara Gazarek; 12: E Connie Han, 8:30&11pm
Mande; 15: E-L Jeff Mcgregor; 19: 8-10pm Stacey Kent; 13 E & 14-18: Scotty Barnhart &
Afro Peruvian New Trends Orch; 26: 8-9pm The Legendary Count Basie Orch; 19: E
Lizzy Ossevoor; 27: L Joel Shapira; 29: E-L Scott Reeves Jazz Orch + R; 21-25: Karrin
SMOKE JAZZ & SUPPER CLUB: 2751 Bway
Carol Morgan. Allyson; 23: E Rob Silverman; 26: E Adison
Evans Qrt feat Sabeth + R; 28-Feb 1: The Hot
BIRDLAND THEATER: 315W 44th St (bet 8th
(bet 105th & 106th Sts). 212-864-6662. Sardines; 30: E Pureum Jin.
www.smokejazz.com. Set: Early (E), Late (L);
Sun-Mon&Thurs E 7&9pm, L 10:30pm; & 9th Avs). www.birdlandjazz.com. 212-581-
Tues 7,9&10:30pm; Wed E 7,9&10:30pm, L 3080. Sets: Early (E) 7pm; Late (L) 9:45pm
11:45pm; Fri-Sat E 7,9&10:30pm, L 11:45pm except Mon 8:30pm. Jan1-4: E Marilyn Maye;
&12:45am; adm/min vary. Residencies: Sun 5: E David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong
L except 01/5 Nicole Glover; Mon (R) E Eternity Band; 6: L Joe Alterman Trio; 8:
Vincent Herring Qrt, L The New Jam Session; Maucha Adnet; 9-10: Frank Catalano Qrt; 11:
Tues (R) Mike LeDonne’s Groover Qrt; Thurs Veronica Swift w/Emmet Cohen Trio; 12: E
L Marc Cary & The Harlem Sessions; Fri L Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom, L Emmet
except 01/3 Lezlie Harrison; Sat L except Cohen Trio; 13: L Peter Cincotti; 15-18: Clint
01/4 Johnny O’Neal Trio. Jan 1-5: Countdown Holmes & Billy Stritch; 19: Bill O' Connell Qrt;
2020 Coltrane Festival feat 01/1-2 20: L Senri Oe Trio; 22: David Finck; 23:
Countdown Sxt VI w/Buster Williams & Steve Remembering John Abercrombie; 25: Davi's
Turre, L Marc Cary & The Harlem Sessions, Way feat Robert Davi; 26: E Louis Rosen’s
01/3-5 Countdown Sxt VII w/Bobby Watson & Large Band; 27: L Ben Paterson Trio; 29: Paul
George Cables, L 01/3-4 Marc Cary & The Marinaro; 30: Yoko Miwa Trio; 31: Donald Vega
CARNEGIE HALL: 57th St & 7th Av. 212-247-
Harlem Sessions; 6-7: R; 8: Milton Suggs Trio.
Qnt, L Emmet Cohen B3 Trio; 9-12: Bill
Charlap Trio; 13-14: R; 15: David Weiss Sxt; 7800. www.carnegiehall.org. Jan 9: 8pm Lisa
16-19: Cyrus Chestnut Trio; 20-21: R; 22:
CLUB BONAFIDE: 212E 52nd St (bet 2nd &
Hilton & friends.
John Farnsworth Sxt, L Emmet Cohen B3
Trio; 23-26: Al Foster; 27-28: R; 29: Cynthia 3rd Avs). 3rd Fl. www.clubbonafide.com.
Scott; 30-Feb 2: Tribute to JJ Johnson feat 646-918-6189. Jan 3: 5pm Yael & Gabriel; 5:
SUGAR BAR: 254W 72nd St (bet Bway & West
Steve Davis Sxt. 6pm AJ Frondelli, 8pm Violette; 9: 8pm
Emilie Surtees; 10: 6pm Chloé Perrier & The
End Av). 212-579-0222. www.sugarbarnyc.com. French Heart Band, 8pm Barbara Martinez;
Sets/adm: 8pm/$10 unless otherwise noted. 11: 4pm Yael & Gabriel; 12: 7pm Markus Rutz
Residency: Thurs 9pm Open Mic w/Sugar Qnt, 8:30pm Violette; 16: 8pm Emilie
Bar All Star Band. Jan 4: 9pm Irini Res & the Surtees; 18: 4pm Yael & Gabriel; 19: 5pm Yael
Jazz Mix; 11: Rob Silverman Qrt; 17: Zamb Dray-Barel & Gabriel Hermida; 23: 8pm
SYMPHONY SPACE: 2537 Bway at 95th St.
Up; 25: 8&9:30pm $25 Mike Phillips. Emilie Surtees; 25: 4pm Yael & Gabriel; 26:
4pm Yael & Gabriel, 8pm The New York
212-864-5400. www.symphonyspace.org. Nightingales & The New Retro Orch; 31: 8pm
Bar Thalia (BT). Jan 4: BT 9pm free adm Barbara Martinez.
13206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 14
DAVID RUBENSTEIN ATRIUM: At Lincoln Marsalis feat Victor Goines & Chris
Center. Bway at 62nd St. www.lincolncenter. Crenshaw; 30-Feb 1: 8pm RT Jazz at Lincoln
org/atrium. 212-875-5350. Thurs: 7:30pm free Center Orch w/Wynton Marsalis feat Ted
MICHIKO STUDIOS: 149W 46th St (bet 6th &
adm Target Free Thursdays series. Jan 2: Nash & Glenn Close.
Alicia Olatuja; 30: Burnt Sugar The Arkestra
DIZZY’S CLUB: At Jazz @ Lincoln Center. 10
Chamber. 7th Avs). 3rd Fl. 212-302-4011. www.
michikostudios.com. 2nd Wed: 8-10:30pm
MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN: 2 Columbus
Columbus Cr at 60th St. 5th Fl. www.jalc.org. $20/15 adm Lew Tabackin Trio.
212-258-9800. Sets/adm unless otherwise
noted: 7:30&9:30pm, 11:30pm Late Night Cir. www.madmuseum.org. 212-299-7777.
Sessions; Sun-Wed $35, Thurs $40, Fri-Sat
PULSE CLUB: At Marriott Vacation. 33W 37th
Jan 10: 7-8:30pm APAP feat Badi Assad.
$45; $10 min. Jan 1: closed; 2-5: 01/5 $40
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio d’Été; 6: Ashley St (bet 5th & 6th Avs). 212-448-1024. Sets:
Pezzotti Qnt; 7: Ed Cherry Qrt feat Peter Tues-Thurs 5-8pm. Tues: Charlie Apicella &
Bernstein; 8: Amina Figarova Sxt; 9-10: 01/10 Iron City; Wed: Latin Sounds; Thurs: Peter
$40 Brianna Thomas Band; 11: Russell Hall
The RUM HOUSE: At Hotel Edison. 228W 47th
Manes & The Keys.
Cover; 12: Brubecks Play Brubeck; 13: Isaiah
J. Thompson Qrt; 14: Christian Sands Trio; St (bet Bway & 8th Av). 646-490-6924.
15: The Curtis Brothers; 16: Atom String Qrt; www.edisonrumhouse.com. Jan 6&20:
17-19: 01/19 $30 Walter Blanding Qrt; 20: $45
RUSSIAN SAMOVAR: 256W 52nd St (bet
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orch; 21: 9:30pm Lou Caputo & Company.
7:30pm Sean Mason Trio, 9:30pm Vuyo
Sotashe; 22: $30 Willie Jones III feat Larry Bway & 8th Av). www.russiansamovar.com.
Willis, a Life in Jazz; 23-26: 01/24 $40, 01/26 212-757-0168. Sun: 3-7pm. Jan 5: Richard
$30 Benny Green Trio; 27: Benny Benack III; Shade; 12: Charles Davis Qrt feat TC III; 19:
28: James Morrison Qrt; 29: $40 Benito Pucci Amanda Jhones Qrt; 26: Benny Rubin
SAINT PETER’S CHURCH: 619 Lexington Av at
Gonzalez Trio; 30-Feb 2: 01/31 $40, 02/2 $30 Jr. Trio w/Ion McDonald & Whitney Marchelle.
Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage Qnt. Late
Night Sessions w/Jan 2-4: tba; 7-11: Charles 54th St. (Citicorp Bld). 212-935-2200.
Turner & Uptown Swing; 14-18: Jacob www.saintpeters.org. Sun: 6pm free adm
FOUR SEASONS: 57E 57th St (bet Madison
Melsha; 21-25: Carl Maraghi; 28-Feb 1: tba. Jazz Vespers; Wed: 1pm $10 don Midday
Jazz Midtown; 1st Mon: 7:30pm $5 adm
and Park Avs). www.fourseasons.com. 212- International Women in Jazz Jam. Jan 5:
Adam O'Farrill + Gaya Feldheim Schorr; 8:
HILTON NEW YORK: 1335 Avenue of the
758-5700. Fri: 6-10pm Acute Inflections.
Danny Bacher Trio; 12: Anwar Marshall; 15:
Americas at 54th St. www.hilton.com. 212- Roni Ben Hur Trio; 19: Miro Sprague Trio; 22:
586-7000. Jan 11-12: APAP feat 01/11 11am Howard Williams Jazz Orch; 26: Melissa
Badi Assad, 11:30am Matt Baker, 01/12 11am Stylianou & Chris Dingman; 29: Leslie
SONY HALL: 235W 46th St (bet 7th & 8th Avs).
Ken Peplowski & Diego Figueiredo, 11:30am Pintchik Trio.
Laila Biali, 3:30pm Toni Harris, 4pm Lisa B,
4:30pm John Gray, 5pm Ted Rosenthal, www.sonyhall.com. 212-997-5123. Jan 11:
5:30pm Ben Rosenblum, 6pm Richard 11am APAP feat Stanley Jordan, BJ Thomas,
Howell, 6:30pm Chip Shelton, 7pm Randy Grace Kelly; 13: 7:30pm Lisa Fischer
Taylor, 7:30pm Wicked Divas, 7:50pm w/Ranky Tanky; 17: 8pm JD Souther; 27: 8pm
SWING 46: Jazz & Supper Club. 349W 46th St
LaKisha Jones, 8:10pm Debbie Gravitte, The 8-Bit Big Band.
8:30pm Maureen McGovern, 9pm Ryan &
Ryan, 9:30pm Mads Tolling, 10pm Bryan (bet 8 & 9th Avs). www.swing46.com. 212-
Anthony Qrt, 10:30pm Ori Dagan, 11pm Evan 262-9554. Sets/adm: Sun-Thurs 8:30-
IGUANA RESTAURANT: 240W 54th St at
Fuerst 11:30pm/$15; Fri-Sat 9:30pm-1am/$20.
Residencies: Mon Swingadelic; Tues George
Bway. www.iguananyc.com. 212-765-5454. Gee Swing Dance Band; Wed Stan Rubin
TOMI JAZZ: 239E 53rd St (Bet 2nd & 3rd Avs).
Mon-Tues: 8-11pm except 01/6-7 Vince Orch w/Joe Politi.
The IRIDIUM: 1650 Bway at 51st St. 212-582-
Giordano & The Nighthawks.
Lower level. www.tomijazz.com. 646-497-
2121. www.theiridium.com. Jan 27: 8:30pm 1254. Jan 12 7-8:30pm free adm/$5 min & 16
The TOWN HALL: 123W 43rd St (bet 6&7th
Ed Fast & Conga Bop; 28&30: 8pm Scott 7-9:30pm: $10/10 min Linda Presgrave Qrt.
Henderson Trio; 31-Feb 1: 8&10pm Wayne
JAZZ AT KITANO: 66 Park Av at 38th St. 212-
Krantz, Keith Carlock & Tim Lefebvre. Avs). www.thetownhall.org. 212-840-2824.
Jan 16: 8pm $54-85 adm Winter Jazzfest
885-7119. www.kitano.com. Sets/adm: Sun www.winterjazzfest.com feat Seu Jorge
YAMAHA ARTIST SERVICES: 689 5th Av at
12-2:30pm, Mon-Tues 8-11pm, Wed-Sat 8- w/Rogê, Anat Cohen & Choro Aventuroso.
9:15&10-11:15pm; Sun $45 buffet, Mon-Tues
free/$15 min, Wed-Thurs $18/$20 min, Fri- 54th St. 212-339-9995. www.yamaha.com.
Sat $34/$20 min. Residencies: Sun (R) Jazz Jan 9&11: APAP feat 01/9 7pm Tamir
Brunch w/Tony Middleton; Mon (R) Jam by Hendelman & the Spirit of Israel Ens, 01/11
Iris Ornig; Tues Emerging Artists series. Jan 1:15pm Jeff Hamilton Trio, 1:45pm Clayton-
1: no jazz; 2: Michele Duda Qrt; 3-4: Jonny Hamilton Jazz Orch, 2:45pm Jade Solomon
King Trio; 5-6: R; 7: Jakob Ebers Qnt; 8: Curtis, 3pm Lakecia Benjamin, 3:30pm Scott
Mamiko Watanabe Trio; 9: Ladies Day Jazz Tixier/Dave Meder, 4pm Michael Olatuja,
Qrt; 10: Ed Laub Trio; 11: Mark Soskin Qrt; 4:30pm Brianna Thomas Band, 5pm Richie
12-13: R; 14: Michael Shapira Qrt; 15: Sari Goods, 5:30pm Don Braden.
Kessler Qrt; 16: Carl Bartlett Jr. Qrt; 17-18:
Scott Robinson Qrt; 19-20: R; 21: Daisuke &
Kuriko's Farewell; 22: Mark Wade Qrt; 23: LOWER MANHATTAN
Steve Swell Qrt; 24-25: Helio Alves Qrt; 26-
27: R; 28: Stuart Mack; 29: Erika Matsuo Qnt; (Below 34th Street)
11TH STREET BAR: 510E 11th St (bet Av A &
30: Taeko Fukao Qrt; 31-Feb 1: Roni Ben-Hur
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER: 10 Columbus
Qrt.
B). www.11thstbar.com. 212-982-3929. Mon:
55 BAR: 55 Christopher St (bet 6th & 7th Avs).
Cr at 60th St. 5th Fl. www.jalc.org. 212-258- 8pm Keyed Up feat Jam w/Murray Wall.
9800. Rose Theater (RT). Jan 10-11: 8pm RT
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orch w/Wynton 212-929-9883. www.55bar.com. Sets: Early
14206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 15
(E) 7-9pm except Sun&Fri-Sat 6-9pm, Late BOWERY BALLROOM: 6 Delancey St (bet
10pm. 1st Mon: E Sean Wayland; 1st Thurs: E Bowery & Chrystie St). 212-533-2111.
Amy Cervini; 1st Sat: E Ayana lowe; 2nd www.boweryballroom.com. Jan 9: 7pm $25-
Thurs: E Nicole Zuraitis; 2nd Fri: E Tessa 35 adm www.winterjazzfest.com Winter
Souter; 3rd Sun: E Ray Anderson & Pocket Jazzfest feat Mark Guiliana Beat Music +
CAFÉ BOHEMIA: 15 Barrow St (bet Bleeker &
Brass Band; last Wed: E Paul Jost; last Fri: E yMusic + Taylor McFerrin.
ARTHUR’S TAVERN: 57 Grove St. 212-675-
Kendra Shank.
West 4th Sts). www.cafebohemianyc.com.
6879. www.arthurstavernnyc.com. Sets: 7- 212-691-6127. Sets: 8&10pm. Residencies:
10pm. Sun: Creole Cooking; Mon: Grove Mon except 01/13 Hot Club w/Matthew “Fat
Street Stompers feat Joe Licari; Tues: Yuichi Cat” Rivera; Tues except 01/14 Pasquale
Hirakawa; Wed: Eve Silber; Thurs-Sat: Eri Grasso Solo; Thurs Cafe Bohemia Jazz Qrt
B FLAT: Basement 277 Church St (bet Franklin
Yamamoto Trio. feat Jon-Erik Kellso & Hot Club. Jan 3:
Songevity w/Rob Duguay; 4: Jamile Staevie
& White Sts). www.bflat.info. 212-219-2970. Ayres; 10: Bernard Purdie; 11-14: Wallace
Sets: Mon 8-11pm, Wed 8:30-11:30pm, Sat Roney Qnt; 18: Peter Maness & the Master
BAHA’Í CENTER: 53E 11th St (bet Bway &
10pm-12am. Mon&Wed: Jordan Young Trio. Keys; 19: Jeff “Tain” Watts w/spec guest
Fatboy Kanootch; 24: Jarien Jamanila Qrt;
The CUTTING ROOM: 44E 32nd St (bet
University). www.bahainyc.org. 212-222- 26: Teri Roiger Trio.
5159. Tues: 8&9:30pm $10/15 adm. Jan 28:
BAR NEXT DOOR: 129 McDougal St. 212-529-
Dave Chamberlain Band of Bones. Madison & Park Av). 212-691-1900. www.the
cuttingroomnyc.com. Jan 26: 2pm $20-25
The DANCE: 428 Lafayette St (Bet Astor Pl &
5945. www.lalanternacaffe.com. Sets: Sun adm Jazz Brunch w/Bill Warfield.
8&10pm, Mon-Thurs Early (E) 6:30-7:45pm,
Late (L) 8:30&10:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30,9:30& E 4th St). www.thedance.nyc. Jan 10-12
11:30pm. Adm: $12 all night + 1 drink min/set $50-125 adm www.winterjazzfest.com Winter
except Fri-Sat $12/set + 1 drink min/set, E Jazzfest feat 01/10 6pm Jure Pukl, 7:15pm
free. Trios unless otherwise noted. Mon- Godwin Louis, 8:30pm Nikara & Black Wall
Thurs: E Emerging Artists series; Mon: L Street, 9:45pm MAE.SUN, 11pm Marc
Vocal Mondays series. Residency (R): Sun Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, 01/11 12:15am Jaimie
except 01/5 Peter Mazza. Jan 1: E Juan Branch, 1:30am tba, 7:15pm Helen Sung,
Munguia, L Phil Robson; 2: E tba, L Austin 8:30pm UNHOLY ROW, 9:45pm Susan
Becker; 3: Assaf Kehati; 4: James Alcorn Qnt, 11pm CUP feat Nels Cline +
Silberstein; 5: Alex Goodman; 6: E Andy Yuka C. Honda, 01/12 12:15am Anna
The DJANGO: At Roxy Hotel. 2 Av of the
Bianco, L Marya Lawrence; 7: E tba, L Carol Webber, 1:30am tba.
Morgan; 8: E Alec Aldred, L Olli Soikkeli; 9: E
Olin Clark, L Hendrik Meurkens; 10: Rale Americas at Walker St. www.roxyhotelnyc.
DROM: 85 Ave A (bet 5th & 6th Sts). 212-777-
Micic; 11: Patrick Cornelius; 12: R; 13: E Lisa com. 212-519-6600.
Hoppe, L Aimée Allen; 14: E Helena Kay, L
David Leon; 15: E Artur Akhmetov, L Brad 1157. www.dromnyc.com. Jan 7: 7:30pm free
Shepik; 16: E Adam Corderol, L Daniel Eli adm Silver Arrow Band; 16: 7:30pm $20 Big
Weiss; 17: Craig Brann; 18: Paul Bollenback; Chief Donald Harrison, 10pm $15
19: R; 20: E Panas Athanatos, L Melissa Spontaneous Creativity w/Duane Eubanks &
Stylianou; 21: E Owen Chen, L Mike Bono; Company; 17: 9:30pm $15 Gregorio Uribe;
22: E Erich Jonhnson, L Jonathan Kreisberg; 18-19: 6:30pm $20-35 Mediterranean Jazz
23: E Noah Becker, L Vaughn Stoffey; 24: Festival feat 01/18 Adam Maalouf +
Tom Dempsey; 25: Mark Kleinhaut; 26: R; 27: Bulgarian Voices Trio w/Angelo di Loreto +
E Lisa Hoppe, L Tammy Scheffer; 28: E Nick Vlada Tomova, Valentina Kvasova & Shelley
Marziani, L Hashem Assadullahi; 29: E Thomas + Carola Ortiz Trio feat John King,
Andrew Cheng, L Jonathan Kreisberg; 30: E 01/19 Petros Klampanis & Kristjan Randalu
Ryan Hernandez, L Benjamin Lapidus; 31: w/guest Eleni Arapoglou + Panagiotis
The BITTER END: 147 Bleecker St (bet
Ted Ludwig. Andreou + Layale Chaker Sarafand +
Christos Rafalides & Mediterranean Miles;
The EAR INN: 326 Spring St (bet Greenwich &
Thompson & LaGuardia). 212-673-7030. 21: 7:30pm free Silver Arrow Band.
www.bitterend.com. Jan 10-12: $50-125 adm
Winter Jazzfest www.winterjazzfest.com feat Washington Sts). www.earinn.com. 212-431-
01/10 6:45pm Kristina Koller, 8pm Sasha 9750. Sun: 8-11pm EarRegulars feat Jon-Erik
FAT CAT: 75 Christopher St at 7th Av. 212-675-
Masakowski as Tra$h Magnolia, 9:15pm Kellso & friends.
Cousin From Another Planet, 10:30pm
Michael Mayo, 11:45pm Bright Dog Red, 6056. www.fatcatmusic.org. $3 adm/no min.
01/11 1am tba, 6:15pm Naissam Jalal, Sets unless otherwise noted: Early (E), Late
7:30pm Anne Pacéo, 8:45pm Plume feat (L), Night (N); Sun E 6pm, L 9pm, N 1am; Mon
Kush Abadey, 10pm Thomas de Pourquery & E 6pm, L 9pm, N 12:30am; Tues-Wed E 7pm,
Supersonic feat Jaimie Branch, 11:15pm L 9pm, N 12:30am; Thurs 7pm, L 10pm, N
Jonathan Jurion feat Jowee Omicil, 01/12 1:30am; Fri 6pm, L 9pm + 10:30pm, N
BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB: 131W 3rd St at 6th
12:30am Eym Trio. 1:30am; Sat E 7pm, L 10pm, N 1:30am.
Residencies (R): Sun E Terry Waldo &
Av. 212-475-8592. www.bluenotejazz.com. Gotham City Band, N The Program; Mon N
Sets: 8&10:30pm + Fri-Sat 12:30am Late Billy Kaye; Tues E Saul Rubin Zebtet; Wed E
Night Groove series; Sun 11:30am&1:30pm except 01/1 Raphael D'Lugoff Trio + 1, N Ned
Sunday Brunch. Adm varies. Jan 1-5: Chris Goold; Fri L The Supreme Queens; Sat N
Botti; 6-8: Maurice “Mobetta” Brown; 9-12: Greg Glassman. Jan 1: E Corey Wallace, L
Philly Reunion; 13: Harold López-Nussa Y Groover Trio, N R; 2: E Willie Applewhite Qnt,
Amigos; 14-19: Maceo Parker; 20: Joel Ross L Saul Rubin Zebtet, N Will Terrill; 3: E Chris
“Good Vibes”; 21-26: Dizzy Gillespie All- Flory, L R + Jared Gold/Dave Gibson, N Ray
Stars; 27: tba; 28-29: Antonio Sanchez & Parker; 4: E Ivan Renta Latin Jazz Qnt, L
Migration; 30-Feb 2: Igor Butman & The Raphael D'Lugoff Qnt, N R; 5: E R, 8:30pm
Moscow Jazz Orch. Late Night Groove w/Jan Jade Synstelien's FCBB, N R; 6: E Ben
3: Lee Pearson; 10-11: ELEW; 17: Rodney Patterson Duo, L Ryan Berg, N R; 7: E R, L
Green; 25: Aneesa Strings. Sunday Brunch Sonora Nuyorkina, N Craig Wuepper; 8: E R,
w/Jan 5: Donald Vega; 12: Daniel Bennett Gp; L Joe Farnsworth Trio, N R; 9: E Urban
19: Adam Moezinia Folk Element Trio; 26: Jay Archivers, L Greg Glassman Qnt, N Avi
Leonhart Trio. continued on page 18
15206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 16
S P O T L
GONZALO RUBALCABA
DIZZY'S CLUB / JANUARY 2-5
A ferocious joie de vivre and unfettered rhythmic drive energize Cuban music. To that,
pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba brings an expansive command derived from classical music
as well as the Afro-Cuban rhythms of his native Cuba. His international career start-
ed there when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie at age 23, and began recording for
Blue Note Records in 1986-'87. Gonzalo brings a pellucid technique to the piano that
has garnered him accolades as one of the 20th-century's best pianists; he's a multiple
Latin Grammy winner, and winner of an ASCAP Foundation award as composer and
pianist. He is a rarity in that his playing is equally engaging whether it's introspec-
tive or full of the brio of Afro-Cuban rhythms. At Dizzy's, Gonzalo leads his Trio d'Été
with bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Eric Harland. GK
SAUL ZEBULON RUBIN
SMALLS JAZZ CLUB / JANUARY 3-4
Fans of Roy Hargrove's big band will already be familiar with guitarist Saul Zebulon
Rubin's playing and arranging chops. In demand for his sensitivity and legendary lis-
tening skills, as well as his virtuosity, he's been heard alongside Sonny Rollins,
Gregory Porter, Renee Fleming, Johnny O'Neal, and other titans. Known as Zeb, the
multi-talented Mr. Rubin is also producer of an extensive roster of recordings; he ran
a loft performance space from 2009 to 2016, which was the home of a highly regarded
weekly jazz vocal series. At Smalls this time around, he’s fronting the Zebtet—trum-
peter Greg Glassman, alto saxophonist Justin Robinson, tenor saxophonist Stacy
Dillard, trombonist Frank Lacy, bassist Mark Lewandowski and drummer Brandon
Lee Lewis—playing Zeb's own compositions and arrangements. EK
DAVID KIKOSKI
SIDE DOOR / JANUARY 4
We have many brilliant pianists in the jazz world, but it's clear from his first notes
and phrases how great David Kikoski is. Since his post-grad days at Berklee, working
alongside Roy Haynes, Joe Henderson and Randy Brecker, David's fluid invention,
two-handed ideas and fleet runs have identified his original thoughts as a perfect heir
to the contemporary Tyner-Hancock-Corea legacy. The Jersey City-based pianist has
graced stages and recording studios worldwide. He's won a Grammy with Roy Haynes
and a nomination with the Mingus Big Band. A string of excellent CDs for the Criss
Cross label preceded David's latest effort for HighNote, Phoenix Rising, a set of most-
ly standards taken to higher levels. At the Side Door, bassist Ed Howard and drum-
mer Victor Lewis are urging David's ingenuity further. MGN
DAVID OSTWALD
BIRDLAND THEATER / JANUARY 5
For the past two decades, tuba player David Ostwald has fronted the Louis Armstrong
Eternity Band (aka the Gully Low Band). But his love of the groundbreaking New
Orleans-born trumpeter stretches back even further: The first jazz album David ever
bought was by the beloved jazz pioneer. He and his band continue a lengthy and pop-
ular tenure at Birdland’s early set every Wednesday, focusing on repertoire inspired
by revered figures such as Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, as well
as Armstrong and others who made their marks during the early years of jazz. Bria
Skonberg, Will Anderson, Anat Cohen, Wycliffe Gordon, Ehud Asherie and others are
among the lauded players who have been known to join David and the Louis
Armstrong Eternity Band on stage. EK
ROYAL BOPSTERS
MINTON'S PLAYHOUSE / JANUARY 12
Displaying a magic touch when it comes to swing, bop, vocalese and exciting har-
monies, singers Amy London, Holli Ross, Pete McGuinness and Dylan Pramuk form
the rock-solid core of this vocal quartet. Since the Royal Bopsters first came on the
scene more than a dozen years back, the foursome's guests have included Mark
Murphy and NEA Jazz Masters Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Sheila Jordan and Bob
Dorough. The membership of the Royal Bopster Project's extended family now spans
30-somethings to 90-somethings. A new release, Party of Four, is on the horizon for
early 2020, featuring Bopster-penned lyrics to solos by greats such as Chet Baker, Bill
Evans, Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon and Tito Puente, as well as originals and a
never-before recorded Mark Murphy composition. EK
By Ken Franckling, Seton Hawkins, Stephanie Jones, George K
16 Bro photo by Adam Jandrup, Chestnut by Jimmy Katz, Kikoski by Gulunara Khamatova, Ostwald by Lynn Redmile, Patton by Jo206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 17
L I G H T
TIVON PENNICOTT
JAZZ STANDARD / JANUARY 12
An artist who responds to the subtlest changes in his musical environment, Tivon
Pennicott creates spontaneous compositions whose melodies linger long after he's left
the bandstand. The three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophone player and com-
poser hears what others miss. His shapeshifting virtuosity has allowed him to collab-
orate with such like-minded artists as Esperanza Spalding, Gregory Porter and the
legendary Roy Hargrove. But dauntless lyrical improvising reflects only a measure of
his artistry. On his sophomore recording, Tivon Pennicott with Strings, set for release
this year, the saxophonist flexes his large-ensemble mastery as a composer, arranger
and conductor leading a 24-piece orchestra across an album of original works. His
band features an iteration of the ensemble including Keyon Harrold, Amy Kang,
Yasushi Nakamura, Joe Saylor and Yoojin Park. SJ
THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA
BIRDLAND / JANUARY 13-18
The music of Count Basie is both rapturous and full of joy. Basie was known for his
ability to command unparalleled sheer delight from the bandstand; said delight lives
on today with the Count Basie Orchestra. Under the direction of bandleader, trum-
peter Scotty Barnhart, Basie's music is still in full swing and the band's more active
than ever, with its latest release, All About That Basie, that features collaborations
from Wycliffe Gordon, Kurt Elling and Jon Faddis. The acclaimed album recently
landed a Grammy nomination in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble category, the 20th
nomination in the band's history. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the orches-
tra's inception, and it continues to ensure the Basie legacy is alive, well and swinging. EW
CYRUS CHESTNUT
SMOKE JAZZ & SUPPER CLUB / JANUARY 16-19
The gospel genre is embedded in pianist Cyrus Chestnut's musical psyche, whether he
is leading a band, playing solo or working as a sideman. He began playing the piano
at age 3, performed in his family's church in Baltimore at 7, and by 9 was promoted to
church pianist. Cyrus also knows a thing or two about the art of jazz improvisation.
He calls it "composition at a rapid pace with no erasers." The pianist's mastery is on
full display as he performs with his trio for this four-night birthday bash, as Cyrus
turns 57 on Jan. 17. Drawing some from his most recent release, 2018's Kaleidoscope,
and other sources, expect to hear him add his own gospel feel to a variety of jazz clas-
sics and originals. He’s joined by Eric Wheeler on bass and Chris Beck on drums. KF
JEB PATTON
MEZZROW / JANUARY 17-18
Listeners fortunate enough to check out Jeb Patton live experience an artist whose
playing feels as good as it sounds. In a trio setting or leading a large ensemble, the
New York-based pianist, composer, educator and published author radiates creativity
and melodicism. Both in his solo improvising and his at-once expressive and receptive
comping choices, Jeb engages his fellow artists in sophisticated conversation, crafting
spontaneous stories with a beginning, middle and end. He has performed all over the
city and across the world as a leader and a collaborator alongside Jimmy Heath,
Charles McPherson, George Coleman, Roberta Gambarini, Jon Faddis, Jeremy Pelt
and the late Frank Wess, among countless others. At Mezzrow, his trio features David
Wong on bass and Rodney Green on drums. SJ
JAKOB BRO
VILLAGE VANGUARD / JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 2
Danish guitarist Jakob Bro is easily one of the most compelling string talents to
emerge in the past decade, initially gaining acclaim for his work in Paul Motian's band
as well as in the Tomasz Stanko Quintet. Jakob quickly rose as a leader in his own
right, and his prolific discography provides a rich glimpse into his creative approach.
Patient, meditative and richly melodic in his playing, he crafts exquisitely beautiful
compositions and performances that reward listeners as the music unfurls slowly and
deliberately. Jakob's ECM-released records with bassist Thomas Morgan and drum-
mer Joey Baron are a testament to the crystalline beauty in his writing and playing.
Master saxophonist Mark Turner joins the threesome for a not-to-be-missed run at the
Village Vanguard. SH
s, George Kanzler, Elzy Kolb, Michael G Nastos & Eric Wendell
mile, Patton by John Herr, Rubalcaba by Anna Tura, Rubin by Seth Cashman. 17206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 18
continued from page 15 $50-125 adm www.winterjazzfest.com Winter
Rothbard; 10: E Miki Yamanaka, L R + Josh Jazzfest feat 01/10 6:45pm Sunny Jain’s Wild
Evans Electric Band, N Ray Gallon; 11: E Wild East, 8pm Ikebe Shakedown, 9:15pm
Rafael Monteagudo Music Connection, N R; Gregoire Maret & Romain Collin, 10:30pm
12: E R, L Justin Robinson, N R; 13: L Ned Braxton Cook, 11:45pm Butcher Brown,
Goold Qrt, N R; 14: E R, L Peter Brainin & the 01/11 1am Madison McFerrin, 6:45pm
Latin Jazz Workshop, N Alexi David; 15: E R, Marquis Hill, 8pm Nir Felder, 9:15pm
L Don Hahn/Mike Camacho Band, N R; 16: E Hypnotic Brass Ens, 10:30pm Kassa Overall,
Reid Taylor Qnt; 17: L R + David Weiss & 11:45pm Theo Croker, 01/12 1am James
MEZZROW: 163W 10th St (bet 7th Av &
Point of Departure; 18: N R; 19: E&N R; 20: L Brandon Lewis.
George Braith, N R; 21: E R; 22: E R, L
Staford Hunter & Continuum, N R; 24: L R + Waverly Pl). www.mezzrow.com. 646-476-
David Bryant; 25: L POD, N R; 26: E&N R; 27: 4346. Sets/adm: 7:30-10pm, Late (L)
L Alexi David, N R; 28: E R, L Itai Kriss & Gato 10:30pm-1am except Fri-Sat 10:30pm-2am,
Gordo, N John Benitez's Latin Bop; 29: E&N Sun + 5-7pm (PM); adm varies. Residencies
(R): Sun PM Spike Wilner Solo; Mon L
FLUTE CENTER OF NEW YORK: 307 7th Av
R; 31: L R.
Pasquale Grasso; Thurs L Spike Wilner. Jan
#401. www.flutes4sale.com. 212-307-9737. 1: Peter Bernstein Trio, L Ian Macdonald; 2:
Peter Bernstein Trio, L R; 3: Melissa Aldana &
JAZZ GALLERY: 1160 Bway at 27th St. 5th Fl.
Jan 8: 4pm Andrea Brachfeld & Insight.
Kevin Hays, L Miki Yamanaka; 4: Melissa
www.jazzgallery.org. 646-494-3625. Sets: Aldana & Kevin Hays, L Jon Davis; 5: PM R,
7:30&9:30pm. Jan 7-8: Darius Jones Qrt; 9- Jamie Reynolds Trio; 6: Charlie Sigler Trio, L
10: Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society; 11: R; 7: Brenda Earle Stokes Trio; 8: Camille
Jen Shyu Solo; 14: California State Bertault & Leo Genovese, L Tuomo Uusitalo;
University Jazz Ens feat Ben Wendel; 16: 9: E Rachel Z Trio, L R; 10: Ben Wolfe Trio, L
Chris Tordini Qrt; 23: Massimo Biolcati Qrt; Bob DeMeo; 11: Ben Wolfe Trio; 12: PM R,
24-25: Becca Stevens; 29-30: Shai Maestro Randy Ingram Trio, L Chris Flory; 13:
Brandon Goldberg Trio, L R; 14: Geoffrey
JAZZ STANDARD: 116E 27th St (bet Park &
Qrt; 31-Feb 1: Marcus Strickland.
Keezer Trio, L Vanessa Perea; 15: Geoffrey
Lexington Avs). www.jazzstandard.net. 212- Keezer Trio, L Stefano Doglioni; 16: Roberta
576-2232. Sets/adm unless otherwise noted: Piket Qrt w/Virginia Mayhew, L R; 17: Jeb
7:30-8:30&9:30-10:30pm/$30; Sun 2-3pm/ Patton Trio, L Marc Devine; 18: Jeb Patton
free. Residencies: Sun 2pm Jazz For Kids Trio, L Jon Davis; 19: PM R, Bennett Paster
Sunday Lunch feat Jazz Standard Youth Trio, L Panas Athanatos; 20: A Bu Trio, L R;
Orch; Mon (R) Mingus Monday feat Mingus 21: Jesse Harris Qrt, L Vanisha Gould; 22:
Big Band. Jan 1: $35 Regina Carter Qrt; 2-5: Tyler Blanton Trio, L Sullivan Fortner; 23: Bill
Sean Jones Qrt; 6: R; 7-8: Ryan Truesdell feat Goodwin Trio, L R; 24: Aaron Diehl Solo, L
The Music of Bob Brookmeyer; 9: Melissa Jeremy Manasia; 25: Aaron Diehl Solo, L
Aldana Qrt; 10-11: $35 Lizz Wright Sxt; 12: Anthony Wonsey; 26: PM R, Tom Guarna Trio;
Tivon Pennicott With Strings; 13: R; 14-15: 27: Ryan Keberle & Vic Juris, L R; 28: Nate
Michael Leonhart Orch 01/14 w/spec guest Radley & Gary Versace, L Lucy
Anat Cohen; 16-19: David Murray Oct; 20: R; Yeghiazaryan; 29: Vic Juris & Gary Vercase, L
21: tba; 22-23: Kendrick Scott Oracle; 24-26: Isaiah Thompson; 30: Mike Longo & Paul
Dave Stryker Qrt feat Warren Wolf; 27: R; 28: West, L R; 31: Billy Drummond, L Greg
NATIONAL ARTS CLUB: 15 Gramercy Park
Brubeck Brothers Qrt; 29-Feb 1: Vijay Iyer Murphy.
01/29 Solo, 01/30-31 $35 Trio, 02/1 $35 Trio +
JOE’S PUB: At Public Theater. 425 Lafayette St
spec guest Wadada Leo Smith. South. www.nationalartsclub.org. 212-475-
3424. Jan 27: 9pm Fine & Mellow feat
NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH: 269 Bleecker St
& Astor Pl. www.joespub.com. 212-967-7555. George Cables Trio.
Adm varies. Jan 5: 9:30pm Tatiana Eva-Marie
& the Avalon Jazz Band; 10: 7pm Kittel & Co (bet Jones & Cornelia Sts). 212-691-1770. 1st
+ Gretchen Parlato; 11: 7pm Ethan Lipton Fri: 8&9:30pm free adm All Things Project
Orch; 14: 6:30pm French Quarter feat www.allthingsproject.org. Jan 3: Marcelo
The NEW SCHOOL JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Naissam Jalal, Géraldine Laurent, Thomas Boccato Qrt.
SPACE: 55W 13th St, 5th Fl. 212-229-5488.
de Pourquery & Supersonic; 23: 7pm
KNICKERBOCKER BAR & GRILL: 33
Stephane Wrembel.
www.newschool.edu/jazz. Tues-Sat: 8:30-
University Pl at 9th St. 212-228-8490. 9:30pm The Stone at the New School. Jan 2-
www.knickerbockerbarandgrill.com. Fri-Sat: 4: James Moore; 7-11: María Grand; 14-18:
(LE) POISSON ROUGE: 158 Bleecker St at
9pm-1am. Ches Smith; 21-25: Jen Shyu; 28-Feb 1: Kris
NORTH SQUARE: At Washington Square
Davis.
Thompson St. www.lepoissonrouge.com.
212-796-0741. Jan 9-13: Winter Jazzfest Hotel. 103 Waverly Pl at McDougal.
www.winterjazzfest.com feat 01/9 6:30pm www.northsquareny.com/about-jazz. 212-
$25/35 adm Gilles Peterson w/Kokoroko, 254-1200. Sun: 12:30&2pm free adm Jazz
Moses Boyd, Poppy Ajudha, Sarathy Korwar, Brunch Trios. Jan 5: Roz Corral w/Eddie
01/10 $50-125 6:30pm tba, 7:45pm Steven Monteiro; 12: Alexis Cole; 17: Erli Perez; 26:
Bernstein’s MTO@20 w/Catherine Russell,
NUBLU 62: 62 Av C (bet 4th & 5th Sts).
Roz Corral w/Josh Richman.
9pm Mark Guiliana’s Jazz Qrt w/Gretchen
Parlato, 10pm Curfew, 01/11 $50-125 6:30pm www.nublu.net. Jan 10-12: $50-125 adm
Becca Stevens, 7:45pm Lakecia Benjamin Winter Jazzfest www.winterjazzfest.com feat
w/Reggie Workman, Regina Carter, 9pm 01/10 7pm Angela Morris’ Skellettes, 8:15pm
Issac Delgado, 10pm Curfew, 01/12 5pm Nate Wooley’s Columbia Icefield, 9:30pm
$45/55 From Detroit To The World celebrating Mary Lattimore, 10:45pm Halvorson &
the jazz legacy of Detroit & honoring Marcus Dieterich, 01/11 12am Blacks Myths, 1:15am
Belgrave w/Ron Carter, Sheila Jordan, Louis tba, 7pm tba, 8:15pm Petros Klampanis,
Hayes, Joan Belgrave, 01/13 7:30pm $25/35 9:30pm Dominique Fils Aime, 10:45pm Nite
Artemis + Eubanks Evans Experience + Bjuti feat Val Jeanty, Candice Hoyes & Mimi
MERCURY LOUNGE: 217E Houston St # A
Allison Miller Boom Tic Boom. Jones, 01/12 12am Tommaso Cappellato,
(bet Essex & Ludlow Sts). 212-260-4700. 1:15am Jessica Jones Qrt; 17: 6pm $10
www.mercuryloungenyc.com. Jan 10-12: Gordon Grdina & Nomad.
continued on page 20
18206964_HH_Jan_0 12/20/19 1:42 PM Page 19
Trombonist Benny Powell's supportive
attitude is another happy recollection: "He
told me, 'I'm a Ray Blue fan, whatever you
want to be doing.' Our conversations were
always meaningful. I felt real warmth from
him. Benny was a cheerleader, he always
knew what I was doing."
A stint with Sun Ra paid unexpected
dividends. A friend told Ray the eccentric
bandleader was auditioning tenor players
and urged him to try out. The meager pay
was a turnoff, but Ray took the job. "We
did rehearsals, then got to the gig and
played nothing we'd rehearsed. Everyone
had music in front of them, but there was
no music on my stand," the saxophonist
says. "Sunny came out and started moving
his arms, pointing at people, saying 'Play!'
I thought, Play what?"
Nevertheless, "It was the most phenom-
enal experience in my life." The quality of
S
the musicianship on the bandstand made a
AXOPHONIST RAY BLUE DESCRI- lasting impression. "John Gilmore took one
bes his music as "old-school, swingin' solo all altissimo. He never moved his fin-
jazz." On his recent release, Work gers, it was all embouchure. I thought, I
(Jazzheads), he proves himself a versatile must be blessed. It paid even less than I
interpreter of classic tunes by the likes of thought, but I was learning and paying
Nat Adderley, Jimmy Smith, George dues."
Coleman and Matt Dennis. Ray's well- Perhaps surprisingly for someone so
crafted originals flow right into the mix, thoroughly grounded in jazz, although Ray
which includes standards such as "Teach was offered a music scholarship when he
Me Tonight," "That's All" and "Our Day finished high school he instead opted to
Will Come." study sociology and psychology, and
But Ray's road to developing his big, earned a master's degree in clinical social
enveloping sound, warm approach and work. "I wanted to learn other things," he
mellow repertoire is paved with a lifetime explains. "I have a passion for people and
of experience with some of the most diverse for music; which of the two comes first is
masters of the genre. He cites mentors who interchangeable."
run the gamut from the straight-up to the While on the job as a social worker,
stratospheric, including NEA Jazz Masters Ray's employers permitted a flexible
Barry Harris and George Coleman, plus schedule so he could keep gigging. "I con-
straight-ahead icons Benny Powell, sider myself fortunate to have always
Houston Person and Harold Mabern. Also loved what I've done to earn a living," he
on Ray's list: alto innovators Ornette notes. In 2005, he founded Cross Cultural
Coleman and Arthur Blythe and the one- Connection, a nonprofit aiming to promote
of-a-kind bandleader, composer and jazz culture, education and performance.
pianist known as Sun Ra. The intergenerational organization
"It's important to me to be around peo- "instills a sense of community, family.
ple like this and accept the information People of different ages learn to relate to
they have to offer. These are willing givers one another and learn together. The older
of support and information," Ray says. "I participants have something to offer and
like to connect with the older gentlemen something to learn. Everyone works on
who created this music. Their personality their skills together: theory, language,
and spirit are important. I'm grateful to be ensemble playing, repertoire."
around them and have relationships. The Work is an appropriate title for his 2019
Creator put us together for a reason." recording, as it's a theme that Ray brings
Ray regularly revisits musicians' up often. He wrote the title tune based on
records and interviews, continuing to learn his experience during his first trip to South
from what they have to say. He weaves a Africa. "I saw the conditions in the town-
wealth of memories into his conversation, ships, and saw how it demoralizes a man to
recalling an after-hours hang with Art take away his ability to work, to take care
Blakey that ended up with a lengthy chat of himself and his family," he muses.
at an all-night diner. Work is also an apt description of how
The tenor man also thinks back on he's kicking off the new year, with an array
Arthur Blythe's unique tone, saying, "He of gigs in Manhattan and farther afield.
had a special way of playing his instru-
ment and presenting his voice. He was the Ray Blue appears at a PJS Jazz
only one in the world with that sound." continued on page 29
19206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 9:40 AM Page 20
LISTINGS...continued from page 18 Janzon Gp; 23: E Orlando Le Fleming Gp, L
NUBLU 151: 151 Avenue C (bet 9th & 10th Sts).
Stafford Hunter & Continuum; 24-25: E John
Bailey Sxt, L Paul Nedzela Gp; 26: E Chris
www.nublu.net. Jan 12: 7:30pm $20/25 adm Byars Original Sxt, L Johnny O'Neal Trio; 27:
www.winterjazzfest.com Winter Jazzfest feat E Ari Hoenig Trio, L Giveton Gelin Gp; 28: E
Tin Men & The Telephone + Tineke Postma Taru Alexander Qrt, L Steve Nelson Qrt; 29:
Freya + Niels Broos & Jamie Peet + E Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle, L
NUYORICAN POETS CAFÉ: 236E 3rd St (bet
Binkbeats; 20: 8:30pm Mateusz Smoczynski. Nicole Glover Trio; 30: E David Liebman Gp,
L Tim Hegarty Gp; 31-Feb 1: E Scott
Avs B & C). www.nuyorican.org. 212-780- Wendholt/Adam Kolker Qrt, L Joe
SOBS: 200 Varick St. www.sobs.com. 212-243-
9386/212-505-8183. Sets: 9:30pm. Tues: $10 Farnsworth Gp.
adm Latin Jazz feat 01/7 Chembo Corniel,
01/14 Latin Jazz Big Band Night, 01/21 Willie 4940. Jan 10-11: $50-125 adm Winter Jazzfest
Martinez & La Familia Sxt; 1st Wed: $13 All www.winterjazzfest.com feat 01/10 7pm
That - Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz; 1st Sat: $15 Hypnotic Brass Ens w/The Era, 8:30pm
Banana Puddin’ Jazz series feat Rome Neal KOKOROKO, 9:45pm Hailu Mergia, 10:45pm
+ Jam. Jan 12: 8pm $50-125 adm Winter Curfew, 01/11 7pm Tia Fuller, 8:45pm
Jazzfest www.winterjazzfest.com feat Steve Revelator w/Bill Laswell, 10pm Donny
Dalachinsky celeb w/Daniel Carter, Dave McCaslin w/spec guest Gail Ann Dorsey,
Liebman, Matt Shipp, Ellen Christi, Lisa
SUBCULTURE: 45 Bleecker St at Lafayette St.
11pm Curfew.
Sokolov, Cooper Moore, Jean Carla Rodea,
Gerald Cleaver, Ingrid Laubrock, Jaimie www.subculturenewyork.com. 212-533-5470.
Branch, Ka Baird, Sarah Bernstein, Kenny Jan 10-12: $50-125 adm Winter Jazzfest
Wolleson, James Brandon Lewis, Shelley www.winterjazzfest.com feat 01/10 6:15pm
Hirsch, Pasquale Canginao, Samara Theo Bleckmann’s Mixtape, 7:30pm Matthew
Lubelski, Charlie Waters, Jason Kao Hwang, Whitaker Qrt, 8:45pm Connie Han, 10pm
Tom Surgal, Lin Culberston, Ira Kaplan, YES! Trio, 11:15pm The Jazz Gallery Allstars,
Georgia Hubley, Baba Israel, Kris Davis, 01/11 12:30am Michael Olatuja, 1:45am tba,
Luke Stewart, Ernie Brooks, Matt Mottel, 6:15pm Laila Biali, 7:30pm The Cookers,
RALPH PUCCI INTERNATIONAL: 44W 18th
Kevin Shea & Nicola Hein. 8:45pm Harold Lopez-Nussa, 10pm Kat
Edmonson, 11:15pm Rene Marie’s
St (bet 5th & 6th Avs). Jan 15: 6pm $250- Experiment In Truth, 01/12 12:30am Gregg
1,000 adm Benefit for Jazz House Kids feat
TURNMILL: 119E 27th St (bet Park &
August, 1:45am tba.
The Lowdown, conversation w/Christian
ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL: 196 Allen St at E
McBride + spec guest Diana Krall. Lexington Avs). www.turnmillnyc.com. 646-
524-6060. Wed: 11pm-2am Keyed Up series
Houston St. www.rockwoodmusichall.com. feat Rob Duguay & Low Key Trio + spec
212-477-4155. Thurs: 9pm-12am Ethan
VILLAGE VANGUARD: 178 7th Av S at 11th
guests.
Eubanks & Detroit Grease. Jan 10: 8:30pm
$18 adm Delfeayo Marsalis Uptown Jazz St. 212-255-4037. www.villagevanguard.com.
Orch; 12: 8:30pm $15 APAP feat Laila Biali; Sets: 8:30&10:30pm. Adm: $35/1 drink min.
SMALLS JAZZ CLUB: 183W 10th St at 7th Av.
26: 7-8pm $10 Brenda Earle Stokes. Residency (R): Mon Vanguard Jazz Orch. Jan
1-5: Chris Potter Circuits Trio; 6: R; 7-12:
212-252-5091. www.smallslive.com. Sets: Scott Colley Qrt; 13: R; 14-19: Julian Lage
Early (E) 7:30-10pm, Late (L) 10:30pm-1am, Trio; 20: R; 21-26: Joe Lovano & Dave
Night (N) 1-4am; jam following N; adm varies.
WEBSTER HALL: 125E 11th St (bet 3rd & 4th
Douglas Qnt; 27: R; 28-Feb 2: Jakob Bro Qrt.
Residencies: Sun N After Hours w/David
Gibson 01/5&19, w/Hillel Salem 01/12&26; Avs). 212-353-1600. www.websterhall.com.
Mon N After-Hours w/Sean Mason 01/6&27, Jan 10-12: $50-125 adm Winter Jazzfest
w/Ben Barnett 01/13&20; Tues N After-Hours www.winterjazzfest.com feat 01/10 7pm Joey
w/Malik McLaurine 01/7&21, w/Jon Elbaz Alexander, 8:15pm Ambrose Akinmusire,
01/14&28; Wed N After-Hours w/Neal Caine 9:30pm Makaya McCraven, 10:45pm Igmar
01/1,15&29, w/Andrew Kushnir 01/8, w/Kyle Thomas’ Revive Big Band w/guests, 01/11
Benford 01/22; Thurs N After-Hours w/Malick 12am Karriem Riggins w/The Erratic
Koly 01/2,16&30, w/Davis Whitfield 01/9&23; Specialist & guests, 7pm Brandee Younger,
Fri N After-Hours w/Corey Wallace DUBtet 8:15pm Makaya McCraven, 9:30pm Terrace
01/3,17&31, w/Brooklyn Circle 01/10, Martin’s Grey Matter, 10:45pm Robert
w/Wallace Roney Jr. 01/24; Sat N Mimi Jones Glasper, 01/12 12am Karriem Riggins
& The Lab Session 01/4&18, After-Hours
ZINC BAR: 82W 3rd St (bet Thompson &
w/guests.
w/Eric Wyatt 01/11, w/Brooklyn Circle 01/25.
Jan 1: E Rudy Petschauer Qnt, L Todd Sullivan). 212-477-8337. www.zincbar.com.
Herbert Qrt; 2: E Chet Doxas Trio, L Pete Sets: unless otherwise noted 7:30&9pm. Jan
Malinverni’s Invisible Cities; 3-4: E The 1: 9pm-1am free VandoJam feat Lucas Pino;
Zebtet, L Mike DiRubbo Qrt; 5: E Mike Mullins
Qnt, L Alex Hoffman Qnt; 6: E Ari Hoenig Trio, 5: 4-6:45pm $25/30 Another Sunday
L Joe Farnsworth Gp; 7: E tba, L Abraham Serenade 917-882-9539/www.vtyjazz.com
Burton Qrt; 8: E Emanuele Cisi Qrt, L Simona feat tribute to Albert Dailey w/Mike DiRubbo,
Premazzi Qnt; 9: E Hayes Greenfield Trio, L Jeremy Pelt; 6: Peter Bernstein, Ben Monder
Joris Teepe Qrt; 10-11: E Mike Rodriguez Sxt, & Rale Micic; 10-12: $50-125 adm Winter
L Philip Dizack Qrt; 12: E Mike Karn Qrt, L Jazzfest www.winterjazzfest.com feat 01/10
Bruce Harris Qrt; 13: French Quarter Festival 6pm Nasheet Waits By Sea, 7:15pm Jamie
feat 7:30pm Géraldine Laurent, 8:35pm Anne Baum & Short Stories, 8:30pm Kendra
Paceo, 9:40pm Plume, 10:45pm Jonathan Shank, 9:45pm Quiana Lynell, 11pm
Jurion, 11:50pm EYM Trio; 14: E Gerry Gibbs Christian Sands, 01/11 12:15am David
Gp, L Steve Nelson Qrt; 15: E Gerry Gibbs Kikoski Trio, 1:30am tba, 6:30pm Steve
Gp, L Francisco Mela Trio; 16: E Gerald Lehman Trio + Craig Taborn, 7:45pm
Cleaver Violet Hour Sxt, L Ameen Saleem Samantha Boshnack, 9pm Jim Snidero,
Sxt; 17-18: E Kenny Davis Gp, L Jean-Michel 10:15pm Pasquale Grasso, 11:30pm George
Pilc Trio; 19: E Nick Hempton Gp, L JC Burton Band, 01/12 12:45am Axel Tosca,
Stylles/Steve Nelson Qnt; 20: E Sam 1:30am tba; 24: Jerry Weldon Qrt; 27:
ZURCHER STUDIO: 33 Bleecker St (bet
Newsome Qrt, L Joe Farnsworth Gp; 21: E JD Rodney Jones.
Allen Trio, L Frank Lacy Gp; 22: E Matt
Pavolka’s Horns Band, L Tomas continued on page 22
20206964_HH_Jan_0 12/23/19 9:41 AM Page 21
F ROM 1955 TO 1960, THE LEG-
endary Café Bohemia in Greenwich
Village was one of the most impactful jazz
venues of its era. Originally opened by
Jimmy Garofolo in 1949, as a restaurant,
stage and bar, Charlie Parker offered to
play there for free in exchange for drinks.
Though Parker died before he officially
headlined there, he solidified its identity Wallace is not bashful in sharing his
as a jazz club. Cannonball Adderley made thoughts about his band. "Malick is becom-
his New York debut there shortly after ing one of the most open and forward-
Parker's death, and other jazz greats thinking drummers, and he's from Africa,
worked and recorded there including so he adds a direct African influence to this
Kenny Dorham's 'Round About Midnight music," the trumpeter says. "Paul continu-
at the Café Bohemia, and The Jazz ally gets a beautiful sound on the bass.
Messengers at the Café Bohemia, Vols. 1-2 Oscar is one of those people who reminds
by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. me of Thelonious Monk: He's got a differ-
Miles Davis also had links to the club. ent wrinkle in his playing. He loves Monk,
His closer, "The Theme," was first heard McCoy and Keith. And Emilio is one of the
there, along with the trio favorite "Ahmad's best young tenor players today. He's set-
Blues.” So when the club reopened its doors ting standards now. That's what I think of
in October, there was no greater person to those guys; but collectively, they are of one
represent the spirit of Miles than his pro- mind, and that's what I instill in those
tégé, Wallace Roney. "Café Bohemia was guys: Take your individual talents and
important to Miles Davis," Wallace says. make it collective—one mind."
"He did those Prestige recordings [Workin', Those young musicians look up to
Steamin', Relaxin', and Cookin' with the Wallace as a leader in the same way the
Miles Davis Quintet] while he was playing trumpeter looked up to Miles. "He said I
there. And the cover of his Columbia LP looked at him the way he looked at Dizzy.
'Round About Midnight was taken at the He said me and him were like Louis
Bohemia. I wanted to play there because of Armstrong and King Oliver," Wallace says.
the history of the club. I think it's one of "I definitely benefited from playing with
the most important clubs in history." and being around great musicians like
Wallace, a former member and musical Miles, Ornette, Art Blakey and Horace
director of the Jazz Messengers and main- Silver."
stay of Tony Williams' band, has more The world-renowned pianist, composer,
than 20 recordings as a leader. He comes to bandleader provided Wallace with some
the Café Bohemia with a quintet composed tough-love advice. "Horace asked me to
of 21st-century Young Lions in their teens, audition for his band. I was 18, and he
20s and 30s: drummer Malick Koly (replac- brought me to New York," the trumpeter
ing Wallace's nephew Kojo Odu Roney), recalls. "I didn't make the audition, but I
bassist Paul Cuffari, pianist Oscar spent four days with him. We talked about
Williams II, and tenor and soprano saxo- music. Then he said 'Wallace, I could have
phonist Emilio Modeste. you in my band now, but I'd be doing you a
At the club, the band is going to focus disservice: I want you to get all of the
on songs from Wallace's critically [chord] changes together.' I went home to
acclaimed CD Blue Dawn—Blue Nights the practice room, grabbed the hardest
(full disclosure: I wrote the liner notes). tune I could think of: Wayne Shorter's
Neither guitarist Quintin Zoto nor drum- 'Delores,' and I went through all the
mer Lenny White, who perform on the changes. Ten years later, Horace heard me
album, are on the gig. with Tony Williams in Denmark. And
The CD covers a range of styles. There when I finished playing he jumped onto
are energetic tracks, including "Bookendz," the stage and hugged me, and said,
Lenny White's funky “Wolfbane,” and Dave 'Wallace! Oh, man! I'm so proud of you.
Liebman's "New Breed," and a wistful bal- You're playing your booty off.' I felt that I
lad, "Why Should There be Stars." A slow- had come full circle."
drag cover of Toto's "Don't Stop Me Now"
joins Oscar's mysterious "In a Dark Room," The Wallace Roney Quintet per-
and Emilio’s maze-like tracks "Venus forms at Café Bohemia Jan. 11-14,
Rising" and "Elliptical." during Winter Jazzfest. He also per-
forms at The Falcon on Jan. 19.
Roney photo by Richard Ryals. 21You can also read
