CORNELIA STREET CAFÉ
29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York 212-989-9319
http://www.corneliastreetcafe.com
between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village
1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St.
Contact: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services, 845-986-1677, jazzpromo@earthlink.net Music This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe
Mon Aug 02
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Vic Juris, guitar; Mary Halvorsen, guitar)
Guitarist/composer and guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Café focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day.
Mr. Harrison on the players:
Vic Juris is, to me, a master guitarist. He plays jazz standards as well as anyone alive, but also veers into all kinds of surprising modernism. His nylon string playing is lovely, and his feel and imagination are incredible. Mary Halvorsen is a fresh face on the scene, a Braxton acolyte, with a fiercely independent style. I have no idea what these two will sound like together which is absolutely enticing. I have a feeling they won’t play Stella by Starlight but if they do you may not know it.
(NB: $10 cover includes both sets).
Cover $10
http://www.myspace.com/vicjuris
http://www.maryhalvorson.com Mon Aug 02
10:00PM PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Pete McCann, guitar; Adam Rodgers, guitar)
The players, according to Harrison: Pete McCann: Pete is the Clark Kent of guitar- watch out when he steps in the phone booth. Whether playing his own compositions, Mahavishnu music, or Jazz tunes, he uses deadly force with a smile. Adam Rogers…what can I say about a guy who soloed next to Michael Brecker for many years? Everything he does comes out sounding perfect. Adam’s technique extends into so many avenues of guitar playing it’s silly. He is an encyclopedia of guitar.
(NB: $10 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $10
http://www.petemccann.com/
http://www.adamrogersmusic.com/ Tue Aug 03
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Rez Abbasi, guitar; Brad Shepik, guitar)
Guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Café focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day. The players, according to Harrison:
Rez Abbasi is one of the most lyrical jazz players alive. His ability to play long, beautiful phrases, using complex harmony is amazing. I love his tone and touch. His forays into Indian music will be met head on by Brad Shepik. (NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.reztone.com
http://www.bradshepik.com/ Tue Aug 03
10:00PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Brandon Ross, guitar; Michael Gregory, guitar)
Brandon Ross first caught my ear in Cassandra Wilson’s band, but since then I have seen him in numerous settings. His commitment to individuality and new sounds, as well as his awareness of the history of Black Music, are rare. I mean it as a high compliment when I say his take on music is odd and unpredictable. He is joined by one of my primary early influences Michael Gregory. I first heard Michael in the late 70’s with Oliver Lake, and it was life-changing. One thing I loved was that he sang as well as played. This is something he shares in common with Brandon.
(NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.myspace.com/brmuse
http://www.myspace.com/michaelgregorymusic Wed Aug 04
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Joel Harrison, steel guitar; Anupam Shobhakar, sarod)
Guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Cafe focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day.
Joel Harrison is not going to write about himself! But he (I) can say that the pairing with sarod fulfills a lifelong dream to collaborate with an Indian classical musician. I plan to play mostly National Steel Guitar, using slide. These instruments, the multi-stringed sarod and National Steel, are like long lost brothers. We’ll play original pieces as well as arrangements of traditional American and Indian music. Anupam Shobhakar, from Bombay, is a young master of his instrument, an immense talent, and the great nephew of the best-known sarodist of the past 50 years, Ali Akbar Khan. (NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.joelharrison.com
http://www.shobhakar.com/ Wed Aug 04 10PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Elliott Sharp, guitar; Marc Ribot, guitar)
Elliot Sharp defines the word “innovative”. His bag of tricks on guitar is truly deep. Whether tapping, skronking, wacking, pulling, or caressing the instrument, it’s always unique and in your face. Marc Ribot is one of the few players who crosses over from absolutely insane new music to absolutely lyrical American roots music. It’s nice to know that the same guy who played with John Zorn for so many years also played on the grammy winning Alison Krauss/ Robert Plant disc.
(NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.elliottsharp.com
http://www.marcribot.com/ Thu Aug 05
8:30PM MARY HALVORSON TRIO
(Mary Halvorson, guitar; John Hebert, bass; Ches Smith, drums)
The success of her acclaimed 2008 debut, Dragon’s Head (Firehouse 12 Records), led critics to call Ms. Halvorson “probably the most original jazz guitarist to emerge this decade” Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader and “the freshest, busiest, most critically acclaimed guitar-slinger out of downtown Manhattan/Brooklyn right now” Howard Mandel,Jazz Beyond Jazz. “A singular talent,” adds AllAboutJazz.com’s Troy Collins, “Brooklyn-based guitarist Mary Halvorson has come into her own as a composer and improviser…light years ahead of her peers, she is the most impressive guitarist of her generation. The future of jazz guitar starts here.”
Cover $10 http://www.maryhalvorson.com Fri Aug 06
9:00PM MICHAEL FEINBERG QUARTET
(Michael Feinberg, bass; Logan Richardson, sax; Tommy Crane, drums; Julian Shore, piano)
A vibrant young bassist/composer whose voice conveys a distinct musical vision, Michael Feinberg continues to bring fresh ideas to life with music that incorporates jazz, hip hop, and rock, as well as influences from his Middle Eastern and Eastern European heritage. Feinberg’s music oscillates with new and exciting vibrations that include sounds from the East to the West, the fiery spirits of Charles Mingus, Jimmy Garrison, and others, as he aspires "to challenge the limitations of jazz while returning to its most basic elements of improvisation, creativity, and a fusion of cultures and sounds.
". . .embracing elements of both pop music and the avant-garde with a strong flare for jazz music. . . of the here and now." Chad Radford Creative Loafing Atlanta.
Cover $10 http://www.michaelfeinbergmusic.com Fri Aug 06 10:30PM JASON RIGBY QUINTET
(Jason Rigby, tenor saxophone; Russ Johnson, trumpet; Cameron Brown, bass; Jeff Davis, drums; Mike Holber, piano)
The Jason Rigby Quintet is a powerhouse ensemble formed to explore group improvisation with the twists and turns of a two-horn front line. The group was formed conceptually out of the influences of Ornette Coleman’s explorations with Don Cherry and Dewey Redman, Jack DeJohnette’s early 70’s work, and Miles’ 70’s electric bands – culminating in a modern mixture of grooves, free melodies, psychedelic sounds and angular horn harmonies.
Tenor saxophonist Jason Rigby has been hailed as "a truly lyrical musician" and "New York’s rising star of tenor sax." an earthy voice that deftly combines many influences, Rigby is rapidly attracting the attention of the music world as a saxophonist and composer who has something important to say. Both of his leader releases on Fresh Sound Records (Translucent Space, 2006 and The Sage, 2009) received widespread critical acclaim. "Aggressive doesn’t necessarily mean wild, and somehow the saxophonists quintet sustains a daunting finesse while swinging full tilt on the new The Sage."Jim Macnie, The Village Voice "Rigby’s burly tenor tone and searching improvisations recall the expressionistic flights of Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson." John Murph, Downbeat
Cover $10 http://www.jasonrigby.net Sat Aug 07
9:00PM CURTIS MACDONALD GROUP
(Curtis Macdonald, alto saxophone, compositions; David Miralles, keys; Cody Brown, drums; Jeremy Viner, tenor saxophone; Greg Chudzik, bass)
Curtis Macdonald is a saxophonist, composer and sound designer based in New York City. He graduated cum laude from the New School University in 2007 where he immediately became faculty.
Along with developing a sizable repertoire for the modern jazz ensemble, Curtis’ music has taken form in many a medium. In the past 3 years he has composed music and sound for film, dance, games and chamber ensembles. His production savvy can be heard on numerous new music and modern jazz recordings where he incorporates improvisation, sound art and digital technology. “Music should put a spell on you, and guide you into the eye of the storm…” says Curtis Macdonald with a grin when reflecting on his music. While Curtis’ music is drawn from a variety of influences, he remains most allured by the emotive sounds of saxophonists past; yet still attracted to today’s most explosive voices, Curtis draws a new melodic virtuosity based not only on harmony, but also more abstract and philosophical models. Many have cited his sound to be a myriad of forms respecting the likes of Lee Konitz, Paul Desmond and Steve Coleman. His influences are not limited to jazz – he admires the refined rhythmic placement in underground hip hop, and borrows their intricate production techniques in his recorded music. Curtis’ versatility incorporates listening with the ears of a sound designer, playing the saxophone to capture a sense of fluid serenity and composing to tickle the mind, all without losing a sense of unity.
Cover $10 http://www.curtismacdonald.com Sat Aug 07 10:30PM LOGAN RICHARDSON TRIO
(Logan Richardson, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Damion Reid, drums; Matt Brewer, bass)
Being a native son of Kansas City, Missouri (b1980) Logan Richardson has always understood the importance of observing, learning, and loving the process of tradition, and all that it entails. Kansas City, a city that propelled the development of improvised music as a whole (1925-38). Creating a nest for the individual artist to develop, in a vibrant economy, and musical social structure that lends itself to create a huge igniting of musical styles largely based around a strong swing and blues element.
Logan began playing music at the age of twelve. Of the very first educational experiences in improvised music included learning from the likes of- Max Roach, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Clark Terry, Ray Brown Shirley Scott, Sir Roland Hanna, Marcus Belgrave, Richard Davis… At the age of sixteen Logan was a featured soloist performing in concert with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. Within that same time frame Logan worked with Jimmy Heath in Concert in Small group as well as a Big Band setting. Having the great honor of taking part at The Smithsonian (D.C.) in honor of Duke Ellington’s 100th birthday celebration (’99) as well as being noted in Downbeat Magazine (’99) as “up and coming “ Logan’s first year of post secondary work was done on scholarship attending Berklee College of Music (Boston). Upon completion of his first year he was awarded the Zoot Sims Scholarship (full music scholarship) to attend The New School University in New York, New York (’01). Along with Logan’s musical studies, and development he has apprenticed, studied, and professionally performed woodwind repair on Saxophones, and other woodwind instruments in NYC since 2004. Working in Carl Allen’s “New Spirit” band (’02), Greg Tardy Band (’03-05), Joe Chambers “The Outlaw” Band (’05-07) Nasheet Waits “Equality”(’07-present), Jason Moran “Big Band Wagon”(’07-present) As a consequence Logan has recorded as a sideman on –Joe Chambers “The Outlaw”(’05) Greg Tardy’s “ Steps of Faith (’06) Nasheet Waits “Live From MPC (‘09) NYC Town Hall (’09) Jason Moran’s Big Band Wagon -50th anniversary of Thelonius Monks historic NY TOWN HALL performance. Logan has composed and recorded two albums of original music, and toured as a leader since 2006; his two albums are titled -“ETHOS”(Inner Circle Music); CEREBRAL FLOW”(Fresh Sound-New Talent-). Logan was most recently featured in a full page spread in the August 2009 edition of “ DOWN BEAT MAGAZINE”.French magazine “JAZZ MAN” did a feature in July ’07 including him as “one of 10 burning alto saxophonist worldwide”. German Magazine “SONIC MAGAZINE” wrote a feature on him titled “Revolution by Evolution “in the October ’08 Logan has played major festivals all over the world such as: JVC Jazz Fest (NYC 2004): Knitting Factory Winter Jazz Fest. (NYC 2005); Terni Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Foggia Jazz Fest (Italy 2007); The North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam, UK 2008), Ferrara Jazz Festival (Italy 2009); San Francisco Jazz Fest (California2008); Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Amazon Jazz Fest (Brazil 2009); Jazz a’ Vienne (France2009); Jazz Baltic (Germany2009); Fiemme Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Terrassa Jazz Festival (Italy 2008); Kansas City Blues and Jazz Fest (Kansas City 2001); Marostica Jazz Festival (Italy 2007); Aspen Jazz Festival (Colorado2004)
Cover $10 http://www.loganrichardson.com Sun Aug 08
8:30PM DAN TEPFER / RICHIE BARSHAY DUO
(Dan Tepfer, piano; Richie Barshay, percussion)
Dan Tepfer is a New York-based pianist and composer and one of the most formidable jazz musicians on the international stage — hailed as “brilliant” by The Boston Globe, “remarkable” by The Washington Post , a “rugged and emphatic” player by the New York Times, “a new knight of the keys” by BSC News France.
By age 28, he has performed the world over in contexts ranging from solo piano to full orchestra, chronicling his talents on the solo disc Twelve Improvisations in Twelve Keys (2009) as well as the trio sessions Before the Storm (2005), Oxygen (2007) and his forthcoming 2010 Sunnyside release with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Ted Poor. Dan has also had the extraordinary privilege of a sustained, ongoing duo partnership with alto saxophonist and jazz luminary Lee Konitz, documented on the acclaimed 2009 Sunnyside CD Duos With Lee (“a benchmark of human potential” – JazzInsideNY. As France’s Jazz Magazine has noted, Dan is “gifted with a heightened sense for form and an extraordinary confidence in his angles of attack.” His playing, whatever the context, is a model of fluidity and steady, effortless motion, immersed in jazz history but creating new history in turn. Percussionist Richie Barshay, most noted for his work with the Herbie Hancock Quartet, has established himself as a prominent musical voice of his generation and is regarded as "a player to watch" by JazzTimes Magazine. On tour and on recordings his eclectic resume so far includes Hancock, Chick Corea, Natalie Merchant, Lee Konitz, The Klezmatics, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Krakauer, Fred Wesley, Claudia Acuña and Pete Seeger among others. In 2004 he was named an American Musical Envoy by the U.S. State Department for outreach tours in Asia, South America, and Europe. Now based in New York City, Richie began playing Jazz and Afro-Carribean music during his youth and has expanded his focus to Indian rhythmic concepts and tabla, inspiring his 2007 recording debutHomework on Ayva Records. “Homework introduces a major rhythm voice on the rise” says Downbeat magazine, and The Guardian (UK) praises “the arrival of a major innovator who also knows how to have fun.”
Cover $10 http://www.dantepfer.com
29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York 212-989-9319
http://www.corneliastreetcafe.com
between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village
1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St.
Contact: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services, 845-986-1677, jazzpromo@earthlink.net Music This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe
Mon Aug 02
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Vic Juris, guitar; Mary Halvorsen, guitar)
Guitarist/composer and guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Café focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day.
Mr. Harrison on the players:
Vic Juris is, to me, a master guitarist. He plays jazz standards as well as anyone alive, but also veers into all kinds of surprising modernism. His nylon string playing is lovely, and his feel and imagination are incredible. Mary Halvorsen is a fresh face on the scene, a Braxton acolyte, with a fiercely independent style. I have no idea what these two will sound like together which is absolutely enticing. I have a feeling they won’t play Stella by Starlight but if they do you may not know it.
(NB: $10 cover includes both sets).
Cover $10
http://www.myspace.com/vicjuris
http://www.maryhalvorson.com Mon Aug 02
10:00PM PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Pete McCann, guitar; Adam Rodgers, guitar)
The players, according to Harrison: Pete McCann: Pete is the Clark Kent of guitar- watch out when he steps in the phone booth. Whether playing his own compositions, Mahavishnu music, or Jazz tunes, he uses deadly force with a smile. Adam Rogers…what can I say about a guy who soloed next to Michael Brecker for many years? Everything he does comes out sounding perfect. Adam’s technique extends into so many avenues of guitar playing it’s silly. He is an encyclopedia of guitar.
(NB: $10 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $10
http://www.petemccann.com/
http://www.adamrogersmusic.com/ Tue Aug 03
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Rez Abbasi, guitar; Brad Shepik, guitar)
Guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Café focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day. The players, according to Harrison:
Rez Abbasi is one of the most lyrical jazz players alive. His ability to play long, beautiful phrases, using complex harmony is amazing. I love his tone and touch. His forays into Indian music will be met head on by Brad Shepik. (NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.reztone.com
http://www.bradshepik.com/ Tue Aug 03
10:00PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Brandon Ross, guitar; Michael Gregory, guitar)
Brandon Ross first caught my ear in Cassandra Wilson’s band, but since then I have seen him in numerous settings. His commitment to individuality and new sounds, as well as his awareness of the history of Black Music, are rare. I mean it as a high compliment when I say his take on music is odd and unpredictable. He is joined by one of my primary early influences Michael Gregory. I first heard Michael in the late 70’s with Oliver Lake, and it was life-changing. One thing I loved was that he sang as well as played. This is something he shares in common with Brandon.
(NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.myspace.com/brmuse
http://www.myspace.com/michaelgregorymusic Wed Aug 04
8:30PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Joel Harrison, steel guitar; Anupam Shobhakar, sarod)
Guest curator Joel Harrison has assembled some of the world’s finest improvising guitarists for a three day festival at Cornelia St. Cafe focusing on duos that bring together unusual, (mostly) first-time, pairings. The emphasis is on fearless innovators and improvisers- jazz, country, blues, rock, prog, noise, Indian, and classical will seamlessly meld together. Surprise will be the order of the day.
Joel Harrison is not going to write about himself! But he (I) can say that the pairing with sarod fulfills a lifelong dream to collaborate with an Indian classical musician. I plan to play mostly National Steel Guitar, using slide. These instruments, the multi-stringed sarod and National Steel, are like long lost brothers. We’ll play original pieces as well as arrangements of traditional American and Indian music. Anupam Shobhakar, from Bombay, is a young master of his instrument, an immense talent, and the great nephew of the best-known sarodist of the past 50 years, Ali Akbar Khan. (NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.joelharrison.com
http://www.shobhakar.com/ Wed Aug 04 10PM ALTERNATIVE GUITAR MEETING
(Elliott Sharp, guitar; Marc Ribot, guitar)
Elliot Sharp defines the word “innovative”. His bag of tricks on guitar is truly deep. Whether tapping, skronking, wacking, pulling, or caressing the instrument, it’s always unique and in your face. Marc Ribot is one of the few players who crosses over from absolutely insane new music to absolutely lyrical American roots music. It’s nice to know that the same guy who played with John Zorn for so many years also played on the grammy winning Alison Krauss/ Robert Plant disc.
(NB: $15 cover includes both sets.)
Cover $15
http://www.elliottsharp.com
http://www.marcribot.com/ Thu Aug 05
8:30PM MARY HALVORSON TRIO
(Mary Halvorson, guitar; John Hebert, bass; Ches Smith, drums)
The success of her acclaimed 2008 debut, Dragon’s Head (Firehouse 12 Records), led critics to call Ms. Halvorson “probably the most original jazz guitarist to emerge this decade” Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader and “the freshest, busiest, most critically acclaimed guitar-slinger out of downtown Manhattan/Brooklyn right now” Howard Mandel,Jazz Beyond Jazz. “A singular talent,” adds AllAboutJazz.com’s Troy Collins, “Brooklyn-based guitarist Mary Halvorson has come into her own as a composer and improviser…light years ahead of her peers, she is the most impressive guitarist of her generation. The future of jazz guitar starts here.”
Cover $10 http://www.maryhalvorson.com Fri Aug 06
9:00PM MICHAEL FEINBERG QUARTET
(Michael Feinberg, bass; Logan Richardson, sax; Tommy Crane, drums; Julian Shore, piano)
A vibrant young bassist/composer whose voice conveys a distinct musical vision, Michael Feinberg continues to bring fresh ideas to life with music that incorporates jazz, hip hop, and rock, as well as influences from his Middle Eastern and Eastern European heritage. Feinberg’s music oscillates with new and exciting vibrations that include sounds from the East to the West, the fiery spirits of Charles Mingus, Jimmy Garrison, and others, as he aspires "to challenge the limitations of jazz while returning to its most basic elements of improvisation, creativity, and a fusion of cultures and sounds.
". . .embracing elements of both pop music and the avant-garde with a strong flare for jazz music. . . of the here and now." Chad Radford Creative Loafing Atlanta.
Cover $10 http://www.michaelfeinbergmusic.com Fri Aug 06 10:30PM JASON RIGBY QUINTET
(Jason Rigby, tenor saxophone; Russ Johnson, trumpet; Cameron Brown, bass; Jeff Davis, drums; Mike Holber, piano)
The Jason Rigby Quintet is a powerhouse ensemble formed to explore group improvisation with the twists and turns of a two-horn front line. The group was formed conceptually out of the influences of Ornette Coleman’s explorations with Don Cherry and Dewey Redman, Jack DeJohnette’s early 70’s work, and Miles’ 70’s electric bands – culminating in a modern mixture of grooves, free melodies, psychedelic sounds and angular horn harmonies.
Tenor saxophonist Jason Rigby has been hailed as "a truly lyrical musician" and "New York’s rising star of tenor sax." an earthy voice that deftly combines many influences, Rigby is rapidly attracting the attention of the music world as a saxophonist and composer who has something important to say. Both of his leader releases on Fresh Sound Records (Translucent Space, 2006 and The Sage, 2009) received widespread critical acclaim. "Aggressive doesn’t necessarily mean wild, and somehow the saxophonists quintet sustains a daunting finesse while swinging full tilt on the new The Sage."Jim Macnie, The Village Voice "Rigby’s burly tenor tone and searching improvisations recall the expressionistic flights of Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson." John Murph, Downbeat
Cover $10 http://www.jasonrigby.net Sat Aug 07
9:00PM CURTIS MACDONALD GROUP
(Curtis Macdonald, alto saxophone, compositions; David Miralles, keys; Cody Brown, drums; Jeremy Viner, tenor saxophone; Greg Chudzik, bass)
Curtis Macdonald is a saxophonist, composer and sound designer based in New York City. He graduated cum laude from the New School University in 2007 where he immediately became faculty.
Along with developing a sizable repertoire for the modern jazz ensemble, Curtis’ music has taken form in many a medium. In the past 3 years he has composed music and sound for film, dance, games and chamber ensembles. His production savvy can be heard on numerous new music and modern jazz recordings where he incorporates improvisation, sound art and digital technology. “Music should put a spell on you, and guide you into the eye of the storm…” says Curtis Macdonald with a grin when reflecting on his music. While Curtis’ music is drawn from a variety of influences, he remains most allured by the emotive sounds of saxophonists past; yet still attracted to today’s most explosive voices, Curtis draws a new melodic virtuosity based not only on harmony, but also more abstract and philosophical models. Many have cited his sound to be a myriad of forms respecting the likes of Lee Konitz, Paul Desmond and Steve Coleman. His influences are not limited to jazz – he admires the refined rhythmic placement in underground hip hop, and borrows their intricate production techniques in his recorded music. Curtis’ versatility incorporates listening with the ears of a sound designer, playing the saxophone to capture a sense of fluid serenity and composing to tickle the mind, all without losing a sense of unity.
Cover $10 http://www.curtismacdonald.com Sat Aug 07 10:30PM LOGAN RICHARDSON TRIO
(Logan Richardson, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Damion Reid, drums; Matt Brewer, bass)
Being a native son of Kansas City, Missouri (b1980) Logan Richardson has always understood the importance of observing, learning, and loving the process of tradition, and all that it entails. Kansas City, a city that propelled the development of improvised music as a whole (1925-38). Creating a nest for the individual artist to develop, in a vibrant economy, and musical social structure that lends itself to create a huge igniting of musical styles largely based around a strong swing and blues element.
Logan began playing music at the age of twelve. Of the very first educational experiences in improvised music included learning from the likes of- Max Roach, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Clark Terry, Ray Brown Shirley Scott, Sir Roland Hanna, Marcus Belgrave, Richard Davis… At the age of sixteen Logan was a featured soloist performing in concert with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. Within that same time frame Logan worked with Jimmy Heath in Concert in Small group as well as a Big Band setting. Having the great honor of taking part at The Smithsonian (D.C.) in honor of Duke Ellington’s 100th birthday celebration (’99) as well as being noted in Downbeat Magazine (’99) as “up and coming “ Logan’s first year of post secondary work was done on scholarship attending Berklee College of Music (Boston). Upon completion of his first year he was awarded the Zoot Sims Scholarship (full music scholarship) to attend The New School University in New York, New York (’01). Along with Logan’s musical studies, and development he has apprenticed, studied, and professionally performed woodwind repair on Saxophones, and other woodwind instruments in NYC since 2004. Working in Carl Allen’s “New Spirit” band (’02), Greg Tardy Band (’03-05), Joe Chambers “The Outlaw” Band (’05-07) Nasheet Waits “Equality”(’07-present), Jason Moran “Big Band Wagon”(’07-present) As a consequence Logan has recorded as a sideman on –Joe Chambers “The Outlaw”(’05) Greg Tardy’s “ Steps of Faith (’06) Nasheet Waits “Live From MPC (‘09) NYC Town Hall (’09) Jason Moran’s Big Band Wagon -50th anniversary of Thelonius Monks historic NY TOWN HALL performance. Logan has composed and recorded two albums of original music, and toured as a leader since 2006; his two albums are titled -“ETHOS”(Inner Circle Music); CEREBRAL FLOW”(Fresh Sound-New Talent-). Logan was most recently featured in a full page spread in the August 2009 edition of “ DOWN BEAT MAGAZINE”.French magazine “JAZZ MAN” did a feature in July ’07 including him as “one of 10 burning alto saxophonist worldwide”. German Magazine “SONIC MAGAZINE” wrote a feature on him titled “Revolution by Evolution “in the October ’08 Logan has played major festivals all over the world such as: JVC Jazz Fest (NYC 2004): Knitting Factory Winter Jazz Fest. (NYC 2005); Terni Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Foggia Jazz Fest (Italy 2007); The North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam, UK 2008), Ferrara Jazz Festival (Italy 2009); San Francisco Jazz Fest (California2008); Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Amazon Jazz Fest (Brazil 2009); Jazz a’ Vienne (France2009); Jazz Baltic (Germany2009); Fiemme Jazz Festival (Italy2007); Terrassa Jazz Festival (Italy 2008); Kansas City Blues and Jazz Fest (Kansas City 2001); Marostica Jazz Festival (Italy 2007); Aspen Jazz Festival (Colorado2004)
Cover $10 http://www.loganrichardson.com Sun Aug 08
8:30PM DAN TEPFER / RICHIE BARSHAY DUO
(Dan Tepfer, piano; Richie Barshay, percussion)
Dan Tepfer is a New York-based pianist and composer and one of the most formidable jazz musicians on the international stage — hailed as “brilliant” by The Boston Globe, “remarkable” by The Washington Post , a “rugged and emphatic” player by the New York Times, “a new knight of the keys” by BSC News France.
By age 28, he has performed the world over in contexts ranging from solo piano to full orchestra, chronicling his talents on the solo disc Twelve Improvisations in Twelve Keys (2009) as well as the trio sessions Before the Storm (2005), Oxygen (2007) and his forthcoming 2010 Sunnyside release with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Ted Poor. Dan has also had the extraordinary privilege of a sustained, ongoing duo partnership with alto saxophonist and jazz luminary Lee Konitz, documented on the acclaimed 2009 Sunnyside CD Duos With Lee (“a benchmark of human potential” – JazzInsideNY. As France’s Jazz Magazine has noted, Dan is “gifted with a heightened sense for form and an extraordinary confidence in his angles of attack.” His playing, whatever the context, is a model of fluidity and steady, effortless motion, immersed in jazz history but creating new history in turn. Percussionist Richie Barshay, most noted for his work with the Herbie Hancock Quartet, has established himself as a prominent musical voice of his generation and is regarded as "a player to watch" by JazzTimes Magazine. On tour and on recordings his eclectic resume so far includes Hancock, Chick Corea, Natalie Merchant, Lee Konitz, The Klezmatics, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Krakauer, Fred Wesley, Claudia Acuña and Pete Seeger among others. In 2004 he was named an American Musical Envoy by the U.S. State Department for outreach tours in Asia, South America, and Europe. Now based in New York City, Richie began playing Jazz and Afro-Carribean music during his youth and has expanded his focus to Indian rhythmic concepts and tabla, inspiring his 2007 recording debutHomework on Ayva Records. “Homework introduces a major rhythm voice on the rise” says Downbeat magazine, and The Guardian (UK) praises “the arrival of a major innovator who also knows how to have fun.”
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