Two undisputed masters of modern jazz vibraphone – Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson – had a few things in common and one of them was Mike LeDonne, the illustrious keyboardist who accompanied both. In this special show, LeDonne comes to Tarrytown to pay tribute to “Bags” and Bobby, joined by a trio of contemporary greats: bassist Gerald Cannon, drummer Willie Jones III and vibraphonist Steve Nelson.

Named by Downbeat as 2018’s Fastest Rising Star of the vibraphone, musician/composer Behn Gillece returns to Westchester, where he once studied at SUNY Purchase. Now a jazz educator in New Jersey himself in addition to constantly gigging, Gillece’s latest album, Parallel Universe, was praised by Downbeat for its “vivid arrangements, intriguing melodies and unusual stylistic choices” adding, “the music captures a listener’s imagination as it swings—hard.”

She may be in her mid-20s, but Veronica Swift’s vocal prowess and astonishing scat singing reveal a soulful maturity infusing her youthful passion. This remarkable mix earned second place in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. Little wonder: Veronica’s been singing jazz since childhood and first recorded at age 9. She’s been headlining major jazz venues behind her new album, Confessions, which All About Jazz gave 4 ½ stars.

Born in the Rio de Janeiro suburb of Nova Iguaçu, Kenia Ashby has long been renowned for her ability to translate the complex rhythms of her Brazilian homeland into jazzy creations. Her many CDs and highly engaging live performances display a mastery to communicate in multiple languages, Portuguese, English and Spanish. Kenia’s voice embodies the best of the Brazilian sound – deep and sultry, richly diverse, and unexpectedly explosive.

As an accomplished, award-winning singer – including a Tony nomination for her Broadway show Swing!– Ann Hampton Callaway has pretty much done it all with the Great American Songbook. She returns to Westchester and also returns to tackle one of her most acclaimed programs, “Jazz Meets Broadway.” Ann’s renowned interpretive brilliance in making familiar material seem startling, new and fresh and her engaging stage presence will be on full display.

When you hear a Tommy Campbell-led group, you’re listening to jazz history. After decades of absorbing amazing lessons from the jazz giants with whom he regularly gigged – Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins and John McLaughlin, among them – his truly unique and authentic drumming brought awards and global recognition. His expressive range from beautifully sensitive to the powerfully percussive is augmented by creative impulses that never fail to wow his audience.

Mark Morganelli & The Jazz Forum All-Stars
Celebrating Brasil! Double-CD!
–––––––––
Friday, November 15
8 & 10 PM