SMOKE / APRIL 30 - MAY 4
Veteran alto saxophonist Vincent Herring envisioned Something Else! as a small collective that embraced his love of the soul jazz tradition. Soul Jazz, their debut album, was issued by Smoke Sessions in 2024, featuring Herring with trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, pianist David Kikoski, bassist Essiet Essiet, guitarist Paul Bollenback and drummer Otis Brown III, interpreting works by the masters of soul jazz, including Horace Silver, Eddie Harris, Donald Byrd and Stanley Turrentine. One can almost envision 1960s club audiences getting on their feet and grooving to the music on the dance floor, shouting encouragement to the band. Most of the personnel are still a part of the group, with Freddie Hendrix subbing for Jeremy on May 2, Adam Rogers on guitar and the master drummer Lewis Nash.—KD
Continue Reading...FORT GREENE PARK - BROOKLYN / MAY 3
Anthony Braxton, the trailblazing composer and multi-instrumentalist, brings his avant-garde brilliance to Fort Greene Park with a performance of **Composition No. 19**, a processional work for 100 tubas. Known for redefining the boundaries of sound and improvisation, Anthony’s decades-long career includes groundbreaking contributions to jazz and experimental music, as well as innovative performance systems. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, he was a foundational member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. While Braxton is best known for his saxophone mastery, particularly on alto, this free outdoor event highlights his visionary approach to large-scale compositions and unorthodox instrumentation. **Composition No. 19**, originally conceived in the early 1970s, is a celebration of sonic textures on an epic scale. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Braxton’s forward-thinking artistry in a dynamic, open-air setting. CLR
Continue Reading...ROULETTE INTERMEDIUM - BROOKLYN / MAY 3
Mary Halvorson and Bill Frisell, two of the most inventive guitarists in modern music, will unite for a rare duo performance. Halvorson, known for her unconventional technique and genre-defying style, pairs up with Frisell, whose work blends jazz, Americana, and experimental sounds. Their collaboration promises to be an intimate, exploratory dialogue between two distinct voices in contemporary guitar artistry, celebrating jazz guitar legend Johnny Smith. Both artists bring their unique approaches to the performance, ensuring an evening of creativity and musical discovery at Roulette Intermedium. This will be a must-see event for fans of innovative and modern guitar music. CLR
Continue Reading...BRIC BALLROOM / MAY 3
Described by *The New York Times* as a “New Jazz Power Source,” cellist and composer Tomeka Reid has emerged as a leading figure in contemporary jazz and improvised music. Her quartet blends groove-infused jazz, classical techniques, and boundary-pushing improvisation, creating a unique and vibrant sound. Tomeka’s distinctive approach to the cello is complemented by the talents of acclaimed guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Jason Roebke, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, who together deliver music that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Known for its strong sense of melody, rhythm, and interplay, the Tomeka Reid Quartet offers audiences a strikingly fresh perspective on modern jazz. **Performers:** Tomeka Reid (cello), Mary Halvorson (electric guitar), Jason Roebke (bass), and Tomas Fujiwara (drums). CLR
Continue Reading...BIRDLAND / MAY 6
Arranger, producer and pianist Shelly Berg will showcase music from his newest recording, Allegria (ArtistShare), which was called “an instant jazz piano trio classic” by Modern Drummer. Critically acclaimed as one of the finest modern mainstreamed jazz pianists, Shelly is a multiple GRAMMY Award-nominated arranger and producer. His recording Blackbird (Concord) garnered Record of the Year and Artist of the Year nominations. He has performed, recorded, and arranged for a plethora of renowned vocalists including Nancy Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, Kurt Elling, and Dionne Warwick, and has performed or recorded with an extensive list of jazz legends such as Ray Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Clark Terry, and Bill Waltrous. Shelly will appear at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, with Cuban musicians Dafnis Prieto on drums and Carlitos Del Puerto on bass. DJS
Continue Reading...BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB / MAY 8
Isaiah Collier is a rising star in jazz, known as a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and activist. His emotionally charged performances transform music into a baptismal experience, as his spirited saxophone notes immerse audiences in the depths of jazz. Raised in Chicago’s Baptist church choir, Isaiah discovered the saxophone in adolescence, drawing inspiration from legends like John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, and Gary Bartz. Mentored by Chicago greats Ari Brown and Roscoe Mitchell, he delved into the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Isaiah has released five albums, including his latest project, The World Is on Fire (2024). For one night only at Blue Note, Collier’s band, The Chosen Few — featuring pianist Eric Lewis, bassist Jon Michelle, and drummer Joe Dyson — will perform music addressing social disruption, systemic racism, and equal justice. His roaring solos and explosive artistry speak timeless truths from the past, present, and future. RES
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