By Nick Catalano
Without pausing for even an eighth rest, the New York beat fills Gotham's jazz clubs and concert venues with characteristic relentlessness. Fall openings abound, new CD's are released and publicists hound writers with myriad press releases. The city's music wails into the night despite the terrible September to remember.
Finishing up a memorable stint at the Village Vanguard, west coaster Mary Stallings celebrates her earlier live recording at the club that was produced exactly one year ago. Critical raves continue for this Jane-come-lately chanteuse who will headline at the upcoming San Francisco Jazz Festival. On October 1st Vanessa Rubin and her quartet will hold a record release party at The Blue Note. Rubin's new CD "Girl Talk" on the Telarc label features an all-star group and guest appearances by mentor Etta Jones. It's never to early for holiday CD's and veteran Nancy Wilson is releasing hers soon also on Telarc. "A Nancy Wilson Christmas" is in the stores at this writing.
Last November history was made at Birdland with the presentation of The Django Reinhardt festival which featured such luminaries as Bucky Pizzarelli, Regina Carter, Jimmy Rosenberg and Django's son Babik. If you missed this memorable bash (many readers of this column pleaded for notice of an encore performance) don't fret; Atlantic records will release the entire evening's performance on October 2nd. Atlantic will also release Cyrus Chestnut's long awaited "Soul Food" CD and guitarist Mike Stern's ninth CD (for the label) this month.
Newcomers worth a listen: Wally Dunbar's "Everything in Time" on the CAP label (Dunbar learned well from Don Sebesky and Bob Brookneyer), pianist Liz Magnes with "Moroccan Moods of Gershwin" also on CAP and The New York Trio Project with "Fifth House" on the Imaginary jazz label.
If you are planning to visit Gotham during October here are some notable bookings that you should keep in mind: Broadway belter Donna McKechnie returns to Arci's Place (450 Park Avenue, south between 30th and 31st Streets) for two weeks beginning October 3rd. McKechnie's last stint at the club was SRO and the critics went gaga. Following Donna will be legendary songstress Margaret Whiting with a new show dubbed "On Second Thought." Appearing with her will be protÃÂÃÂÃÂégÃÂÃÂÃÂé Paul Bernhardt who drew raves in his America Song Book appearances. The show, with pianist Ross Patterson and bassist Brian Glassman will continue through November 3rd.
Two upcoming Jazz at Lincoln Center productions should also be on your calendar. On October 19 and 20 Jimmy Heath will celebrate his 75th birthday and conduct the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in new arrangements of his classic compositions. Also appearing will be Percy Heath, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Slide Hampton, Antonio Hart and Jeb Patton. The following week on Wednesday, October 24th Jazz on Film inaugurates its fall season with "Miles Davis on Film" hosted by Davis biographer Quincy Troupe. Tickets for these shows are available at www.jazzatlincolncenter.org
As Rudy Giuliani says "Come to New York and spend a few bucks." The city's beat rolls on...
