Articles by Akinfe Fatou
Carla Bley's Trio at the Jazz Standard
by Akinfe Fatou
Carla Bley's Trio Jazz Standard New York, NY March 19, 2019 Carla Bley is extraordinary, savvy, and enigmatic. The Guggenheim Fellow (1972), German Jazz Trophy winner ("A Life of Jazz"—2009), 5-time GRAMMY-nominee and NEA Jazz Master (2015) was joined by her spouse Steve Swallow on electric bass and Andy Sheppard on saxophone at the Jazz Standard for an evening of transfigurations, reinvigorated ensembles, and recherche improvisations underscored by fascinating idiosyncracies. A renowned bandleader, ...
Continue ReadingDianne Reeves at The Rose Theater
by Akinfe Fatou
Dianne Reeves Frederick P. Rose Hall New York, NY February 16, 2019 Dianne Reeves delivered a gracefully enchanting and heartfelt Valentine's Day weekend performance at The Rose Theater in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. In its eighth year, JALC is still the most romantic venue for elite Jazz and unrivaled artistry. Reeves' grand entrance was eloquent and sophisticated as the band played softly amid her arrival. She held the microphone in her ...
Continue ReadingVijay Iyer Sextet at the Jazz Standard
by Akinfe Fatou
Vijay Iyer Sextet Jazz Standard New York, NY January 22, 2019 Vijay Iyer's sextet astounded the audience in their highly anticipated, sold out show at the Jazz Standard. From the moment Iyer graced the stage, the audience erupted into an earth-shattering ovation that danced into his greeting and band introductions. The sextet features Mark Shim on tenor saxophone, Nick Dunston on bass, Jeremy Dutton on drums, Steve Lehman on alto saxophone, and Graham Haynes on ...
Continue ReadingNYC Winter Jazzfest 2019: Captures the Magic of Old and New
by Akinfe Fatou
Winter Jazzfest (NYCWJF) took New York City by storm, kicking off its 15th year with award-winning artists Bilal and Meshell Ndegeocello at (Le) Poisson Rouge (LPR). The energy at LPR was invigorating and truly indicative of what NYCWJF is all about. Bilal's performance was rousing and eclectic, opening up the space for what evolved into a surreal experience. Meshell's set re-envisioned a cohort of Prince classics ignited by Deatoni Parks' cleverly balanced avant-garde mixing and drumming that paired effortlessly with ...
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