Articles by RJ Johnson
March 2013: Billy Hart Quartet
by RJ Johnson
Billy Hart QuartetPhiladelphia Art AlliancePhiladelphia, PAMarch 20, 2013The music of the Billy Hart Quartet demonstrates a thorough amalgamation of intriguingly disparate musical elements which retains both the mastery of a group of accomplished veterans and the perpetually transformative nature of a leader dedicated to a lifetime of artistic pursuits. The ensemble, consisting of drummer Hart, bassist Ben Street, pianist Ethan Iverson and tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, has been Hart's working band since ...
read moreFebruary 2013: Chris Potter Quartet
by RJ Johnson
Chris Potter QuartetChris' Jazz CaféPhiladelphia, PAFebruary 22, 2013Although no longer considered the essential destination for working jazz groups that it once was, Philadelphia is still visited by high-level talent from New York that occasionally ventures south to perform in the city's one consistent jazz venue. Despite the current lack of mainstream interest in jazz, in Philadelphia or elsewhere, the Chris Potter Quartet performed two sets for a crowd which filled every seat, ...
read moreJanuary 2013: Larry McKenna Quartet
by RJ Johnson
Larry McKenna QuartetJanuary 17, 2012Arch Street Meeting HousePhiladelphia, PAThe Philadelphia jazz scene is well known for its reverence of jazz tradition. Compared to the constantly shifting modern scene of New York City, and the experimental projects produced by the current European scene, Philadelphia musicians are often seen as living examples of the preservation of jazz tradition. No one embodies this principal more meticulously than saxophonist Larry McKenna.McKenna is perhaps the ...
read moreNovember 2012: Three Blind Mice
by RJ Johnson
Three Blind MiceNovember 29, 2012TimePhiladelphia, PAAlthough the classic organ trio format has been popular within the jazz tradition since the hard-bop era, it has not always been known for creating adventurous new material. Organ trios are instead known for their soulful grooves, straight-ahead readings of jazz standards, and an intent focus on the blues. Three Blind Mice, a Philadelphia-based trio consisting of organist Lucas Brown, drummer Wayne Smith Jr., and tenor saxophonist ...
read moreOctober 2012: Fresh Cut from the Vine, Re: Trio
by RJ Johnson
Philly Jazz: Fresh Cut From the VinePainted Bride Art CenterPhiladelphia, PAOctober 20, 2012Philadelphia is a city filled with abundant talent and artistic potential, especially when it comes to the city's vibrant music scene. However, Philadelphia-based musicians often find themselves faced with a lack of opportunities to showcase their original works.The Painted Bride has been presenting jazz through its Jazz on Vine series for over 20 continuous years. Though not a ...
read moreSeptember 2012: Exuberance
by RJ Johnson
Exuberance Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA September 12, 2012Amongst the diverse array of working jazz groups encompassing the Philadelphia jazz scene, Exuberance--a band which performs a book of entirely original music--has emerged as a popular interest amongst musicians and non-musicians alike. By combining thoughtful writing with an intricate yet engaging style of jazz improvisation, the group has managed to create music which remains unambiguous while retaining a natural intellectual curiosity.The ...
read moreAugust 2012: Brian Betz Quartet, Featuring Denis DiBlasio
by RJ Johnson
Brian Betz QuartetChris' Jazz CaféPhiladelphia, PAAugust 31, 2012Guitarist Brian Betz led his quartet through a set of standards at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia. In a set comprised entirely of standards, the band used its divergent musical personalities to uncover new ground within a familiar framework.The set began with a fiery rundown of “Secret Love," a piece favored by jazz pioneers such as saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Baritone saxophonist Denis DiBlasio ...
read moreJuly 2012: Mike Cemprola Quintet
by RJ Johnson
Mike Cemprola QuintetJose Pistola'sPhiladelphia, PAJuly 30, 2012For his debut as a leader, alto saxophonist Mike Cemprola led a quintet comprised of some of Philadelphia's most in-demand musicians and up-and-coming sidemen for his show at Jose Pistola's on July 30.The band's unique lineup allowed each tune to shift in several different directions, showcasing an aesthetic marked by improvisational individuality and empathetic interplay. Favoring a set of jazz standards, the group seemed ...
read moreJune 2012: Gunshow
by RJ Johnson
GunshowChris' Jazz CaféPhiladelphia, PAJune 20, 2012Gunshow, a band which has been performing somewhat regularly in the Philadelphia area for a few years, with a repertoire comprised largely of original compositions, performed two sets at Chris' Jazz Café in Center City, Philadelphia.The band's draw in the Philadelphia area can be attributed to the fact that each of its members is a busy sideman within the city's jazz community. The quartet consists ...
read moreMay 2012: Tony Miceli / Craig Ebner Quartet
by RJ Johnson
Tony Miceli/Craig Ebner QuartetChris' Jazz CaféPhiladelphia, PAMay 25, 2012Philadelphia-based vibraphonist Tony Miceli and guitarist Craig Ebner led their quartet through two sets dedicated to the music of the Red Norvo Trio.Norvo's renowned trio included guitarist Tal Farlow and bassist Charles Mingus--both relative unknowns during their time in the vibraphonist's group from 1949 to 1953, but eventually becoming immensely influential figures on their own instruments. With a repertoire comprised mainly of ...
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