Firehouse 12 To Present Gerald Cleaver & Violet Hour December 15th

On Tuesday, December 15th, New Haven's Firehouse 12 will close its 2006 Fall Jazz Series with a two-set performance by Gerald Cleaver & Violet Hour. Led by in-demand New York-based drummer/composer Gerald Cleaver, this acoustic sextet features trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonists Andrew Bishop and JD Allen, pianist Ben Waltzer and bassist Chris Lightcap. The band's New Haven performance will be followed by two nights at New York's Cornelia Street Cafe.

“Mr. Cleaver's drumming perfectly suits the fluid requirements of jazz's post-everything avant-garde," wrote the New York Times' Nate Chinen. Time Out New York recently called him “a drummer with a sophisticated style," adding, “Gerald Cleaver has become a staple of the downtown scene." In his review of his 2001 debut as a leader, Veil of Names (Fresh Sound New Talent), All Music Guide reviewer David R. Adler wrote, “Cleaver is on fire behind the drum kit, but he also proves himself an extraordinary composer on this wholly original outing. Repeated listens are recommended, and pleasure is assured."

Born and raised in Detroit, Cleaver considers himself a product of his hometown's rich musical tradition, especially the influence of his father, drummer John Cleaver. He worked with a number of prominent local artists as a teen and went on to study with Victor Lewis in addition to earning a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Michigan. A member of the New York jazz scene since 2002, Cleaver has worked with Ralph Alessi, Tommy Flanagan, Charles Gayle, Eddie Harris, Hank Jones, Roscoe Mitchell, Joe Morris, Mario Pavone, Matthew Shipp, Craig Taborn, Jacky Terrasson, Henry Threadgill, Miroslav Vitous and Reggie Workman among many others. In addition to Violet Hour, he also leads the band Uncle June.

About Firehouse 12:

Firehouse 12 is an award winning full-service bar, state-of-the-art recording studio and unusually intimate performance space located in New Haven's historic Ninth Square District. Painstakingly renovated over the course of four years by owner/producer/ engineer Nick Lloyd and Gray Organschi Architecture, this once-abandoned firehouse building has become a major part of New Haven's cultural renaissance since opening its doors in April 2005. It has also quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier recording studios and creative music venues on the East Coast.

A 2006 Best Studio Design Project nominee for the prestigious Technical Excellence and Creativity (TEC) Awards, the recording studio features world-class acoustic design by renowned acoustician John Storyk of Walters-Storyk Design Group. The striking 1200- square foot space features a Steinway concert grand piano, and doubles as an 80-seat public venue with unparalleled technical possibilities for some of the most respected names in creative music. Past performers include Han Bennink, Tim Berne, Dave Douglas, Susie Ibarra, Joe McPhee, Joe Morris, William Parker and Mario Pavone among many others.

In a June 2005 feature, New Haven Independent's Regina DeAngelo called Firehouse 12 “a north star in the jazz firmament that might well guide music lovers to New Haven from far away." She went on to write, “fabric-covered walls are angled to urge music to flow, not bounce, through a womb-like space. It's almost like sitting in the hull of an instrument. Luckily, the Firehouse attracts people who bring near-religious reverence to the music, producing an exchange of energy that often fires great performances."

James Keepnews of the New Haven Advocate echoed DeAngelo's praise, calling the venue a “remarkable new cultural outpost" and “a resounding success." Yale University's Associate Vice President of New Haven and State Affairs Michael Morand recently called the space “a wonderful addition to New Haven's role as the cultural capital of Connecticut."

Complete Fall 2006 Concert Season:

09/22 :: Matthew Shipp
09/29 :: Carla Marciano 4tet
10/06 :: David Berkman Quartet
10/13 :: Nate Wooley and Blue Collar
10/20 :: Andrew Cyrille/Odean Pope Duo
10/27 :: Pete Robbins and Centric
11/04 :: Dave Allen Quartet
11/10 :: Stephen Haynes and Bugaboo
11/17 :: Dominique Eade/Jed Wilson Duo
12/01 :: Ben Allison Quartet
12/08 :: Wayne Escoffery Quartet
12/15 :: Gerald Cleaver & Violet Hour