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This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe Mar 14 thg Mar 20
March 14, 2005
To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected]
Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street Greenwich Village, NY 10014
Tel: 212-989-9319 Fax: 212-243-4207 Web: corneliastreetcafe.com
“a culinary as well as a cultural landmark" Mayoral Proclamation, City of New York 1987
First Monday of Every Month David Amram & Special Guests
Second Monday of Every Month Jed Distiller and Composes Collaborative
Second Tuesday of Every Month Arturo O'Farrill y Riza Negra
Second Wednesday of Every Month RIBS AND BRISKET REVUE
Third Wednesday of Every Month The Songwriter's Beat
First Thursday of Every Month AllAboutJazz-New York PRESENTS “1s & 2s: Music for Solo & Duo"
Third Thursday of Every Month Golda Solomon and Po'Jazz Mayoral Proclamation, City of New York 1987
This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe Mar 14 thg Mar 20
Mon Mar 14 6:00PM BROOKLYN RAIL Donald Breckenridge, host John Reed ; Matthew Pitt fiction writers from the literary tabloid Brooklyn Rail Cover $6 (includes one house drink)
Mon Mar 14 8:30PM COMPOSERS COLLABORATIVE INC PRESENTS: SERIAL UNDERGROUND (Jed Distler, piano, composer; Ed Schmidt, words & performance; Joshua Fried, composer) CCI's multidisciplinary productions will be serialized in monthly installments. Musical breaks provided by members of The Mighty CCI House Band, other regulars such as Kathleen Supové, Justine Chen, Jenny Lin, and SURPRISE GUESTS. This month:
THE GOLD STANDARD(mvt 1-4) by Ed Schmidt and Jed Distler.
Everbest, Virgil: the rules of portrait sitting (20-minute excerpt) w. Sean Gulete, Gerald Busby and Nancy Castle on headphones. Plus Virgil Thomson piano portraits
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Arnold Barkus, director David Lovett, lighting designer Justine Chen, composer Jed Distler, pianist/composer Joshua Fried, composer R. Erica Doyle, poet Vlada Yaneva, piano Christian Hebel, violin Cecee Pantikian, violin Jody Redhage, cello
Telephone for advance sale tickets: 212-663-1967 all major credit card accepted: AMEX, MC, Visa Advance purchase tickets (incl. one house drink): $15 Tickets purchased at the door on day of perf (incl. one house drink): $20 8:30PM www.composerscollab.org
Tue Mar 15 6:00PM WRITERS ROOM hosted by Jill Dearman The unique urban writers' colony holds its monthly reading Cover $6 (includes one house drink)
Tue Mar 15 SPIROS EXARAS LATIN-JAZZ TRIO featuring Phoenix Rivera and Ricardo Rodriguez with Barbara Martinez on vocals and special guset Grammy winner DAVE VALENTIN www.spirosexaras.com 8:30PM
Wed Mar 16 6:00PM BILL ZINSSER Bill Zinsser, the writing guru plays piano
Wed Mar 16 8:30PM THE SONGWRITER'S BEAT (Larry May; Ananda; Andy Guthrie; TBA) Now in its 5th year, The Songwriter's Beat is New York's most popular acoustic songwriter's series, where songwriters are encouraged to perform new material in a supportive and intimate atmosphere.
Curated / hosted by multiple ASCAP Pop Award winner Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter's Beat features top up-and-coming songwriters. Each month four songwriters of varying musical styles perform original songs and are encouraged to try out their newest material and arrangements.
Founded in 2000 by Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter's Beat has presented over 185 phenomenal songwriters (hailing from all over the globe: from the US, UK, Australia, and Japan!) and keeps growing!
The Songwriter's Beat welcomes songwriters from around the world, so if you are planning your trip to New York, allow time for The Songwriter's Beat! 8:30PM Hosted by Valerie Ghent, host. Cover $5 songwritersbeat.com
Thursday Mar 17 6:00PM PO'JAZZ Robert DeGaetano, piano/composer; Sandy Del Valle, poet; Francine Lassandro, writer; Ellen Goldsmith, poet; Angelo Verga, poet; Golda Solomon , host Italian piano man + several poets including Angelo Verga and (as always) the Po'Jazz House Quintet Cover $15 (includes one house drink)
Thu Mar 17 VAMPIRE SUIT & THE ZOO 8:30PM (VAMPIRE SUIT: Jay Vilnai, guitar; Gery Pickard, reeds; Skye Steel, violin; Mike Savino, bass; Kevin Garcia, percussion; THE ZOO: Mike Savino, bass; Sebastian Noelle, guitar; Zac Colwel, flute & saxophoe; K Ishibashi, violin; Mathias Kunzli, John Hadfield, percussion) Vampire Suit creates a unique personal musical texture by drawing on musical traditions passed down through generations that takes you from the tribal dances of Northern Africa to the marshes of the Balkans to the cotton fields of the Delta. New traditional music for a generation that draws on so many traditions. “If Bram Stoker's imaginary Transylvania had a jazz scene, the music would sound something like this." -jazzreview.com 8:30PM www.vilnaismusic.com
Friday, March 18th from 9pm/ 2sets ASYMMETRY with Lucian Ban piano, Jorge Sylvester alto sax, Brad Jones bass Derrek Phillips drums The ASYMMETRY QUARTET - represents a new quartet from the creative partnership of pianist/alto saxophonist - Lucian Ban and Jorge Sylvester. Having worked together in a dozen of projects and groups from trio & quartets/quintets to Jorge Sylvester's Conceptual Motion Orchestra the pair will present a new group featuring one of the best rhythm section in New York to say the least..They will perform a suite of new material written specially for this occasion underlining the unique voices of the members in the band. The musicians have each worked individually with an extraordinary array of musicians - almost a list “who's who" - Brad Jones worked in the past with Ornette Coleman and Elvin Jones and currently is the bassist in Dave Douglas band, Derrek Phillips collaborated and recorded with Greg Osby, Vijay Iyer and is currently with The Charlie Hunter Trio, pianist Lucian Ban worked with Barry Altschul, Bob Stewart and Alex Harding and his group Lumination co-lead with baritonist Alex Harding was voted “one of the best shows of 2003" by All About Jazz. Their experience and creativity will surely bring a night of intense and powerful music.Not to miss!
Sat Mar 19 ANAT FORT TRIO (Anat Fort, piano, composer; Gary Wang, bass; Roland Schneider, drums) “You'll be hearing a lot more from Israeli-born pianist and composer Anat Fort shortly. Her astonishing compositions and gift for band-leading recently caught the attention of ECM records – a disc is being readied for next year. Here's your chance to catch her on the way up." – K. Leander Williams, Time Out New York 9:00PM Cover $10 www.anatfort.com
Sunday Mar 20 6:00PM POETRY Martha Rhodes, host Elizabeth Macklin; Jason Schneiderman ; Tom Sleigh Cover $6 (includes one house drink) 8:30PM FRIENDS OF FIORE PRESENTS: SINGER-SONGWRITER THOMAS RILEY SMITH Thomas Riley Smith, singer-songwriter; Bleu Ocean, percussion Born in New York City, Thomas Riley Smith has been involved with the NYC music scene since 1976, when he first stumbled upon New York's punk rock central, Max's Kansas City.
“Riley" has experimented with many styles of music since then and is currently crafting his urgent poetic songs to focus on the emotional and spiritual truths so desperately needed in the world today. He is known for the passion of his lyrics, and his poignant music offers a unique mix of pop, rock, folk and inspirational compositions.
Riley's March 20th performance at The Cornelia Street Café will also feature his long- time friend, the brilliant and celebrated percussionist The Legendary Bleu Ocean, whose diverse credits include work with musical icons such as The Monkeys and Pink Floyd. Cover $10 http://www.LifeOfRileyMusic.com , http://www.Bleu-Ocean.com
Upoming Shows
Mon Mar 21 MARGOT LEVERET AND THE KLEZMER MOUNTAIN BOUYS (Margot Leveret, clarinet; Joe Selly, guitar; Marthy Confurius, bass & cello; Kenny Kosek, fiddle; Barry Mitterhof, mandolin/guitar) Klezmer meets bluegrass! Klezmer clarinetist Margot Leverett joins forces with today's stars of klezmer and bluegrass to explore the shared musical spirit of two genres literally worlds apart. Appalachian and southern fiddle tunes by Bill Monroe meet klezmer melodies from pre-war Russia and Eastern Europe, some newly discovered. The resulting medleys and improvisations are at once raw, funny, melancholic and footstomping. 8:30PM Cover $8 www.klezmermountainboys.com
Tue Mar 22 EYO ~ THE ELI YAMIN ORCHESTRA (Eli Yamin, piano; Ravi Best, trumpet; Brad Shigeta, trombone; Brad Leali, alto saxophone; Harold Ousley, tenor saxophone; Clare Daly, baritone saxophone; Tom Dempsey, guitar; Adam Bernstain, bass; Stefan Schatz, drums) EYO ~ The Eli Yamin Orchestra pays tribute to Count Basie in the year of his centennial. Currently EYO is featured nationwide on the Count Basie Centennial Radio Project from National Public Radio. The group focuses on the good feeling and creativity of the soloists with adaptations of early Basie works like One O' Clock Jump, Jumpin' At the Woodside, Blue and Sentimental and Topsy. This tight knit group features Alto saxophonist Brad Leahli (Count Basie Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra), trumpeter Ravi Best (Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy, Duke Ellington Orchestra) and baritone saxophonist Claire Daly ('04 Downbeat Pole Winner).
Eli Yamin first heard Count Basie on the radio when he was in high school. The magical quality of Basie's piano and the extraordinary feeling of the band mesmerized him. This band made Yamin want to swing. By the late 1990's, Eli got his chance to swing as the pianist for 2 years with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band. Eli says, “Playing 'One O' Clock Jump' every night with a shouting, stompin' band and master tenor soloist was a high I'll never forget." It was this experience that inspired Eli to form the Eli Yamin Octet (EYO).
In the year of Count Basie's Centennial, EYO is off to an auspicious start. The band features soloists who have played with different configurations of Basie's band and other top-flight musicians who bring a wealth of swinging, passionate musical experience. EYO arrangements are deeply rooted in the Basie repertoire of the 1930's. Call and response riffing figures, lots of blues and personality driven solos give the band a distinct and dynamic sound. EYO brings Basie's music into the future.
“Heard thus, across the dark blocks lined with locust trees, through the night throbbing with the natural aural imagery of the blues, with high balling trains, departing bells, lonesome guitar chords simmering up from a shack in the alley, it was easy to imagine the voice as setting the pattern to which the instruments of the Blue Devils Orchestra and all the random sounds of night arose, affirming as it were, some ideal native to the time and to the land…." -Ralph Ellison on early Count Basie 8:30PM Cover $12 www.eliyamin.com/ensembles
Wed Mar 23 SOUL OF THE BLUES (Cadillac Moon) This special edition of Soul of the Blues features.....Cadillac Moon and TBA
SOUL OF THE BLUES, NYC's premiere *inexpensive* live blues and soul music series, happens the fourth Wednesday of every month at Cornelia Street Cafe. 8:30PM jonsobel.com
Thu Mar 24 CORNELIA STREET CAFE'S NEW VOCAL SERIES: MONIKA HEIDEMANN/YOON SUN CHOI (Monica Heidemann, vocals; Khabu Doung Young, guitar; Matt Moran, vibraphone; Massimo Biolcati, bass; Take Toriyama, drums; 4inObjects w/Yoon Sun Choi, vocals; Jacob Sacks, piano; Thomas Morgan, bass; Dan Weiss, drums) Monika Heidemann blends jazz, rock and art-song into original compositions and poetic lyrics that are emotional, smart, and hip. Her warm, rich voice sings strong, mysterious melodies over music inspired by the improvisational element of jazz and her own musical vocabularies. She is supported by an all-star line-up of NYC musicians, Matt Moran-Vibes, Khabu Doug-Young- Guitar, Massimo Biolcati- Bass, and Take Toriyama- Drums. Monika is currenty recording her first solo, self-produced album to be released in the spring (with the above lineup). ? “Possessed of a very fine voice and an original style, I consider Monika one of the most promising and talented young musicians that I know.? -Steve Lacy
4inObjects is a collective that features Yoon Sun Choi on vocals. This quintet will be performing originals, pop tunes and the odd standard in ways that challenge the boundaries of progressive jazz. 8:30PM www.yoonchoi.com
Fri Mar 25 JOHN MCNEIL (John McNeil, trumpet) John McNeil brings his Insomnia band to The Cornelia Street Cafe. The ensemble performs music from Sleep Won't Come, John's latest OmniTone release, and other eccentricities. The group features trombonist Curtis Hasselbring and bassist Mike McGuirk. Two sets, starting at 9:00. $10 cover.
Sat Mar 26 WOLFGANG SCHALK QUARTET (Wolfgang Schalk, guitar; Dave Kikoski, piano; Andy McKee, bass; Ian Froman, drums)
Wolfgang Schalk will perform new compositions and songs from his upcoming album “Space Messengers," which will be Wolfgang's fourth CD.
“A native of Austria who now lives in New York City, Schalk has garnered international acclaim as a talented composer and guitarist. His style is smooth and his sound exudes a harmonious and melodic voice that's familiar and warm...(which is reminiscent of early an George Benson, with its rapid solo and chord runs)...The jazz guitar is a most beautiful and underrated instrument, and it's nice to hear it in the hands of a capable musician such as Wolfgang Schalk". -Allaboutjazz
Schalk's music today...defies strict classification. This isn't to say that his pieces are radically altering the fabric of jazz playing as we know it, only that Schalk refuses to paint himself in a corner, a feat which can be very easy for a jazz guitarist. - JAZZIZ,/i>
“The guitarist comes with a new album, which is reminiscent of Pat Metheney's hippest record sessions...Wolfgang Schalk plays a dominant modern jazz guitar...An experienced composer, Schalk adds to the 'modern standard book' with his original compositions. Rainbows in the Night is an outstanding jazz guitar record." - Concerto
With heartfelt sincerity and dedication to guitar greats such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson, jazz guitarist Wolfgang Schalk interprets his vision and love for the jazz guitar dialect. Rainbows in the Night is a thoughtful and earnest recording. The compositions are seemingly not intended to highlight a blistering jam session, but more a mellow sense of swing. Wolfgang Schalk, like most musicians of his caliber, has been on the jazz scene for a while. A native of Austria who now lives in New York City, Schalk has garnered international acclaim as a talented composer and guitarist. His style is smooth and his sound exudes a harmonious and melodic voice that's familiar and warm. The new recording features impressive musicians, including notables Dave Kikoski on piano and Andy Mckee on bass. The quartet is made complete with fine rhythm work by drummer Ian Froman. Schalk wrote all of the compositions, which display his spectrum of skills from the semi-cooker 'Mystify'? (which is reminiscent of early an George Benson, with its rapid solo and chord runs), to the cool groove “What's That"? (which reflects the group cohesiveness centered around very nice soloing from Schalk and Kikoski). Bassist Andy Mckee's delivers strong lines and soloing on the opener “Waltz in Blue"? which also shows the creativity of drummer Froman. Schalk's fretboard skills are equally proficient on acoustic guitar as well, revealing a dynamic and bright tone on the beautiful and lovely “Styrian Impressions"? and the blissful final selection “Sonnenregen"?. The jazz guitar is a most beautiful and underrated instrument, and it's nice to hear it in the hands of a capable musician such as Wolfgang Schalk. - Allaboutjazz
“The guitarist comes with a new album, which is reminiscent of Pat Metheney's hippest record sessions...Wolfgang Schalk plays a dominant modern jazz guitar... An experienced composer, Schalk adds to the 'modern standard book' with his original compositions. Rainbows in the Night is an outstanding jazz guitar record." Concerto [four stars out of five]
“Fortunately, there is a new CD on the market from Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Schalk. The Wolfgang Schalk Quartet comes with a strong reputation. The guitarist enriches mainstream guitar jazz with his original compositions. The quartet (Wolfgang Schalk guitar/Dave Kikoski piano/Andy McKee bass and Ian Froman drums) is in wonderful harmony, especially Dave Kikoski who adds magic to Wolfgang Schalk's moody sound. Bebop, jazz waltz and lyrical ballads are in unity. Sometimes Wes Montgomery jumps in and congratulates and so do we." Jazzzeit [four stars out of five]
The guitar isn't Wolfgang Schalk's first instrument. He began his musical career playing the drums“ on a set he built at the age of six. A few years later, he took up the accordion. Finally at 15, he picked up a guitar. And the lessons learned on those two other disparate instruments continue to color his playing. Schalk's music today seems to be influenced by this journey. It defies strict classification. This isn't to say that his pieces are radically altering the fabric of jazz playing as we know it, only that Schalk refuses to paint himself in a corner, a feat which can be very easy for a jazz guitarist. First and foremost, Schalk's music is jazz. But he treats the genre like a buffet: a scoop of Wes Montgomery (a primary guitar influence), a dollop of '70s funk, and a splash of fusion. Schalk's funk and fusion leanings are evident on his recently re-released 1996 album The Second Third Man, which refers to an elusive film character in an Orson Welles movie. Some of the songs are as elusive, such as “150 Miles", which opens with an almost manic melodic line that dissolves into what can be best described as a jazz shuffle. Also notable is the title track, which features Michael Brecker on saxophone and employs a keyboard funk groove that brings to mind groups such as Soulive and Galactic. Last year's Rainbows in the Night is an altogether different affair. Schalk pares his lineup to four members, two of whom (pianist Dave Kikoski and bassist Andy Mckee) are members of the Mingus Big Band. Schalk's pieces are more traditional in scope, such as “Waltz in Blue (for Hildegard)". while other numbers point in different musical directions. The standout track on the record is “Where Are You From"? a 10-minute piece that moves along at a leisurely pace and features a beautiful melody. Additionally, the soloing throughout is thoughtf ul and fluid. The completely different textures of these two albums can only make a listener hope to expect more unexpected (and good) things from Schalk and his guitar. Good thing he gave up the accordion. - JAZZIZ
“The guitarist's pieces are marked by an open attitude and a bit of gloss and each side of the equation makes the music memorable." - The village voice 9:00PM Cover $10 www.wolfgangschalk.com
Sun Mar 27 CHIP SHELTON QUINTET – CD RELEASE PARTY (Chip Shelton, flutes, vocals, percussion; Roy Meriwether, piano; Santi Debriano, bass; George Gray, drums; Lou Volpe, guitar; PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS) This CD release party celebrates the 5th Chip Shelton release, Have Flute Will Travel Stop 1, Berlin, recorded 10/03 at Berlin's A-Trane Jazz Club, and released 11/04 on Summit Records. It begins a unique series of live recordings around the world. A second outing to Cairo, Egypt, recorded 6/04, is slated for anticipated 2005 release.
The high-energy cast of NY-based, world-renowned musicians Chip has assembled for this Cornelia Steet re-enactment of the live-in-Berlin recording will cover many “musical bases" within the Jazz genre, flowing seamlessly between diverse feels: swing, waltz, latin, bossa, samba, reggae, soul, and more. 8:30PM Cover $10 www.chipshelton.com
Mon Mar 28 21 CENTURY SCHIZOID MUSIC PRESENTS: JOEL HARRISON (Joel Harrison, guitar) 8:30PM Cover $10 www.joelharrison.com
Tue Mar 29 ALLISON MILLER GROUP SHANE ENDSLEY: TRUMPET AND PEDALS , MARK SMALL: TENOR , THOMSON KNEELAND: BASS, ALLISON MILLER: DRUMS AND TOYS
They will be playing original music from their upcoming release. This chordless quartet naturally play as “one" weaving in and out of eachother's musical space with magic and trust. Shane and Mark conduct playful interplay while supporting eachother exactly when needed. Thomson lays down a strong foundation and takes the band on a new and interesting harmonic journey. Allison is then free to interact with all as she catapolts the band with her endless rhythmcic energy.
TILT explores free jazz, sonic sounds and space, odd meter, and groove music....approaching each with an individual sound. www.allisonmiller.com www.foxhavenrecords.com Shows at 8:30 and 10:00. $10
Wed Mar 30 KIM KALESTI/MARION COWINGS (Kim Kalesti, vocals; Marion Cowings, vocals; w/ piano trio) “The way they alternate leads and then blend their harmony adds to the rhythmic impetus of the swinging numbers. Although they scat well, they are able to impart a true jazz feeling before they ever get to the wordless improvisation. Kalesti and Cowings are not only sensitive passionate singers, but are giving entertainers and true troupers". Ira Gitler
“One of the joys of listening to Kim and Marion is that they have so many ways of presenting their talents. Each is a gifted soloist, they blend and entwine their voices, either might take the lead. They can sing in straight unison or strange harmonies, they can caress a lyric or go into educated scatting. In short they are full of surprises and never sound routine". - Dan Morgenstern
“I have had the privilege, pleasure and honor of sharing the bill as well as working with this marvelously talented twosome. Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti are two fantastic singers who are collectively and individually superb". - Clark Terry
“The experienced duo have the ability to show enjoyment and greatness of vocals at the same time". Shoichi Yui
Award winning producer Kiyoshi “Boxman" Koyama produced Kim and Marion's first international hit cd, EmArcy PHCE-5022 “Kim and Marion" with Kenny Barron piano, Eddie Gomez bass, Al Foster drums and Gary Bartz sax. Shortly after its release they were invited to headline Japan's Blue Note Jazz Clubs winning rave reviews from Japan's most celebrated critics and aficionados. 8:30PM www.kimkalesti.com
March 31, Ximo Tebar & The Champs Ximo Tebar, guitar; Rob Bargad, organ; Donald Edwards, drums The Witchcraft of Jazz “The Champs is the new project by Ximo Tebar. This eclectic guitarist from Spain is held by the specialized media as one of the best European jazz musicians. Each and every of his concerts is a delight for jazz and fusion lovers alike. His band alive produces truly elitist results by mixing sequences of pure jazz with fusion related sounds that both jazz lovers and lay audiences will enjoy. www.ximotebar.com 8:30PM
Thu Mar 31 6:00PM SIMON LOEKLE WILL READ POEMS BY WOMEN Angelo Verga, host Saturday morning WBAI radio producer renders poetry by women. We think edna st vincent millay will make an appearance, maybe. Loekle, will read (in his own operatic way) poems by women. Loekle's Stand Up Academy program is called “Ladies Night" (which hopefully won't offend new age puritans or the politically correct). Cover $10 (includes one house drink)
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To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected]
Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street Greenwich Village, NY 10014
Tel: 212-989-9319 Fax: 212-243-4207 Web: corneliastreetcafe.com
“a culinary as well as a cultural landmark" Mayoral Proclamation, City of New York 1987
First Monday of Every Month David Amram & Special Guests
Second Monday of Every Month Jed Distiller and Composes Collaborative
Second Tuesday of Every Month Arturo O'Farrill y Riza Negra
Second Wednesday of Every Month RIBS AND BRISKET REVUE
Third Wednesday of Every Month The Songwriter's Beat
First Thursday of Every Month AllAboutJazz-New York PRESENTS “1s & 2s: Music for Solo & Duo"
Third Thursday of Every Month Golda Solomon and Po'Jazz Mayoral Proclamation, City of New York 1987
This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe Mar 14 thg Mar 20
Mon Mar 14 6:00PM BROOKLYN RAIL Donald Breckenridge, host John Reed ; Matthew Pitt fiction writers from the literary tabloid Brooklyn Rail Cover $6 (includes one house drink)
Mon Mar 14 8:30PM COMPOSERS COLLABORATIVE INC PRESENTS: SERIAL UNDERGROUND (Jed Distler, piano, composer; Ed Schmidt, words & performance; Joshua Fried, composer) CCI's multidisciplinary productions will be serialized in monthly installments. Musical breaks provided by members of The Mighty CCI House Band, other regulars such as Kathleen Supové, Justine Chen, Jenny Lin, and SURPRISE GUESTS. This month:
THE GOLD STANDARD(mvt 1-4) by Ed Schmidt and Jed Distler.
Everbest, Virgil: the rules of portrait sitting (20-minute excerpt) w. Sean Gulete, Gerald Busby and Nancy Castle on headphones. Plus Virgil Thomson piano portraits
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Arnold Barkus, director David Lovett, lighting designer Justine Chen, composer Jed Distler, pianist/composer Joshua Fried, composer R. Erica Doyle, poet Vlada Yaneva, piano Christian Hebel, violin Cecee Pantikian, violin Jody Redhage, cello
Telephone for advance sale tickets: 212-663-1967 all major credit card accepted: AMEX, MC, Visa Advance purchase tickets (incl. one house drink): $15 Tickets purchased at the door on day of perf (incl. one house drink): $20 8:30PM www.composerscollab.org
Tue Mar 15 6:00PM WRITERS ROOM hosted by Jill Dearman The unique urban writers' colony holds its monthly reading Cover $6 (includes one house drink)
Tue Mar 15 SPIROS EXARAS LATIN-JAZZ TRIO featuring Phoenix Rivera and Ricardo Rodriguez with Barbara Martinez on vocals and special guset Grammy winner DAVE VALENTIN www.spirosexaras.com 8:30PM
Wed Mar 16 6:00PM BILL ZINSSER Bill Zinsser, the writing guru plays piano
Wed Mar 16 8:30PM THE SONGWRITER'S BEAT (Larry May; Ananda; Andy Guthrie; TBA) Now in its 5th year, The Songwriter's Beat is New York's most popular acoustic songwriter's series, where songwriters are encouraged to perform new material in a supportive and intimate atmosphere.
Curated / hosted by multiple ASCAP Pop Award winner Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter's Beat features top up-and-coming songwriters. Each month four songwriters of varying musical styles perform original songs and are encouraged to try out their newest material and arrangements.
Founded in 2000 by Valerie Ghent, The Songwriter's Beat has presented over 185 phenomenal songwriters (hailing from all over the globe: from the US, UK, Australia, and Japan!) and keeps growing!
The Songwriter's Beat welcomes songwriters from around the world, so if you are planning your trip to New York, allow time for The Songwriter's Beat! 8:30PM Hosted by Valerie Ghent, host. Cover $5 songwritersbeat.com
Thursday Mar 17 6:00PM PO'JAZZ Robert DeGaetano, piano/composer; Sandy Del Valle, poet; Francine Lassandro, writer; Ellen Goldsmith, poet; Angelo Verga, poet; Golda Solomon , host Italian piano man + several poets including Angelo Verga and (as always) the Po'Jazz House Quintet Cover $15 (includes one house drink)
Thu Mar 17 VAMPIRE SUIT & THE ZOO 8:30PM (VAMPIRE SUIT: Jay Vilnai, guitar; Gery Pickard, reeds; Skye Steel, violin; Mike Savino, bass; Kevin Garcia, percussion; THE ZOO: Mike Savino, bass; Sebastian Noelle, guitar; Zac Colwel, flute & saxophoe; K Ishibashi, violin; Mathias Kunzli, John Hadfield, percussion) Vampire Suit creates a unique personal musical texture by drawing on musical traditions passed down through generations that takes you from the tribal dances of Northern Africa to the marshes of the Balkans to the cotton fields of the Delta. New traditional music for a generation that draws on so many traditions. “If Bram Stoker's imaginary Transylvania had a jazz scene, the music would sound something like this." -jazzreview.com 8:30PM www.vilnaismusic.com
Friday, March 18th from 9pm/ 2sets ASYMMETRY with Lucian Ban piano, Jorge Sylvester alto sax, Brad Jones bass Derrek Phillips drums The ASYMMETRY QUARTET - represents a new quartet from the creative partnership of pianist/alto saxophonist - Lucian Ban and Jorge Sylvester. Having worked together in a dozen of projects and groups from trio & quartets/quintets to Jorge Sylvester's Conceptual Motion Orchestra the pair will present a new group featuring one of the best rhythm section in New York to say the least..They will perform a suite of new material written specially for this occasion underlining the unique voices of the members in the band. The musicians have each worked individually with an extraordinary array of musicians - almost a list “who's who" - Brad Jones worked in the past with Ornette Coleman and Elvin Jones and currently is the bassist in Dave Douglas band, Derrek Phillips collaborated and recorded with Greg Osby, Vijay Iyer and is currently with The Charlie Hunter Trio, pianist Lucian Ban worked with Barry Altschul, Bob Stewart and Alex Harding and his group Lumination co-lead with baritonist Alex Harding was voted “one of the best shows of 2003" by All About Jazz. Their experience and creativity will surely bring a night of intense and powerful music.Not to miss!
Sat Mar 19 ANAT FORT TRIO (Anat Fort, piano, composer; Gary Wang, bass; Roland Schneider, drums) “You'll be hearing a lot more from Israeli-born pianist and composer Anat Fort shortly. Her astonishing compositions and gift for band-leading recently caught the attention of ECM records – a disc is being readied for next year. Here's your chance to catch her on the way up." – K. Leander Williams, Time Out New York 9:00PM Cover $10 www.anatfort.com
Sunday Mar 20 6:00PM POETRY Martha Rhodes, host Elizabeth Macklin; Jason Schneiderman ; Tom Sleigh Cover $6 (includes one house drink) 8:30PM FRIENDS OF FIORE PRESENTS: SINGER-SONGWRITER THOMAS RILEY SMITH Thomas Riley Smith, singer-songwriter; Bleu Ocean, percussion Born in New York City, Thomas Riley Smith has been involved with the NYC music scene since 1976, when he first stumbled upon New York's punk rock central, Max's Kansas City.
“Riley" has experimented with many styles of music since then and is currently crafting his urgent poetic songs to focus on the emotional and spiritual truths so desperately needed in the world today. He is known for the passion of his lyrics, and his poignant music offers a unique mix of pop, rock, folk and inspirational compositions.
Riley's March 20th performance at The Cornelia Street Café will also feature his long- time friend, the brilliant and celebrated percussionist The Legendary Bleu Ocean, whose diverse credits include work with musical icons such as The Monkeys and Pink Floyd. Cover $10 http://www.LifeOfRileyMusic.com , http://www.Bleu-Ocean.com
Upoming Shows
Mon Mar 21 MARGOT LEVERET AND THE KLEZMER MOUNTAIN BOUYS (Margot Leveret, clarinet; Joe Selly, guitar; Marthy Confurius, bass & cello; Kenny Kosek, fiddle; Barry Mitterhof, mandolin/guitar) Klezmer meets bluegrass! Klezmer clarinetist Margot Leverett joins forces with today's stars of klezmer and bluegrass to explore the shared musical spirit of two genres literally worlds apart. Appalachian and southern fiddle tunes by Bill Monroe meet klezmer melodies from pre-war Russia and Eastern Europe, some newly discovered. The resulting medleys and improvisations are at once raw, funny, melancholic and footstomping. 8:30PM Cover $8 www.klezmermountainboys.com
Tue Mar 22 EYO ~ THE ELI YAMIN ORCHESTRA (Eli Yamin, piano; Ravi Best, trumpet; Brad Shigeta, trombone; Brad Leali, alto saxophone; Harold Ousley, tenor saxophone; Clare Daly, baritone saxophone; Tom Dempsey, guitar; Adam Bernstain, bass; Stefan Schatz, drums) EYO ~ The Eli Yamin Orchestra pays tribute to Count Basie in the year of his centennial. Currently EYO is featured nationwide on the Count Basie Centennial Radio Project from National Public Radio. The group focuses on the good feeling and creativity of the soloists with adaptations of early Basie works like One O' Clock Jump, Jumpin' At the Woodside, Blue and Sentimental and Topsy. This tight knit group features Alto saxophonist Brad Leahli (Count Basie Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra), trumpeter Ravi Best (Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy, Duke Ellington Orchestra) and baritone saxophonist Claire Daly ('04 Downbeat Pole Winner).
Eli Yamin first heard Count Basie on the radio when he was in high school. The magical quality of Basie's piano and the extraordinary feeling of the band mesmerized him. This band made Yamin want to swing. By the late 1990's, Eli got his chance to swing as the pianist for 2 years with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band. Eli says, “Playing 'One O' Clock Jump' every night with a shouting, stompin' band and master tenor soloist was a high I'll never forget." It was this experience that inspired Eli to form the Eli Yamin Octet (EYO).
In the year of Count Basie's Centennial, EYO is off to an auspicious start. The band features soloists who have played with different configurations of Basie's band and other top-flight musicians who bring a wealth of swinging, passionate musical experience. EYO arrangements are deeply rooted in the Basie repertoire of the 1930's. Call and response riffing figures, lots of blues and personality driven solos give the band a distinct and dynamic sound. EYO brings Basie's music into the future.
“Heard thus, across the dark blocks lined with locust trees, through the night throbbing with the natural aural imagery of the blues, with high balling trains, departing bells, lonesome guitar chords simmering up from a shack in the alley, it was easy to imagine the voice as setting the pattern to which the instruments of the Blue Devils Orchestra and all the random sounds of night arose, affirming as it were, some ideal native to the time and to the land…." -Ralph Ellison on early Count Basie 8:30PM Cover $12 www.eliyamin.com/ensembles
Wed Mar 23 SOUL OF THE BLUES (Cadillac Moon) This special edition of Soul of the Blues features.....Cadillac Moon and TBA
SOUL OF THE BLUES, NYC's premiere *inexpensive* live blues and soul music series, happens the fourth Wednesday of every month at Cornelia Street Cafe. 8:30PM jonsobel.com
Thu Mar 24 CORNELIA STREET CAFE'S NEW VOCAL SERIES: MONIKA HEIDEMANN/YOON SUN CHOI (Monica Heidemann, vocals; Khabu Doung Young, guitar; Matt Moran, vibraphone; Massimo Biolcati, bass; Take Toriyama, drums; 4inObjects w/Yoon Sun Choi, vocals; Jacob Sacks, piano; Thomas Morgan, bass; Dan Weiss, drums) Monika Heidemann blends jazz, rock and art-song into original compositions and poetic lyrics that are emotional, smart, and hip. Her warm, rich voice sings strong, mysterious melodies over music inspired by the improvisational element of jazz and her own musical vocabularies. She is supported by an all-star line-up of NYC musicians, Matt Moran-Vibes, Khabu Doug-Young- Guitar, Massimo Biolcati- Bass, and Take Toriyama- Drums. Monika is currenty recording her first solo, self-produced album to be released in the spring (with the above lineup). ? “Possessed of a very fine voice and an original style, I consider Monika one of the most promising and talented young musicians that I know.? -Steve Lacy
4inObjects is a collective that features Yoon Sun Choi on vocals. This quintet will be performing originals, pop tunes and the odd standard in ways that challenge the boundaries of progressive jazz. 8:30PM www.yoonchoi.com
Fri Mar 25 JOHN MCNEIL (John McNeil, trumpet) John McNeil brings his Insomnia band to The Cornelia Street Cafe. The ensemble performs music from Sleep Won't Come, John's latest OmniTone release, and other eccentricities. The group features trombonist Curtis Hasselbring and bassist Mike McGuirk. Two sets, starting at 9:00. $10 cover.
Sat Mar 26 WOLFGANG SCHALK QUARTET (Wolfgang Schalk, guitar; Dave Kikoski, piano; Andy McKee, bass; Ian Froman, drums)
Wolfgang Schalk will perform new compositions and songs from his upcoming album “Space Messengers," which will be Wolfgang's fourth CD.
“A native of Austria who now lives in New York City, Schalk has garnered international acclaim as a talented composer and guitarist. His style is smooth and his sound exudes a harmonious and melodic voice that's familiar and warm...(which is reminiscent of early an George Benson, with its rapid solo and chord runs)...The jazz guitar is a most beautiful and underrated instrument, and it's nice to hear it in the hands of a capable musician such as Wolfgang Schalk". -Allaboutjazz
Schalk's music today...defies strict classification. This isn't to say that his pieces are radically altering the fabric of jazz playing as we know it, only that Schalk refuses to paint himself in a corner, a feat which can be very easy for a jazz guitarist. - JAZZIZ,/i>
“The guitarist comes with a new album, which is reminiscent of Pat Metheney's hippest record sessions...Wolfgang Schalk plays a dominant modern jazz guitar...An experienced composer, Schalk adds to the 'modern standard book' with his original compositions. Rainbows in the Night is an outstanding jazz guitar record." - Concerto
With heartfelt sincerity and dedication to guitar greats such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson, jazz guitarist Wolfgang Schalk interprets his vision and love for the jazz guitar dialect. Rainbows in the Night is a thoughtful and earnest recording. The compositions are seemingly not intended to highlight a blistering jam session, but more a mellow sense of swing. Wolfgang Schalk, like most musicians of his caliber, has been on the jazz scene for a while. A native of Austria who now lives in New York City, Schalk has garnered international acclaim as a talented composer and guitarist. His style is smooth and his sound exudes a harmonious and melodic voice that's familiar and warm. The new recording features impressive musicians, including notables Dave Kikoski on piano and Andy Mckee on bass. The quartet is made complete with fine rhythm work by drummer Ian Froman. Schalk wrote all of the compositions, which display his spectrum of skills from the semi-cooker 'Mystify'? (which is reminiscent of early an George Benson, with its rapid solo and chord runs), to the cool groove “What's That"? (which reflects the group cohesiveness centered around very nice soloing from Schalk and Kikoski). Bassist Andy Mckee's delivers strong lines and soloing on the opener “Waltz in Blue"? which also shows the creativity of drummer Froman. Schalk's fretboard skills are equally proficient on acoustic guitar as well, revealing a dynamic and bright tone on the beautiful and lovely “Styrian Impressions"? and the blissful final selection “Sonnenregen"?. The jazz guitar is a most beautiful and underrated instrument, and it's nice to hear it in the hands of a capable musician such as Wolfgang Schalk. - Allaboutjazz
“The guitarist comes with a new album, which is reminiscent of Pat Metheney's hippest record sessions...Wolfgang Schalk plays a dominant modern jazz guitar... An experienced composer, Schalk adds to the 'modern standard book' with his original compositions. Rainbows in the Night is an outstanding jazz guitar record." Concerto [four stars out of five]
“Fortunately, there is a new CD on the market from Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Schalk. The Wolfgang Schalk Quartet comes with a strong reputation. The guitarist enriches mainstream guitar jazz with his original compositions. The quartet (Wolfgang Schalk guitar/Dave Kikoski piano/Andy McKee bass and Ian Froman drums) is in wonderful harmony, especially Dave Kikoski who adds magic to Wolfgang Schalk's moody sound. Bebop, jazz waltz and lyrical ballads are in unity. Sometimes Wes Montgomery jumps in and congratulates and so do we." Jazzzeit [four stars out of five]
The guitar isn't Wolfgang Schalk's first instrument. He began his musical career playing the drums“ on a set he built at the age of six. A few years later, he took up the accordion. Finally at 15, he picked up a guitar. And the lessons learned on those two other disparate instruments continue to color his playing. Schalk's music today seems to be influenced by this journey. It defies strict classification. This isn't to say that his pieces are radically altering the fabric of jazz playing as we know it, only that Schalk refuses to paint himself in a corner, a feat which can be very easy for a jazz guitarist. First and foremost, Schalk's music is jazz. But he treats the genre like a buffet: a scoop of Wes Montgomery (a primary guitar influence), a dollop of '70s funk, and a splash of fusion. Schalk's funk and fusion leanings are evident on his recently re-released 1996 album The Second Third Man, which refers to an elusive film character in an Orson Welles movie. Some of the songs are as elusive, such as “150 Miles", which opens with an almost manic melodic line that dissolves into what can be best described as a jazz shuffle. Also notable is the title track, which features Michael Brecker on saxophone and employs a keyboard funk groove that brings to mind groups such as Soulive and Galactic. Last year's Rainbows in the Night is an altogether different affair. Schalk pares his lineup to four members, two of whom (pianist Dave Kikoski and bassist Andy Mckee) are members of the Mingus Big Band. Schalk's pieces are more traditional in scope, such as “Waltz in Blue (for Hildegard)". while other numbers point in different musical directions. The standout track on the record is “Where Are You From"? a 10-minute piece that moves along at a leisurely pace and features a beautiful melody. Additionally, the soloing throughout is thoughtf ul and fluid. The completely different textures of these two albums can only make a listener hope to expect more unexpected (and good) things from Schalk and his guitar. Good thing he gave up the accordion. - JAZZIZ
“The guitarist's pieces are marked by an open attitude and a bit of gloss and each side of the equation makes the music memorable." - The village voice 9:00PM Cover $10 www.wolfgangschalk.com
Sun Mar 27 CHIP SHELTON QUINTET – CD RELEASE PARTY (Chip Shelton, flutes, vocals, percussion; Roy Meriwether, piano; Santi Debriano, bass; George Gray, drums; Lou Volpe, guitar; PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS) This CD release party celebrates the 5th Chip Shelton release, Have Flute Will Travel Stop 1, Berlin, recorded 10/03 at Berlin's A-Trane Jazz Club, and released 11/04 on Summit Records. It begins a unique series of live recordings around the world. A second outing to Cairo, Egypt, recorded 6/04, is slated for anticipated 2005 release.
The high-energy cast of NY-based, world-renowned musicians Chip has assembled for this Cornelia Steet re-enactment of the live-in-Berlin recording will cover many “musical bases" within the Jazz genre, flowing seamlessly between diverse feels: swing, waltz, latin, bossa, samba, reggae, soul, and more. 8:30PM Cover $10 www.chipshelton.com
Mon Mar 28 21 CENTURY SCHIZOID MUSIC PRESENTS: JOEL HARRISON (Joel Harrison, guitar) 8:30PM Cover $10 www.joelharrison.com
Tue Mar 29 ALLISON MILLER GROUP SHANE ENDSLEY: TRUMPET AND PEDALS , MARK SMALL: TENOR , THOMSON KNEELAND: BASS, ALLISON MILLER: DRUMS AND TOYS
They will be playing original music from their upcoming release. This chordless quartet naturally play as “one" weaving in and out of eachother's musical space with magic and trust. Shane and Mark conduct playful interplay while supporting eachother exactly when needed. Thomson lays down a strong foundation and takes the band on a new and interesting harmonic journey. Allison is then free to interact with all as she catapolts the band with her endless rhythmcic energy.
TILT explores free jazz, sonic sounds and space, odd meter, and groove music....approaching each with an individual sound. www.allisonmiller.com www.foxhavenrecords.com Shows at 8:30 and 10:00. $10
Wed Mar 30 KIM KALESTI/MARION COWINGS (Kim Kalesti, vocals; Marion Cowings, vocals; w/ piano trio) “The way they alternate leads and then blend their harmony adds to the rhythmic impetus of the swinging numbers. Although they scat well, they are able to impart a true jazz feeling before they ever get to the wordless improvisation. Kalesti and Cowings are not only sensitive passionate singers, but are giving entertainers and true troupers". Ira Gitler
“One of the joys of listening to Kim and Marion is that they have so many ways of presenting their talents. Each is a gifted soloist, they blend and entwine their voices, either might take the lead. They can sing in straight unison or strange harmonies, they can caress a lyric or go into educated scatting. In short they are full of surprises and never sound routine". - Dan Morgenstern
“I have had the privilege, pleasure and honor of sharing the bill as well as working with this marvelously talented twosome. Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti are two fantastic singers who are collectively and individually superb". - Clark Terry
“The experienced duo have the ability to show enjoyment and greatness of vocals at the same time". Shoichi Yui
Award winning producer Kiyoshi “Boxman" Koyama produced Kim and Marion's first international hit cd, EmArcy PHCE-5022 “Kim and Marion" with Kenny Barron piano, Eddie Gomez bass, Al Foster drums and Gary Bartz sax. Shortly after its release they were invited to headline Japan's Blue Note Jazz Clubs winning rave reviews from Japan's most celebrated critics and aficionados. 8:30PM www.kimkalesti.com
March 31, Ximo Tebar & The Champs Ximo Tebar, guitar; Rob Bargad, organ; Donald Edwards, drums The Witchcraft of Jazz “The Champs is the new project by Ximo Tebar. This eclectic guitarist from Spain is held by the specialized media as one of the best European jazz musicians. Each and every of his concerts is a delight for jazz and fusion lovers alike. His band alive produces truly elitist results by mixing sequences of pure jazz with fusion related sounds that both jazz lovers and lay audiences will enjoy. www.ximotebar.com 8:30PM
Thu Mar 31 6:00PM SIMON LOEKLE WILL READ POEMS BY WOMEN Angelo Verga, host Saturday morning WBAI radio producer renders poetry by women. We think edna st vincent millay will make an appearance, maybe. Loekle, will read (in his own operatic way) poems by women. Loekle's Stand Up Academy program is called “Ladies Night" (which hopefully won't offend new age puritans or the politically correct). Cover $10 (includes one house drink)
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For more information contact All About Jazz.
