The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 17-23

Phil Hey - Birthday Party at the Dakota this weekend!

© Andrea Canter

Officially, this is Art-a-Whirl weekend in Northeast Minneapolis, but you might as well call it Jazz-a-Whirl in the Twin Cities. Now that spring seems to have settled in for good (meaning, til summer arrives in a few weeks), there’s no excuse to not get out and enjoy sunshine, flowers, and some cool gigs: A jazzy birthday at the AQ for one of our veteran drummers and bandleaders; a CD celebration for one of our longest (not continuously) running jazz collectives; a collaboration between one of our favorite songbirds and one of the most versatile hornmen in the metro…. And much more.

Big Gigs This Week

Brad Bellows

Friday, May 17. The Black Dog hosts brass partners Donald Washington and Brad Bellows, sax and trombone, and their popular quartet. Early arrival recommended given the small space and opportunity to enjoy some tasty bar food and a great beer selection. Come really early and enjoy Todd Harper on keys.

Friday-Saturday, May 17-18. Esteemed drummer and bandleader Phil Hey isn’t keeping his age a secret. It’s the big 6-0 for the veteran of Dewey Redman and Stacey Kent, as well as his own Phil Hey Quartet and Pete Whitman’s X-Tet. Come to the Artists Quarter this weekend as Phil and his long-running quartet take the club apart with some of the best post-bop magic to be found anywhere, anytime.

Mary Louise Knutson

Saturday, May 18. Too many options tonight. Jazz @ St. Barney’s (St. Barnabas Center for the Arts) closes its concert season in style with the Mary Louise Knutson Trio, featuring Chris Bates and Jay Epstein backing one of the most engaging pianists/composers in the region. Back recently from her second spring tour with the Doc Severinsen Big Band, Mary Louise is probably more than ready to work some trio magic, drawing from her highly successful In the Bubble and beyond.

At the Dakota, two favorites reunite for an evening of soulful, bluesy, jazzy music – Ginger Commodore and Dennis Spears make up half of Moore by Four, but as a duo they are equally dynamic and entertaining. Better make a reservation!

Dean Magraw

And over at the Riverview Wine Bar, Dean Magraw does a rare solo night. On his own, Dean is likely to cover much of the genre we call “music” – folk, blues, jazz, world rhythms, even a classical phrase or two, and often you’ll think he’s overdubbing himself. But really, it is just Dean and ten fingers. Magic fingers.

Illicit Sextet

Sunday, May 19. Twenty years ago, the Illicit Sextet released its debut recording, Chapter One. A long hiatus and many recessions later, the band has recorded again, dubbed Chapter Eleven, which they will celebrate at Jazz Central as part of the Jazz From J to Z concert season sponsored by the Twin Cities Jazz Society. Dedicated to original compositions before that became a popular mission for jazz bands, the ensemble—Steve Kenny, Paul Harper, David Roos, Chris Lomheim, Tom Pieper and Nathan Norman—sounds better than ever and their compositions soar. Remember, Jazz Central is a small space, great for sonic intimacy but plan to arrive early as there’s room for only about 50-60. (Doors at 6:30, show at 7 pm).

Martin Taylor

About two months ago, British jazz guitar giant Martin Taylor was in town with the International Guitar Night touring ensemble, and he was indeed a giant on the six-string. He’s back at the Dakota with Grammy winner/Paul McCartney’s lead guitarist Lawrence Juber for a night of acoustic ecstasy.

Monday, May 20. A new wrinkle in the hot club scene, the Parisota Trio features Parisota Hot club veteran guitarist Robb Henry with bassist Keith Boyles and drummer Jay Epstein. Expect the music to swing like mad.

Charles Lazarus

Tuesday, May 21. The Dakota hosts one of the month’s most anticipated collaborations, bringing together star vocalist Connie Evingson and genre-bending trumpeter Charles Lazarus and his quartet for an evening of “summer samba.” Both have covered Brazilian music, while Connie is well known for her turns at hot club swing, classic jazz standards, and the songs of the Beatles, Peggy Lee, and Dave Frishberg; Charles has been a part of the Minnesota Orchestra (remember them?) as well as leader of his own jazz ensembles, covering world-wide inspirations.

Snowblind

Wednesday, May 22. Brass is back! Snowblind returns to the Artists Quarter tonight, with the best of the younger generation of local jazzers—Adam Rossmiller, Scott Agster, Shilad Sen, Graydon Peterson and Reid Kennedy. Always smoldering arrangements and new compositions. Come early for Steve Kenny and the Bastids, featuring young Will Kjeer on piano, no cover at 7 pm.

Thursday, May 23. They don’t play that often but when they do… The Enormous Quartet (Chris Thomson, Chris Bates, Park Evans, Joey VanPhillips) will somehow squeeze into the “stage” area at Barbette, bringing some new spins to the music of the Flaming Lips, The Police, Charles Mingus, Kevin Drew, Arovane, Thom Yorke, Sting, and of course originals from the guys themselves.

Vicky Mountain

It’s one of those infrequent vocal nights at the Artists Quarter, with Vicky Mountain serving up a variety of standards and pop hits, all jazzified, with the Chris Lomheim Trio. Maybe Vicky will toss in some of the Jimmy VanHeusen tunes that were such a hit a few months ago at the Bloomington Black Box!

More Jazz, Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, May 17. Peter Schimke and Irv Williams, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Chris Bates/Bryan Nichols at the Icehouse; Travis Anderson Trio at Parma; Nick Haas at Hell’s Kitchen; Zeitgeist and Flying Forms, Early Inspirations at Studio Z

Saturday, May 18. Jack Brass Band (11 am); Washburn HS Jazz Band (11:30 am), and Robert Everest's Choro Borealis (4 pm) at Judson Street Fest (Judson Church, Minneapolis); Jana Nyberg Group at Hell’s Kitchen; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Twin Cities Cabaret Salon at Jazz Central; Bryan Nichols/Billy Peterson at the Icehouse; Viva Brasil at Loring Pasta Bar; Paul Renz and Anders Bostrom at Steeple Center (Rosemount); Zeitgeist and Flying Forms, Early Inspirations at Studio Z

MYJB

Sunday, May 19. Alicia Wiley, brunch at Hell’s Kitchen; Zeitgeist and Flying Forms, Early Inspirations at Studio Z (2 pm);  Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands at MacPhail (3 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar

Monday, May 20. Charmin Michele and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Phil Aaron Trio and Debbie Duncan, PPublBenefit for the Angel Foundation at the Dakota; Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Jazz Implosion (Nate Shaw, Chris and JT Bates) at the Icehouse

Tuesday, May 21. Southwest High School Jazz Bands at Lake Harriet Bandshell; Cory Wong Quartet followed by Dean Magraw and Friends at the Artists Quarter; Haining/Agster Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central; Patty and the Buttons at Café Maude (Penn Av); Café Accordion at the Loring Pasta Bar; Tuesday Salon at Studio Z

Wednesday, May 22. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza;  Hot Club of Cowtown at the Dakota

Thursday, May 23. Connie and Herb at The Bean (Andover); Casey O’Brien Trio at the Red Stag

Coming Soon!

. May 24, Joe Krowne Trio at the Dakota

. May 24, Rhizosphere at the Black Dog

. May 24-25, Bryan Nichols Quintet at the Artists Quarter

. May 25, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota

. May 29, Maud Hixson CD Release at the Dakota

. May 30, Pete Whitman’s X-Tet at the Artists Quarter

. May 31, Talking Strings at the Black Dog

. May 31- June 1, Happy Apple at the Artists Quarter

. June 6, Rebirth Brass Band at the Dakota

. June 7, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at the 318 Café

. June 7, Nicole Henry at the Dakota

. June 8, JazZen, “Weaving of Traditions” at Sundin Hall (Hamline University)

. June 9, PipJazz Sundays with John Penny, Will Kjeer

. June 11, Hugh Masekela and Larry Willis at the Dakota

. June 13, Albare at the Dakota

. June 16, Sidewalk Café (Jazz in the Library), St Paul Central Library

. June 18-19, Reid Anderson, Liquid Music at 408 (SPCO)

. June 19, George Maurer Group (Jazz in the Library), Merriam Park Library

. June 19-20, Ramsey Lewis Trio with Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Dakota

. June 23-24, David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray at the Dakota

. June 26, Salsabrosa (Jazz in the Library), Riverview Library

. June 27-29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Werner, Matt Slocum, Ariel Pocock, JazzMN Big Band, Jon Weber and more

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Lonnie Smith and more

. July 8, Milo Fine Free Jazz Ensemble at Homewood Studios

. July 11, Badi Assad at the Dakota

. July 27, Dakota Street Fest (Nicollet Mall)

Bryan Nichols Trio: Memorial Day Weekend at the Artists Quarter

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 10-16

The Dakota Combo, spring concert May 16th

© Andrea Canter

Mother’s Day this weekend – take mom out to hear some great jazz! (And if you’re a mom, hint that a cool jazz gig would make a perfect gift!) This week, visiting stars include a swinging saxman, favorite ex-resident bassist, and sultry songbird, while local heroes dominate spring offerings.

Big Gigs This Week

Jerry Weldon

Friday-Saturday, May 10-11. A favorite of the 2005 Twin Cities Jazz Festival, saxophonist Jerry Weldon returns to the Artists Quarter for some hard-swinging, soulful mayhem. Long associated with organ stars like Jack McDuff and Mel Rhyne, this weekend Weldon jams with Sean Turner, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst.

Saturday, May 11.  In the last installment of Jazz at Studio Z for this season, curator Zacc Harris takes the stage himself in tribute to Wes Montgomery, with plenty of support from Bryan Nichols, JT Bates and more. The evening starts early (5 pm) with a free, hour-long workshop about Montgomery’s magic, followed at 7 pm with a couple of enlightening sets.

A last minute announcement -- two pianos, four hands, two monsters--- Tanner Taylor and Rick Carlson go piano to piano at the Icehouse. Wow. 

Laura Caviani

Way across town at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, pianist Laura Caviani presents “From Bach to Bop” with Chris Bates and Phil Hey, and special guests Dave Hagedorn, Adam Meckler and Dave Milne. Over the past year or so, Laura has been highlighting the works of classical composers, setting childhood favorites by Bach, Chopin, Schumann and more to jazz arrangements. In Hopkins, she presents a full show of re-arranged classical works.

Pippi Ardennia

Sunday, May 12. What better way to celebrate Mom than a concert in tribute to “Women in Jazz”? Pippi Ardennia hosts the May installment of PipJazz Sundays at Landmark Center, with very special guests, the “Women in Jazz” ensemble, an octet of musicians who recently presented a workshop, sponsored by PipJazz, Twin Cities Jazz Society and the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education, aimed at providing some motivation and role models to young women considering careers in jazz and music. The ensemble includes vocalists Pippi, Debbie Duncan and Patty Peterson, along with instrumental artists May Louise Knutson, Joan Griffith, Kari Musil, Sheila Early and Zosha Warpeha. In addition to the PipJazz House Band, young vocalist (13-year-old) Emily Albert-Stauning will be featured.  And another gift—any mom accompanied by a son or daughter (any age) will receive a free ticket. With a 4 pm start, the concert should end in plenty of time to take Mom to dinner!

If Mom is more of a big band fan, take her to hear the Capri Big Band this evening at the Como Park Pavillion. This long-standing band of Twin Cities musicians, led by Fay Washington, will swing and bop through engaging charts in the idyllic setting of Como Lake.

Sunday-Monday, May 12-13. On the contemporary jazz scene for nearly a quarter century, Fourplay has continued on the trajectory set by their Platinum first album, winning Grammies, topping Billboard charts, and wowing audiences with their “elegant, seamless, contemporary jazz with a light sexy groove…firing on all cylinders” (All Music). The quartet –founders Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason plus “newcomer” Chuck Loeb--settles in for two nights at the Dakota.

Atlantis Quartet

Monday, May 13. JT’s Jazz Implosion continues strong at the Icehouse, and tonight it’s the hip and high-flying Atlantis Quartet. With Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates and Pete Hennig, this foursome continues to play some of the most imaginative original music in town. They follow the similarly hip Luke Polopnik Trio.

Tuesday, May 14. We don’t hear Framework often enough, probably because guitarist Chris Olson, bassist Chris Bates and drummer Jay Epstein are otherwise engaged in music making. So tonight at the Black Dog is special as the trio comes together for some inventive mischief.

Michael O'Brien

Wednesday, May 15. A few months ago, Jeremy Walker and Kelly Rossum joined forces for one evening, and as luck would have it, it was an evening when bassist Michael O’Brien was in town. Now Michael is back and leading a trio at the Artists Quarter in celebration of his new recording, Tunes I Like To Play. For sure, these are tunes we like to hear!

Wednesday-Thursday, May 15-16. Also celebrating a new release, supernova vocalist Jane Monheit returns to the Dakota for two nights of song. Straddling jazz and pop for much of her career,  her new Heart of the Matter covers material that defines her so well—Ivan Lins, Buffy St Marie, Randy Newman, Hoagy Carmichael, and even, Jane Monheit.

Dakota Combo

Thursday, May 16. Closing out a year of rehearsals, clinics and performances, the young lions of the Dakota Combo perform their annual spring gig in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. This year, the Combo is an octet featuring three horns, violin, vibes and rhythm section, and it’s a relatively young group with only two graduating seniors. Directed by Adam Linz, the Combo has already hit the stages at the Artists Quarter and Landmark Center, and will perform over the summer at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival and Burnsville Art and All That Jazz. Their repertoire runs from Ornette Coleman to Thad Jones, along with some original compositions. This concert is free, and a perfect way to inspire young musicians as well as much older jazz fans.

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Vicky Mountain

Friday, May 10. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Sophia Shorai at Hell’s Kitchen; Jimmie Wallace Duo at the Red Stag; Vicky Mountain at Parma; Chris Bates and Bryan Nichols, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Classic Big Band at the KC Hall (Bloomington); Barbara Meyer and Phil Mattson (Harold Arlen show) at Jazz Central; Vic Volare and the Lounge Lizards at Champion Ballroom

Saturday, May 11. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Fantastic Fifty Merlins--Nathan Hanson 50^th Birthday celebration (with a large and highly inventive cast of musicians) at the Black Dog; Mark Bloom at the 318 Café

Sunday, May 12. Alicia Wiley, brunch at Hell’s Kitchen; Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Southside Aces, Mother's Day Brunch at the Dakota; Jerry O’Hagen’s Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom; Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar

Monday, May 13. BB Big Band at Lake Harriet Bandshell; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Twin Cities Hot Club at Famous Dave’s (Uptown); Vinnie Rose at Jazz Central

Dave Karr

Tuesday, May 14. Cory Wong Quartet followed by Dean Magraw and Friends at the Artists Quarter; Vital Organ at Hell’s Kitchen; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central; Jack Brass Band at Amsterdam Bar; Yohannes Tona Group at the Icehouse

Wednesday, May 15. Sue Oattes with the Wolverines Trio at Hell’s Kitchen; Zacc Harris Trio at Café Maude (Penn Av); Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Steve Kenny and the Bastids followed by Triage with Michael O’Brien at the Artists Quarter; Pete Whitman and friends at Jazz Central

Thursday, May 16. Dave Karr Quartet at the Artists Quarter; Beasley’s Big Band at Wabasha Street Caves; Casey O’Brien Trio at the Red Stag

Coming Soon!

. May 18, Mary Louise Knutson Trio, Jazz @St. Barneys (St Barnabas Church)

. May 18, Ginger Commodore and Dennis Spears at the Dakota

. May 19, Illicit Sextet at Jazz Central (TCJS Jazz From J to Z)

. May 19, Martin Taylor and Lawrence Juber at the Dakota

. May 22, Snowblind at the Artists Quarter

. May 23, Vicky Mountain and the Chris Lomheim Trio at the Artists Quarter

. May 24, Joe Krowne Trio at the Dakota

. May 24, Rhizosphere at the Black Dog

. May 24-25, Bryan Nichols Quintet at the Artists Quarter

. May 25, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota

. May 29, Maud Hixson CD Release at the Dakota

. May 30, Pete Whitman’s X-Tet at the Artists Quarter

. May 31, Talking Strings at the Black Dog

. May 31- June 1, Happy Apple at the Artists Quarter

. June 7, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at the 318 Café

. June 7, Nicole Henry at the Dakota

. June 8, JazZen, “Weaving of Traditions” at Sundin Hall (Hamline University)

. June 9, PipJazz Sundays with John Penny, Will Kjeer

. June 11, Hugh Masekela at the Dakota

. June 16, Sidewalk Café’ (Jazz in the Library), St Paul Central Library

. June 18-19, Reid Anderson at 408 (SPCO)

. June 19-20, Ramsey Lewis Trio with Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Dakota

. June 23-24, David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray at the Dakota

. June 27-29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Werner, Matt Slocum, Ariel Pocock, JazzMN Big Band, Jon Weber and more

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Lonnie Smith and more

. July 11, Badi Assad at the Dakota

Illicit Sextet, CD Party at Jazz Central on May 19th

The Lead Sheet

Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

© Andrea Canter

It’s May, so “it might as well be spring” although Mother Nature seems unable to commit. It’s much easier to commit to supporting live jazz, and there are plenty of opportunities in the coming week, from Bill Carrothers’ return to the Artists Quarter with the old After Hours Trio to birthday cake with Charmin Michelle at Fireside Pizza and a guitar duo at Café Maude featuring Todd Clouser and Park Evans.

Big Gigs This Week

Gordy Johnson

Friday, May 3. If there’s one bassist I wish I heard more often locally, it’s Gordy Johnson. And tonight, he’s paired with virtuoso pianist Phil Aaron for the dinner sets at the Icehouse, that hip new venue in south Minneapolis. Good food and beverage options add to the evening, and with no cover, this is the weekend bargain!

Downtown, check out the new Thomson/Harris Collective at Hell’s Kitchen. This ensemble brings together two accomplished innovators, saxophonist Chris Thomson and guitarist Zacc Harris. If you’re going to Hell, this is the way to get there!

Friday-Saturday, May 3-4. Reprising his acclaimed After Hours Trio gigs with bassist Billy Peterson and drummer Kenny Horst, Bill Carrothers returns to the scene of many stellar evenings at the Artists Quarter.  Bill’s been a more frequent visitor lately, and the jazz cachet of the Twin Cities shines a bit brighter each time. Expect standards turned inside-out and some original tune as well.

Saturday, May 4. It’s part two of dinner set magic at the Icehouse this weekend, with tonight’s pairing of monster pianist Tanner Taylor and the wise old man of bebop, Dave Karr on tenor.

Charmin Michelle at Fireside Pizza

Monday, May 6. You can have your cake and Charmin too! A special twist on their regular gig at Fireside Pizza, Denny Malmberg and Charmin Michelle make it a birthday party for Charmin, complete with swinging covers and cake.

Tuesday, May 7. Three guys tracing their roots back to the  UW-Eau Claire, Triosé is the collaboration of guitarist Vinnie Rose, bassist Jeremy Boettcher and drummer Adrian Suarez. They swing both ways—covers and originals, and in either mode they put out a lot of energy and invention. And tonight they jazz it up at Café Maude in southwest Minneapolis.

Dean Magraw

Across the metro at the Black Dog, it’s the first Tuesday of the month, which means it’s another evening with guitar wizard Dean Magraw and master percussionist Davu Seru. Or head over the Artists Quarter for a guitar-heavy double header, with the young masters of the Cory Wong Quartet opening early before yielding to a sparkling trio of Zacc Harris, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst.

Wednesday, May 8. Let’s keep the guitar theme going, with a duo at Café Maude (Penn Av) that couldn’t be finer – Todd Clouser and Park Evans. Clouser has mostly been seen here with his Love Electric ensemble, but tonight it is more intimate, and fully guitar as he squares off with the always-exciting Evans.

There’s something worth listening to at least 4 nights per week at Jazz Central. Tonight, it’s the monthly installment of Chris Bates’ Magica Improvisado, tonight featuring his Good Vibes Trio with Dave Hagedorn and Phil Hey. Now--that's good vibes!

Peter Schimke

Thursday, May 9. We don’t get to hear pianist Peter Schimke in a leading role often enough, so head down to the Artists Quarter tonight to hear him heading a trio and focusing on his talents as improviser. Or check out the trio madness at the Icehouse, with bassist Gary Raynor, pianist Phil Aaron and drummer Jay Epstein – three veterans who deal in the jazz canon from top to bottom, inside and out.

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, May 3. Peter Schimke and Irv Williams, Happy Hour at the Dakota; JoAnn Funk at Parma; Harper/Leggett/Foreman at the Black Dog; Vic Volare and the Lounge Lizards at Champion Ballroom

Saturday, May 4. JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; Jon Pemberton Trio at the Red Stag

Sunday, May 5. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Capri Big Band at the Capri Theater (3 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom

Monday, May 6. Southside Aces at Famous Dave’s (Uptown); JT’s Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse

Joel Shapira

Tuesday, May 7. Joel Shapira at Hell’s Kitchen; Beasley’s Big Band at O’Gara’s; Bill Simenson Orchestra at Jazz Central

Wednesday, May 8. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Steve Kenny and the Bastids follwed by New Sound Underground at the Artists Quarter

Thursday, May 9. Phil Mattson’s MacPhail Vocal Ensemble at Jazz Central; James Wallace at Barbette

Coming Soon!

. May 10, Vicky Mountain at Parma

. May 10-11, Jerry Weldon at the Artists Quarter

. May 11, Zacc Harris at Studio Z

. May 12, PipJazz Sundays with the Women in Jazz Ensemble

. May 12-13, Fourplay at the Dakota

. May 15, Michael O’Brien at the Artists Quarter

. May 15-16, Jane Monheit at the Dakota

. May 16, Dakota Combo at Antonello Hall (MacPhail Center for Music)

. May 18, Mary Louise Knutson Trio, Jazz @St. Barneys (St Barnabas Church)

. May 19, Illicit Sextet at Jazz Central (TCJS Jazz From J to Z)

. May 19, Martin Taylor and Lawrence Juber at the Dakota

. May 22, Snowblind at the Artists Quarter

. May 23, Vicky Mountain and the Chris Lomheim Trio at the Artists Quarter

. May 24, Joe Krowne Trio at the Dakota

. May 24-25, Bryan Nichols Quintet at the Artists Quarter

. May 25, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota

. May 29, Maud Hixson CD Release at the Dakota

. May 31, Talking Strings at the Black Dog

. May 31- June 1, Happy Apple at the Artists Quarter

. June 7, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at the 318 Café

. June 9, PipJazz Sundays with John Penny, Will Kjeer

. June 16, Sidewalk Café’ (Jazz in the Library), St Paul Central Library

. June 18-19, Reid Anderson at 408 (SPCO)

. June 19-20, Ramsey Lewis Trio with Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Dakota

. June 23-24, David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray at the Dakota

. June 27-29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Werner, Matt Slocum, Ariel Pocock, JazzMN Big Band, Jon Weber and more

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Lonnie Smith and more

Michael O'Brien holds his MN CD Release at the Artists Quarter, May 15th

Jazz Face: The Beautiful Dreams of Bill Frisell

Bill Frisell, at the Dakota with Beautiful Dreamers

© Andrea Canter

I actually walked out of a Bill Frisell concert (at the Walker) once upon a time. It was just too outside for me. Not sure but I suspect I would stick around if the same music presented itself now. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve heard from the eclectic guitarist ever since, from a quartet with cellist Hank Roberts to a quartet with trumpeter Ron Miles to his “All We Are Saying” (Lennon project) ensemble to a stunning solo evening this past February at Macalester. But most of all, I am most drawn to his Beautiful Dreamers Trio with violist Eyvind Kang and drummer Rudy Royston, a Classical Jazz meets Americana, Copeland Meets Metheny Meets Monk-ish project that induces reverie and joy.  Maybe part of the magic is opting for viola over violin, giving the harmonies and string currents a richer glow. Last night was my third exposure to this trio (including two shows at the Dakota and one demo at MacPhail), and each time, the music sweeps me away into a sonic world where the distinctions between bebop, bluegrass and modern classical music blur into ambient chords and swinging polyphony.

Beautiful dreams.

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, April 26 - May 2

Craig Taborn -- "Heroic Frenzies" at the Walker 

© Andrea Canter

Rumors of spring weather and certainties of hot jazz give us plenty to anticipate in the coming week. Certainly the weekend boasts one of the most eagerly awaited “homecomings” for fans of modern improvised music with Craig Taborn’s night at the Walker; JazzMN closes out its season; Insurgent returns in trio format at Studio Z; Diana Krall’s Glad Ragdoll Tour stops at the State Theater; and Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreamers returns to the Dakota.

Big Gigs

Craig Taborn

Friday, April 26. Keyboard monster Craig Taborn has been busy composing, touring, and adding his chops to a long list of others’ stellar projects, from Dave Holland’s Prism to Chris Potter’s Underground to Roscoe Mitchell’s and Michael Formanek’s ensembles. He likes to keep a low profile, although that is getting increasingly difficult as more and more of the jazz community--from musicians to critics to fans of modern improvisation—discover his unique, challenging, and ultimately engaging music. So it’s a welcome if rare event for Taborn to return to his native land, bringing three projects—solo piano, the Craig Taborn Trio, and Junk Magic-- to the Walker Art Center under the title “Heroic Frenzies.” All this comes on the heels of the release of the trio’s first recording on ECM (Chants), in the midst of a spring tour of Europe and the U.S., and in advance of the release of the second album from Junk Magic. There just might be an isolated seat left here and there.

Serge Akou

Friday, April 26-27. Dubbed the African Jazz Trio, the Akou Brothers –guitarist Loba and bassist Serge—join forces with Detroit native trapset powerhouse Kevin Washington at the Artists Quarter. The Akous grew up in the Ivory Coast and were heavily influenced by African folk traditions as well as American jazz and rock. Ultimately they landed in Detroit, and eventually here in the Twin Cities where they meld tradition and innovation, modern instruments with African roots.

Ellen Lease

Saturday, April 27.  Ellen Lease (piano) and Pat Moriarty (sax) have long been atop the improvised music scene locally, and Insurgent is an outgrowth of their acclaimed Quintet of the 80s and 90s. There have been several editions of the band, but tonight it’s strictly a trio gig, with drummer Phil Hey joining Ellen and Pat for some serious mayhem at Studio Z.

Popular and down-to-earth jazz will be soaring from the stage of the Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center when the JazzMN Orchestra closes out its season with special guest, contemporary jazz saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Big bands don’t get any better than this one.

Sunday, April 28. Diana Krall has not been to the Twin Cities in years, so the fact that she is stopping for the night at the State Theater, part of her Glad Ragdoll tour, is welcome. Hopefully the Canadian chanteuse will go beyond the music of Glad Ragdoll and include some of her interpretations of old standards that separate her from her peers. Will this be a jazz night or a pop night?

It’s radio night at the Artists Quarter as KBEM unveils the first installment of Jazz Noir (“Charles and Avon”) before a live audience (8 pm show broadcast live, 5 pm show just live at the AQ). The band includes George Maurer, Solomon Parham, Chris Bates and Pete Hennig; limited tickets.

Nelson Devereaux

Monday, April 29. The Icehouse  hosts a double header tonight, bringing young improvisers from Chicago  and the Twin Cities together. The local contribution is Courageous Endeavors, an ensemble lead by bassist Brian Courage and drummer Miguel Hurtado, with pianist Joe Strachan and saxophonist Nelson Devereaux. Like-minded young pals from Chicago—Laurenzi/Ernst/Green—come to town to play Monday night and then again on their own at Jazz Central on Wednesday. That’s a lucky seven talents deserving wider recognition.

Tuesday, April 30. The almost-monthly installment of the Adam Meckler Orchestra tackles new music at Jazz Central, while diva supreme Jessye Norman tackles the Great American Songbook and other American songs at Ordway. No, hard to imagine Ms. Norman swinging or scatting, but also hard to imagine she won’t sound magnificent.

Jeremy Walker

Wednesday, May 1. Just a couple weeks ago, Jeremy Walker premiered his first full-length choral work, Seven Psalms. Now he’s back at the Artists Quarter with one of his small jazz ensembles, Boot Camp. Still-young veterans Walker (piano) and Brandon Wozniak (sax) mix it up with young lions Brian Courage (bass) and Miguel Hurtado (drums).

Eyvind Kang and Bill Frisell

Wednesday-Thursday, May 1-2. Bill Frisell was just here in February, performing solo at Macalester for a crowd twice the theater’s capacity. Now he’s back, a return visit with his Beautiful Dreamers Trio at the Dakota. He’ll weave some magic with violist Eyvind Kang and drummer Rudy Royston. One of the true geniuses of the genre at the top of his many games.

Thursday, May 2. It’s about time for vocalist Connie Evingson to make her Jazz Central debut, and a duo with pianist Phil Mattson seems like a good place to start. There’s only room for about 50 in this intimate space and chances are you will be out in the hallway if you arrive after 8!

More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Connie Olson

Friday, April 26. Peter Schimke and Irv Williams, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Connie Olson at Parma; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Harper/Leggett/Foreman at the Black Dog; New Standards at the Dakota; Tom Krochock at Jazz Central; Gordy Johnson and Phil Aaron, dinner set at the Icenouse

Saturday, April 27. JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; Ted Olsen and Joe Strachan at Angelina’s Kitchen; Tom Krochock at Jazz Central; Bryan Nichols and Jeremy Boettcher, dinner set at the Icehouse

Sunday, April 28. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; “Off the Cuff” improv series at the Aster Café; Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom

Monday, April 29. Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza

Tuesday, April 30. Cory Wong Quartet followed by Dean Magraw and Friends at the Artists Quarter; Acme Jazz Company at the Shorewood; Joel Shapira at Café Maude(Penn Av); Triosé at Hell’s Kitchen; Jack Brass Band at the Amsterdam Bar

Wednesday, May 1. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Steve Kenny and the Bastids, early show at the Artists Quarter

Thomas Strommen

Thursday, May 2. TCJS Young Artists Series presents the Strommen/Burgess/Crawford/Nelson Quartet followed by Valves Meet Slide at the Artists Quarter

Coming Soon!

. May 3-4, Bill Carrothers at the Artists Quarter

. May 10, Vicky Mountain at Parma

. May 10-11, Jerry Weldon at the Artists Quarter

. May 11, Zacc Harris at Studio Z

. May 12, PipJazz Sundays with the Women in Jazz Ensemble

. May 12-13, Fourplay at the Dakota

. May 15, Michael O’Brien at the Artists Quarter

. May 15-16, Jane Monheit at the Dakota

. May 16, Dakota Combo at Antonello Hall (MacPhail Center for Music)

. May 18, Mary Louise Knutson Trio, Jazz @St. Barneys (St Barnabas Church)

. May 19, Illicit Sextet at Jazz Central (TCJS Jazz From J to Z)

. May 19, Martin Taylor and Lawrence Juber at the Dakota

. May 24, Joe Krowne Trio at the Dakota

. May 24-25, Bryan Nichols Quintet at the Artists Quarter

. May 25, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota

. May 31, Talking Strings at the Black Dog

. May 31- June 1, Happy Apple at the Artists Quarter

. June 7, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at the 318 Café

. June 9, PipJazz Sundays with John Penny, Will Kjeer

. June 16, Sidewalk Café’ (Jazz in the Library), St Paul Central Library

. June 18-19, Reid Anderson at 408 (SPCO)

. June 19-20, Ramsey Lewis Trio with Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Dakota

. June 23-24, David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray at the Dakota

. June 27-29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Werner, Matt Slocum, Ariel Pocock, JazzMN Big Band, Jon Weber and more

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Lonnie Smith and more

Bill Carrothers, coming to the AQ May 3-4