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Mainstream acoustic jazz played at the highest level will be the focus this weekend at Dizzy's. Friday, a special version of the Rob Thorsen Quartet is the feature, and the following night Charles McPherson brings an all star quintet to the venue.
Rob Thorsen Quartet- Friday, August 19
This gig will concentrate on material from the bassist's latest CD, Lasting Impression, and will present Thorsen with regular partner Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, and include Joshua White on piano and Duncan Moore on drums.
White, who just turned 26 yesterday is an even hotter commodity than usual following the announcement of his placement in the semi-finals of the International Thelonious Monk Competition next month in Washington D.C.
Thorsen's Lasting Impression was one of the finest releases of 2009, with a heady mix of jazz standards and original compositions, all delineated with the leader's throbbing pulse and evocative arrangements.
The bassist will also mix in some material from the previous album Moon Ray, a 2005 release.
Charles McPherson Quartet- Saturday, August 20
Saxophone virtuoso McPherson began his recording career in 1964 with an album titled Bebop Revisited. He began playing alto at the age of 12 while growing up in Detroit.
Soon, he was hooking up with neighborhood pal, Lonnie Hillyer, a prodigious trumpeter, and receiving mentorship from the Detroit piano legend Barry Harris.
McPherson moved to New York in 1959, and just before running out of his savings -- he and Hillyer scored the gig of a lifetime with the iconic bassist and composer Charles Mingus.
It was the beginning of a roller-coaster ride with the mercurial bandleader that spanned off, and on, for 12 years.
McPherson is often associated with bebop and the influence of Charlie Parker, but he's no copycat. His music has continued to evolve and extend that style, and today, he's at the absolute top of his game.
Saturday's concert will also feature Castellanos, and pianist Randy Porter who played with the saxophonist for many years before relocating to Oregon where he teaches at Lewis and Clark College. They will be joined by doublebassist extraordinaire Marshall Hawkins, a veteran of the Miles Davis Quintet. Rounding out the group is Chuck McPherson on drums.
This isn't a case of nepotism here--in addition to working with his father for over 30 years, the younger McPherson has toured with trumpet great Freddie Hubbard and LA tenor sax master Harold Land, and is involved in pop music and hip-hop as well--serving as house drummer for the Sugar Hill imprint.
photo of Rob Thorsen courtesy Thomas Westerlin ; Charles McPherson courtesy Charles McPherson
Mainstream acoustic jazz played at the highest level will be the focus this weekend at Dizzy's. Friday, a special version of the Rob Thorsen Quartet is the feature, and the following night Charles McPherson brings an all star quintet to the venue.
Rob Thorsen Quartet- Friday, August 19
This gig will concentrate on material from the bassist's latest CD, Lasting Impression, and will present Thorsen with regular partner Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, and include Joshua White on piano and Duncan Moore on drums.
White, who just turned 26 yesterday is an even hotter commodity than usual following the announcement of his placement in the semi-finals of the International Thelonious Monk Competition next month in Washington D.C.
Thorsen's Lasting Impression was one of the finest releases of 2009, with a heady mix of jazz standards and original compositions, all delineated with the leader's throbbing pulse and evocative arrangements.
The bassist will also mix in some material from the previous album Moon Ray, a 2005 release.
Charles McPherson Quartet- Saturday, August 20
Saxophone virtuoso McPherson began his recording career in 1964 with an album titled Bebop Revisited. He began playing alto at the age of 12 while growing up in Detroit.
Soon, he was hooking up with neighborhood pal, Lonnie Hillyer, a prodigious trumpeter, and receiving mentorship from the Detroit piano legend Barry Harris.
McPherson moved to New York in 1959, and just before running out of his savings -- he and Hillyer scored the gig of a lifetime with the iconic bassist and composer Charles Mingus.
It was the beginning of a roller-coaster ride with the mercurial bandleader that spanned off, and on, for 12 years.
McPherson is often associated with bebop and the influence of Charlie Parker, but he's no copycat. His music has continued to evolve and extend that style, and today, he's at the absolute top of his game.
Saturday's concert will also feature Castellanos, and pianist Randy Porter who played with the saxophonist for many years before relocating to Oregon where he teaches at Lewis and Clark College. They will be joined by doublebassist extraordinaire Marshall Hawkins, a veteran of the Miles Davis Quintet. Rounding out the group is Chuck McPherson on drums.
This isn't a case of nepotism here--in addition to working with his father for over 30 years, the younger McPherson has toured with trumpet great Freddie Hubbard and LA tenor sax master Harold Land, and is involved in pop music and hip-hop as well--serving as house drummer for the Sugar Hill imprint.
photo of Rob Thorsen courtesy Thomas Westerlin ; Charles McPherson courtesy Charles McPherson