Here's something you might be interested in.
Once again, jazz decisions must be made for Friday, Dec. 7. On one hand, the weekly series at the Westgate Hotel hosted by trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is always a "can't miss" proposition, especially when LA pianist Joe Bagg and the legendary jazz bassist Marshall Hawkins are on the date.
My choice this time aligns with a special S.D. visit from NYC drum virtuoso Matt Wilson's Christmas Tree-O, (get it?), as part of the Athenaeum Jazz at the Studio series curated by Dan Atkinson.
Wilson was in town back in February with Trio M, a collective group he co-leads with pianist Myra Melford and bassist Mark Dresser. He has been called, "easily one of the best drummers of his generation," by the NY Times.
He has performed, and/or recorded with, to name just a few: Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano and was a member of tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman's band for several years.
"His versatility is extraordinary," says Atkinson. "And I also always enjoy and admire the sense of humor that he brings to the music. Jazz can sometimes take itself too seriously, and Matt always brings a sense of fun and delight to his playing that is truly infectious."
I caught Wilson at the Trio M gig, and was completely blown away. This guy has a terrific modern synthesis of cats like Ed Blackwell, Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette-- and can swing his ass off under any circumstances. He's also full of surprises.
As the name of the band indicates, Christmas Tree-O will be presenting Holiday classics through a decidedly different perspective. Imagine hearing Ornette Coleman digging into "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," and you get the idea.
Accompanying Wilson will be multi-reedist Jeff Lederer and bassist Paul Sikivie.
Jazz at the Studio is located at 4441 Park Blvd. The place is small, has incredible acoustics, and is a great spot to hear music.
Tickets are $21 for Athenaeum members, $26 general admission and can be reserved at (858) 454-5872
Photo by Jon McCaslin
Once again, jazz decisions must be made for Friday, Dec. 7. On one hand, the weekly series at the Westgate Hotel hosted by trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is always a "can't miss" proposition, especially when LA pianist Joe Bagg and the legendary jazz bassist Marshall Hawkins are on the date.
My choice this time aligns with a special S.D. visit from NYC drum virtuoso Matt Wilson's Christmas Tree-O, (get it?), as part of the Athenaeum Jazz at the Studio series curated by Dan Atkinson.
Wilson was in town back in February with Trio M, a collective group he co-leads with pianist Myra Melford and bassist Mark Dresser. He has been called, "easily one of the best drummers of his generation," by the NY Times.
He has performed, and/or recorded with, to name just a few: Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano and was a member of tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman's band for several years.
"His versatility is extraordinary," says Atkinson. "And I also always enjoy and admire the sense of humor that he brings to the music. Jazz can sometimes take itself too seriously, and Matt always brings a sense of fun and delight to his playing that is truly infectious."
I caught Wilson at the Trio M gig, and was completely blown away. This guy has a terrific modern synthesis of cats like Ed Blackwell, Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette-- and can swing his ass off under any circumstances. He's also full of surprises.
As the name of the band indicates, Christmas Tree-O will be presenting Holiday classics through a decidedly different perspective. Imagine hearing Ornette Coleman digging into "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," and you get the idea.
Accompanying Wilson will be multi-reedist Jeff Lederer and bassist Paul Sikivie.
Jazz at the Studio is located at 4441 Park Blvd. The place is small, has incredible acoustics, and is a great spot to hear music.
Tickets are $21 for Athenaeum members, $26 general admission and can be reserved at (858) 454-5872
Photo by Jon McCaslin