There is a lot coming up in the local jazz scene this week. Here are a few can't miss propositions:
Joshua White Quintet: July 25, San Diego Museum of Art
I saw this group a few weeks back at Dizzy's and it was one of the best concerts of the year so far. The extra special ingredient is the inclusion of trumpeter Hugh Ragin. I first became aware of Ragin almost 30 years ago when he toured with the legendary Anthony Braxton. He is also on seminal recordings by David Murray, John Lindberg and Roscoe Mitchell. The rest of the group includes the cream of the crop in young Los Angeles improvisers, including saxophonist Gavin Templeton, bassist Dave Robaire and drummer Dan Schnelle. If you love jazz, this concert is an imperative. Tickets are $12 and the show begins at 7 pm.
Lori Bell July 26, La Jolla Community Center
Local flute virtuoso Bell begins a five month artist-in-residency at the community center this Friday. Joining her will be LA pianist Mike Garson, who has played with all of the big names in jazz and who once served as musical director for David Bowie. Rounding out the group is the always-in-demand Rob Thorsen on double-bass. Tickets are $20 with reservations, $25 at the door (free valet parking is included). The venue is located at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Call 858 459-0831 for reservations.
Dmitri Matheny: Jazz Noir, July 26, Dizzy's
Trumpeter Matheny has enjoyed a global reputation for many years. He's bringing his latest project to San Diego along with Phoenix pianist Nick Manson. The rhythm section features local bassist Justin Grinnell and the ever popular Duncan Moore on the drums. Tickets are $20, at the door. Dizzy's is located at 4275 Mission Bay Dr. in Pacific Beach.
Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, July 27, Dizzy's
Brazilian jazz vocalist Maria Rosa is the headliner here, celebrating the music of the legendary composer with a top-flight band including guitarist Peter Sprague, pianist Irving Flores, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, guitarist Lorraine Castellanos, drummer Julien Cantelm, percussionist Halysson da Silva, and violinist Jamie Shadowlight.
Levy, Sprague & Zlatkovich, July 28, Dizzy's
The instrumentation of Sprague's guitar, Levy's tenor saxophone and Zlatkovich's keyboards might seem unusual at first, and while I always find a group without bass and drums a little scary -- I can assure you, this configuration works astonishingly well. Levy and Zlatkovich have a long history together, and I saw these cats a few months ago, and was totally blown away. There's more than enough rhythm coursing through these three brains to dispel the notion of any missing components.
Photo of Lori Bell & Mike Garson courtesy Lori Bell
There is a lot coming up in the local jazz scene this week. Here are a few can't miss propositions:
Joshua White Quintet: July 25, San Diego Museum of Art
I saw this group a few weeks back at Dizzy's and it was one of the best concerts of the year so far. The extra special ingredient is the inclusion of trumpeter Hugh Ragin. I first became aware of Ragin almost 30 years ago when he toured with the legendary Anthony Braxton. He is also on seminal recordings by David Murray, John Lindberg and Roscoe Mitchell. The rest of the group includes the cream of the crop in young Los Angeles improvisers, including saxophonist Gavin Templeton, bassist Dave Robaire and drummer Dan Schnelle. If you love jazz, this concert is an imperative. Tickets are $12 and the show begins at 7 pm.
Lori Bell July 26, La Jolla Community Center
Local flute virtuoso Bell begins a five month artist-in-residency at the community center this Friday. Joining her will be LA pianist Mike Garson, who has played with all of the big names in jazz and who once served as musical director for David Bowie. Rounding out the group is the always-in-demand Rob Thorsen on double-bass. Tickets are $20 with reservations, $25 at the door (free valet parking is included). The venue is located at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Call 858 459-0831 for reservations.
Dmitri Matheny: Jazz Noir, July 26, Dizzy's
Trumpeter Matheny has enjoyed a global reputation for many years. He's bringing his latest project to San Diego along with Phoenix pianist Nick Manson. The rhythm section features local bassist Justin Grinnell and the ever popular Duncan Moore on the drums. Tickets are $20, at the door. Dizzy's is located at 4275 Mission Bay Dr. in Pacific Beach.
Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, July 27, Dizzy's
Brazilian jazz vocalist Maria Rosa is the headliner here, celebrating the music of the legendary composer with a top-flight band including guitarist Peter Sprague, pianist Irving Flores, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, guitarist Lorraine Castellanos, drummer Julien Cantelm, percussionist Halysson da Silva, and violinist Jamie Shadowlight.
Levy, Sprague & Zlatkovich, July 28, Dizzy's
The instrumentation of Sprague's guitar, Levy's tenor saxophone and Zlatkovich's keyboards might seem unusual at first, and while I always find a group without bass and drums a little scary -- I can assure you, this configuration works astonishingly well. Levy and Zlatkovich have a long history together, and I saw these cats a few months ago, and was totally blown away. There's more than enough rhythm coursing through these three brains to dispel the notion of any missing components.
Photo of Lori Bell & Mike Garson courtesy Lori Bell