Second Season Arts: Jazz
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Recommended shows.
Branford Marsalis
The eldest brother of the New Orleans jazz dynasty leads his long-standing quartet, which features Philly’s own Justin Faulkner on drums. Feb. 5, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., annenbergcenter.org.
Chris Potter’s Underground
After a brief acoustic detour for his riveting Homer-inspired album The Sirens, saxophonist Chris Potter expanded his commanding electric quartet to the Underground Orchestra for his latest, Imaginary Cities (ECM). He’ll pare back down to the usual, and usually captivating, Underground group for this show. Feb. 6, Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., chrisjazzcafe.com.
Gregory Porter
With a vintage soul-jazz style and a contemporary outlook, Gregory Porter has emerged as one of modern jazz’s finest vocalists — and become instantly iconic with his ever-present Kangol hat/neck scarf combo. Feb. 8, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa., mc3.edu.
Joanna Pascale
The end of Pascale’s 10-year stint at Loews Hotel hasn’t stopped the singer from exploring the depths of the Great American Songbook. For Valentine’s Day she’ll celebrate the release of her long-awaited new CD, Wildflower, which features a host of Philly greats, including Orrin Evans, Christian McBride, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Bilal. Feb. 14, Chris’ Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.
Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
The Kimmel celebrates Mardi Gras with the NOLA trumpeter’s raucous big band. Feb. 17, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., kimmelcenter.org.
Mostly Other People Do the Killing
The skilled but snarky quartet progressed from affectionate nose-thumbing to outright provocation with their latest, a note-for-note remake of Miles Davis’ landmark Kind of Blue that got the jazz community predictably up in arms. Feb. 20, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., arsnovaworkshop.com.
Sonic Liberation Front with Oliver Lake
Mighty saxophonist Oliver Lake, an alum of St. Louis’ Black Artists Group as well as one-fourth of the World Saxophone Quartet, joins the percussion-heavy Philadelphia ensemble, which fuses avant-jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Feb. 22, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., arsnovworkshop.com.
Marcus Roberts Trio
A gifted classicist, pianist Marcus Roberts has expanded his vision of traditional jazz styles into the classical realm. His trio with drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Rodney Jordan deftly explores blues, gospel and New Orleans influences. March 1, Annenberg Center, annenbergcenter.org.
Warriors of the Wonderful Sound with Dave Burrell
Saxophonist Bobby Zankel and pianist Dave Burrell last shared the stage for a tribute to Cecil Taylor, one of last year’s concert highlights. So Burrell’s appearance with Zankel’s adventurous big band shouldn’t be missed. March 3, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., paintedbride.org.
Jamaaladeen Tacuma
A member of Ornette Coleman’s groundbreaking harmolodic fusion ensemble Prime Time, the bassist and Philly native has continued to fuse free jazz and deep funk. March 6, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., philamuseum.org.
Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio
Chilean-born saxophonist Aldana is one of jazz’s most exhilarating rising stars, a Joe Henderson disciple with a bold, unbridled sound. March 14, Chris’ Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.
Tayuka Kuroda
The Japanese-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter recently released his Blue Note debut, Rising Son, on which he’s backed by fellow members of soul-jazz crooner José James’ groove-centric band. March 20, Philadelphia Museum of Art, philamuseum.org.
Steve Lehman Octet
One need not be acquainted with what exactly “spectral harmony” means to be enthralled by Steve Lehman’s thorny but thrilling music. The alto saxophonist’s latest, Mise en Abîme, was one of 2014’s best and most engagingly challenging releases. March 21, Painted Bride Art Center, paintedbride.org.
Miguel Zenón
The Puerto Rico-born altoist, a Guggenheim and MacArthur fellow, has used those awards to explore the music of his heritage. The most recent result is Identities Are Changeable, equal parts Latin jazz suite and oral history. March 21, Montgomery County Community College, mc3.edu.
Jason Moran and the Bandwagon
Pianist Moran is doing much to shape the future of jazz, not only with his own forward-thinking music but as the artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center and conceptual thinking from a hip-hop-influenced tribute to Fats Waller, to a concert pairing jazz with skateboarders. At the core of his efforts is The Bandwagon, his scintillating trio with Tarus Mateen and Nasheet Waits. March 29, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.
More from the Second Season Arts Guide:
Saxophonist Darryl Yokley composes a jazz symphony inspired by the PMA’s new African-American art exhibition. | Soundtrack of a sarcophagus: Relâche plays music for mummies. | Plus our experts highlight the upcoming season in: Classical/Opera | Roots | Rock/Pop | Visual Art | Dance | Theater
