A feeling of sadness in the wake of Hurricane Katrina will certainly be present at many of the season’s jazz performances. But we can also expect something celebratory at these events, because the sense of musical euphoria that evolved out of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, can’t be swept away.
So look forward to checking out some of these fine acts as autumn unfolds.
SUN RA ARKESTRA
Sept. 16|Boulder Theater
The keyboardist/bandleader Ra departed the planet in 1993, but his one-of-a-kind body of work, including lovably far-out compositions and chants in praise of space travel, still has an appreciative following. This repertory group is led by the powerful saxophonist Marshall Allen, who worked alongside Ra for decades through both poverty and acclaim. Call 303- 786-7030.
PAT METHENY TRIO
Sept. 27|Boulder Theater
Expect a different experience than the smooth-textured Pat Metheny Group, which played Denver earlier this year. The wide-ranging guitarist is touring with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez, which makes for an intriguing team. Watch for them to drink deeply from the straight-ahead ’60s jazz guitar tradition (from Wes Montgomery to Grant Green), but with Metheny it’s impossible to predict, and that in itself keeps his music vital.
2005 SUMMIT JAZZ
Sept. 30-Oct. 1|Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast
SUTTON’S SIXTH ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAZZ PARTY
Oct. 7-9|Marriott City Center
Denver has been fortunate enough to host two huge traditional “jam session”-themed celebrations every fall. But Sunnie Sutton, who organizes the Rocky Mountain Jazz Party, insists this will be the last bearing her name. Each weekend features swing/traditional marquee names, and surely the legends of New Orleans will be commemorated in word and spirit at each event. The Summit Jazz lineup includes saxophonist Harry Allen and cornetists Warren Vache and Bob Barnard, the latter billed as the “Louis Armstrong of Australia.” The Rocky Mountain Jazz Party has confirmed Vache as well, and pianist Dick Hyman, who remains one of the most accomplished traditional players around. Summit Jazz details: 303-670-8471. RMJP information: 303-838-4240.
DAVE LIEBMAN BIG BAND
Oct. 13|CU-Denver Concert Hall
He has explored rocky terrain in the service of Miles Davis and Elvin Jones, and his bands Lookout Farm and Quest have established Liebman as a soprano saxophonist of the highest order. His latest project is an 18-piece big band, which should provide for a night of new tonal colors and expert musicianship. Call 303-352-3500.
VIJAY IYER AND RUDRESH MAHANTHAPPA
Oct. 28|Metro State College
Oct. 30|CU-Boulder
Colorado sax native Mahanthappa has become something of a modern-day Charlie Rouse to pianist Iyer’s Thelonious Monk, as the two trade improvisational punches on recent projects such as “Mother Tongue” (Pi) and “Reimagining” (Savoy). This pair of Colorado performances should be the most daring of the fall. Get information at 303-556-3180.
LARRY CORYELL TRIO
Nov. 3|Mount Vernon Country Club
Guitarist Coryell is one of the founding fathers of jazz-rock fusion, and after years of focus on quieter acoustic playing, he’s taken up with his electric ax again. Supporting him are Pat Metheny Group veterans Paul Wertico (drums) and Mark Egan (bass). Call 303-526-0616.
CHARLES LLOYD TRIO
Nov. 11|Boulder Theater
Hearing saxophonist Lloyd on a good night can be a spiritually healing experience. In recent years his music has taken on an added complexity, and the latest disc, “Jumping the Creek” (ECM) may be his most emotionally moving to date.
