Ute Lemper
Thursday, Gates Concert Hall, Newman Events Center
The German vocalist is hard to classify; she’s usually relegated to the category of “cabaret singer.” Her theatrical recordings showcase a strong, distinctive presence and a certain fearlessness when it comes to crossing the accepted boundaries of show tunes. Lemper seems as comfortable with the repertoire of early 20th-century Kurt Weill as she is with that of early-21st- century writers like Tom Waits and Elvis Costello. Those who admire the musical drama of the human voice should not miss out.
Bob Dorough
Thursday and Friday, Dazzle Jazz Club and Restaurant
Even if you don’t think you know Dorough, if you’re over 35 and grew up near a television, his voice is etched upon your brain. He wrote and performed many of the songs featured in the animated “Schoolhouse Rock” TV shorts in the ’70s. If that isn’t enough to make him a pop culture legend, he also recorded with Miles Davis, who rarely worked with singers. At 83, Dorough has been receiving belated critical respect for his body of work. He’ll be joined at Dazzle by locals Ken Walker (bass) and Todd Reid (drums).
Swinging Jazz Concerts
Feb. 2-3, Donald Seawell Ballroom, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Parties like these, where swing luminaries come together to create joy out of jazz standards, are less commonplace in most of America. Fortunately, we get a handful of such celebrations in Denver each year. The front line for this meeting of the minds includes guitarist Howard Alden, cornetist Warren Vache and trombonist John Allred stretching out on those beloved songs from the ’30s and ’40s.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
Feb. 8, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
The saxophonist and elder offspring of the prestigious Marsalis family is in many ways the most adventurous member. Like his brother Wynton, whose name will always be synonymous with the reemergence of acoustic jazz, Branford continues to make terrific recordings like his latest, “Braggtown,” which puts his working band through the paces to rewarding effect. There’s nothing like the experience of a touring group’s members challenging one another in a live setting, and Marsalis’ crew is among the best in the business.
Jazzfest Denver 2007
Feb. 23-24, Sherman Events Complex
Back for a second year, JazzFest mixes national talent (Kevin Mahogany, Mike Longo, the Joe Locke/Thomas Marriott Quartet) with locals deserving national recognition (Joe Bonner, Pat Bianchi and more) in what promises to be two memorable nights of inspiration. This is an event that reflects Denver’s evolving interest in jazz.
Bret Saunders writes about jazz for The Denver Post. Saunders is host of the “KBCO Morning Show,” 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays at 97.3-FM. His e-mail address is bret_saunders@hotmail.com.
