Last week brought Tony Bennett, Kurt Elling, Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau and Ravi Coltrane to Colorado. There’s a brief respite in national headliners for the moment, but April is looking to be another jazz-rich month locally. Here are some of the most promising shows and festivals:
In the two decades since, Scofield has proven himself a source of abundant energy in all of his stylistic undertakings. Expect the emphasis to be on swinging improv when the superb veteran bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Stewart join him. You might also consider this a warm-up for Scofield’s “guest of honor” stint at the Telluride Jazz Celebration, coming in August.
The Tomatoes revel in vintage swing. Marie, who lives in Denver, is one of the most expressive singers around. Wilson leads the charging quartet Arts & Crafts, featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford. The group’s new CD, “The Scenic Route” (Palmetto), is exploratory fun.
What’s made the young Harris stand out is his ability to make the vibraphone so flexible and appealing to contemporary audiences, just like his hero Milt Jackson did half a century ago. It’s hard to predict how he’ll play stylistically in Golden, but it’s easy to expect that it will be an impressive spectacle.
Set list
On Thursday, it’s the twin tenors of Peter Sommer and Don Aliquo at Dazzle, which will also be home to Erienne Romaine’s new CD release party on Saturday … Also on Saturday at Keystone, Hazel Miller sings as part of the River Run Blues and BBQ Festival … Here’s an interesting item: Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis recently collaborated with country eminence Willie Nelson (who’s always been in touch with his inner swing) for a concert that will be broadcast April 6 on XM satellite radio, simulcast on the “Willie’s Place” channel (XM 13) and “Real Jazz” (XM 70).
Bret Saunders’ column on jazz appears every other Sunday in A&E. 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.
