With Jazz Aspen Snowmass and a few performances from Wynton Marsalis scheduled in the next week, a couple of promising shows, both at Dazzle, could easily be glanced over. That would be a shame: the Denver club has booked some internationally respected talent.
Bassist Christian McBride has proved himself a vital part of the jazz mainstream for about 15 years, all the while confounding expectations. From anchoring straightforward hard bop sessions with Freddie Hubbard to dabbling in futuristic electro-funk and even an upcoming disc with pianist (and rock-identified) Bruce Hornsby, he’s simply one of the most reliable personalities around. A recent 3 CD set, “Live at Tonic” was deliberately sprawling and impressive for its showcase of McBride’s multiple facets.
Tuesday’s shows team him up with Pat Bianchi, a well- liked Denver organist who will switch to piano, as there aren’t many bass-organ duos. Bianchi is a smart and agile keyboardist with an appreciation for lesser-known players like Larry Young, so knowledge of history and a shared eclecticism means these two should hit it off particularly well.
On Saturday, the Moutin Reunion Quartet, which also brings along a lot of critical admiration to the bandstand, makes a rare Colorado appearance. Identical twins Louis (drums) and Francois Moutin (bass) have been playing music together since the age of 5 in their native France. They play intricate, swinging music, supported by pianist Pierre de Bethmann and saxophonist/ Miles Davis alumnus Rick Margitza.
Call 303-839-5100 for more information on both nights.
Fine Hank Jones release
Regular readers know that I tend to lean toward the more challenging aspects of jazz. If there’s a new recording from fearless saxophonist David S. Ware (the thrilling “Renunciation” on AUM Fidelity) or a rediscovery from the vaults of keyboardist Sun Ra (the freshly released “Strange Strings,” which features an extended squeaky door improv workout, literally), I want to hear it. But sometimes nothing takes the place of a gently swaying tenor solo or an impressionistic piano trio that gets it just right.
At 88, pianist Hank Jones does what he’s been doing seemingly forever – reeling off sweet, lyrical variations over chord changes of standards that weren’t known as such yet when he first began playing them.
“Kids -Live at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola” (Blue Note) sets him up in front of an appreciative crowd with saxophonist Joe Lovano. Together they dance through the possibilities of melodies from Bud Powell and Rodgers and Hammerstein, as effortlessly as you’d hope. Not that it’s all balladry and reflection. The duo tears up Thelonious Monk’s “Four in One,” and they match each other solo for solo with undying enthusiasm. It’s classic jazz that’s lighter than air.
From Norway comes the Tord Gustavsen Trio, and their third CD on ECM, “Being There,” is filled with tiny, contemplative melodies that are soothing at first. But pianist Gustavsen plays with such quiet despair, and the interaction with his bassist and drummer are so deeply felt that you’ll find yourself listening closer.
There are numerous jazz artists working an intense magic in Norway, but this trio keeps their wilder impulses beneath the surface. It’s pretty music with something more to offer, if you’re interested.
Set list
Saxophonist Nelson Rangell’s Straight Ahead Series resumes tonight at Jazz@Jack‘s…Peter Yellen’s Dressed in Black is at the Mercury Café tonight…the Big Swing Trio plays Boulder’s Hotel Boulderado on Wednesday…Jazz Aspen Snowmass has lined up Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Madeleine Peyroux and more in Aspen’s Rio Grande Park June 21-24…the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Odabaa! with Yacub Addy appears in Vail at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater June 24, Denver Botanic Gardens June 25 and the Benedict Music Tent in Aspen on June 26.
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.
