If you have a preference for string bending, from the traditional (two generations of Pizzarellis) to the dangerous (John McLaughlin, Charlie Hunter), jazz guitarists will take much of the spotlight this fall. And don’t forget the run of high-profile singers lined up beginning in October. Here are some of the top performers to look for:
John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension The guitarist helped invent jazz-rock fusion with his blistering Mahavishnu Orchestra in the early ’70s, but he can’t be held responsible for the self-congratulatory twaddle that much of the style devolved into. He’s always taken the road less traveled, balancing virtuosity with restlessness. He’s an elder statesman of the music now, and because he makes it here only every few years, his followers shouldn’t pass up the chance.|Sept. 19, Boulder Theater,
Arturo Sandoval Feature films are usually made about jazz folks post-mortem, but Sandoval’s tale of escaping Cuba, “For Love or Country,” was so harrowing that it was produced while he’s still alive and thriving. The trumpeter can floor you with his expert stratospheric solos, and his approach to music has been as consistently fearless as his own life story. He’s shared the stage with Celine Dion and Justin Timberlake in recent years – now that’s bravery.|Sept. 20, Macky Auditorium, Boulder,
Charlie Hunter Close your eyes while listening to Hunter play seven-string guitar, and you’ll hear a variety of electric instruments. But he’s so committed to exploration that he’s no mere novelty. He’s impossible to classify, so just consider his genre to be “adventure,” with laughs and some funk thrown in.|Sept. 23, Fox Theatre, Boulder,
Summit Jazz Weekend These swing-based jazz celebrations have been a part of Denver culture for decades. The idea is simple: Invite veterans well-versed in the Great American Songbook, and let ’em go – for three straight days, in this case. Maybe you’ve heard these musical stories before, but they’re classic for a reason. Featured performers include The Jim Cullum Jazz Band and the Titan Hot Seven, as well as local keepers of the flame like the Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble.|Sept. 28-30, Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast,
Sutton’s 8th Rocky Mountain Jazz Party In the same spirit as Summit Jazz, with beloved late Colorado pianist Ralph Sutton looking down admiringly from beyond. His widow, Sunnie, says this is “really” the last Jazz Party she’s assembling, and if that’s true, what a way to go out: pianist Dick Hyman, saxophonist Houston Person, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and trumpeters Randy Sandke and Warren Vache are just a few of the marquee names expected to participate.|Oct. 5-7, Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast, 303-838-4240
Luciana Souza The Brazilian singer has garnered so much respect stateside that she has two Grammy Awards and a contract with Verve Records. She also has potential for commercial breakout – see her in this intimate Golden venue while you still can. If you’re hungry, opt for the buffet dinner the Mount Vernon Country Club serves before all its jazz shows.|Oct. 24, Mount Vernon Country Club, 303-526-0616
Dianne Reeves Denver’s most famous jazz singer is admired around the world and has three Grammy Awards for best jazz vocal performance. Even though she calls Park Hill home, her busy schedule doesn’t allow for many Colorado performances. Her soaring voice and the Newman Center’s acoustics should make for the ideal match.|Oct. 27, Newman Center for the Performing Arts,
Youssou N’Dour A stunning singer, this native of Senegal has sung with Paul Simon (on “Graceland”) and Peter Gabriel (that’s him on “In Your Eyes”), so you’re probably familiar with his mighty sound even if you’ve never heard his name. His own music has been uncompromising, profoundly rhythmic and often beautiful. His press material says that he’s been called “the West African Sinatra,” but that likely alludes to his powerful and emotional voice and not the possibility that you’ll find him drunkenly slumped over a blackjack table or punching out a photographer.|Dec. 2, Boulder Theater,
John Pizzarelli Following his father Bucky’s fall appearance, singer/guitarist John should bring considerable charm to the promised set of familiar seasonal songs. Like his dad, John is a trusted name when it comes to warm interpretations of the above-mentioned Great American Songbook.|Dec. 18, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Boettcher Concert Hall,
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 bret_saunders@hotmail.com.
