This Valentine’s weekend offers up three unique and worthy concerts displaying some pretty eclectic facets of jazz, which is becoming increasingly difficult to define. And that’s terrific for the music itself. Those who continue to bend and shape traditions make jazz more accessible to a wider audience.
Chris Botti — Friday, 7:30 p.m., Boettcher Concert Hall: You want plush, relaxed trumpet solos wafting over a sea of gentle orchestrations? Botti’s your man, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra will provide an ideal setting for what he does best.
Mellow and committed to the Chet Baker school of the introspective and laid-back, his approach has paid off with a Grammy, an association with pop royalty Sting and millions in sales. Few artists walk the line between smooth and straight-ahead jazz with more integrity.
If you want to impress a date with your sophistication, purchase a couple of tickets for this performance. Find out more at . Botti and the orchestra take the show to Beaver Creek’s Vilar Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 15, as well.
The Hidden Jewel Band — Friday, 7 and 9 p.m., Dazzle: One of Colorado’s best-kept improvising secrets is longtime Boulder resident and pianist Art Lande, who gained respect in the ’70s for his albums on the prestigious ECM label.
While he can show off his expertise in any variety of jazz styles, Lande is a master of classically tilted “chamber jazz,” which he’ll showcase in a trio with saxophonist Paul McCandless (of the immortal group Oregon) and flutist Gunter Wehinger. Expect some high-caliber, intriguing ideas from this union of deep thinkers. Call 303-839-5100 for information.
Either/Orchestra with special guest Mahmoud Ahmed — Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Newman Center for the Performing Arts: Boston’s Either/Orchestra is a scaled down yet powerful big band that is equally adept at Gil Evans-like swells as it is going for an occasional sonic joke.
Ahmed, from Ethiopia, is an intoxicating, joyous singer, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest he’s that country’s James Brown. The combination got the crowd worked up when they played New York’s Lincoln Center last summer, and this is their first joint American appearance since then. Here’s hoping that the turnout for this show encourages the power behind the Newman Center to book more left-of-center acts. Tickets available at 303-357-2787.
Set list.
Nissi’s in Lafayette is presenting a dinner/ concert tonight with pianist Scott Martin, singer Amy Biondo and guitarist Matt Fuller. . . . Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner plays Jazz@Jacks on Thursday. . . . Lynn Skinner sings, and Bob Schlesinger plays piano at Copper Field’s Events Chateau on Saturday. . . . Pianist and singer Bob Dorough (remember those “Schoolhouse Rock!” cartoons? He was that guy) is scheduled for two nights at Dazzle, Feb. 19-20. . . . Paul Riola‘s excellent (and experimental) Bottesini Project appears with the groups Aenka and 3ology at the Mercury Cafe on Feb. 21. . . . A couple of additions to the already stunning lineup of concerts for the next couple of months: Pianist George Winston at the Boulder Theater on April 11, and guitarist John Scofield brings his new Piety Street band to the Boulder Theater on April 29.
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
