In the aftermath of the horrific earthquake in Haiti, musicians and artists all over are assembling benefits to help out with the relief effort. Several Denver jazz performers will appear at Dazzle tonight under the banner of the “Jazz Jam for Haiti” to benefit the American Red Cross.
“As a musician, sometimes it’s hard to be a humanitarian, as well, because we’re doing our own thing,” says Dazzle music manager Steve Denny, who is putting together tonight’s jam session with the club’s general manager, Donald Rossa. “This is a chance for us to use our gifts to benefit others.”
When the word went out this past week that this event would be taking place, numerous locals contacted Denny, who was busy trying to find space for everyone who wants to be involved.
It’s a small effort in the scope of things, but it serves as an opportunity for local artists to do something when they might feel helpless as the grim news continues to flow from Haiti.
“It’s the magnitude and enormity of this tragedy. What an impoverished nation Haiti is,” Denny said. “This was the last thing that they needed.”
In December, the tiny Harte Recordings label released the exquisite 10 CD box, “Alan Lomax in Haiti — Recordings From the Library of Congress,” which is a mesmerizing tour of the beautiful and strange scope of 1930s Haitian music. The set serves as a reminder of that country’s haunting musical heritage and resonates differently today than it did when it was released.
Expect an urgency and affection from tonight’s performances, which should bring out the best in the giving nature of Denver’s improvising artists.
(Jazz Jam for Haiti, 6-9 tonight, Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge, 930 Lincoln St. Minimum donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the International Relief Fund of the American Red Cross. Call 303-839-5100. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments. The Manuel Lopez Latin All-Stars will perform an additional benefit for the American Red Cross at 9 p.m. for a $10 donation.)
Set list.
Pianist Joe Bonner plays solo at the Mercury Cafe tonight. . . . the Jazzmatazz Lounge (1612 E. 17th Ave.) continues to stage fine local talent such as the Billy Wallace Quartet on Saturday. . . . banjo hero Bela Fleck has taken up with a challenging crew of African musicians, and he brings his group to the Boulder Theater on Feb. 8. . . . is Tom Harrell the world’s most accomplished mainstream trumpeter? He’s never received the acclaim of Wynton Marsalis, but his flights of inspiration can be just as thrilling and emotionally charged. He’ll take up a four-night residency at Dazzle Feb. 9-12. . . . Mount Vernon Country Club presents vocalist Sachal Vasandani on Feb. 17. . . . the Luna Negra Dance Theater teams up with the Turtle Island Quartet and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera at CU’s Macky Auditorium on Feb. 28. . . . even more internationally flavored music emanates from the Boulder Theater on March 7 with tabla player Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion.
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
