It happens a couple of times a year: The Denver/Boulder area rivals New York for a week or so when it comes to the best jazz musicians in the world showing up to play. Why January? I’m not sure, but with a lineup like this, it’s better not to question and just take it in.
Here goes:
Eliot Fisk and Bill Frisell, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Jan. 21: Here’s a must-attend show for guitar geeks. Fisk is a true virtuoso of the acoustic guitar in the classical field who can play fast and flawlessly. Frisell grew up in Colorado and has gone on to be one of the most expressive players in recent times. He can embody the lonely sound of the open range and follow that up with zany effects that are the product of a fertile imagination. The duo will perform music from Bach, Berio, Gershwin and Frisell himself. This clever project likely has as much creative potential as any other in Denver this year. $32-48. Find out more at 303-871-7720.
Joshua Redman Trio, Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, Jan. 23: When the tenor saxophonist appeared on the national stage in the early ’90s, he was greeted with the hype that he was something like the savior of jazz. Redman was flashy and stylish and even had an innovator (saxophonist Dewey Redman) for a father. Years after the mainstream accolades have softened, we are left with an inventive and often stellar player who draws inspiration from much of the saxophone tradition. Sonny Rollins has surfaced as a major influence in recent years, and Redman’s latest discs, “Back East” from 2007 and last years’ “Compass” are ambitious, fully formed albums like the masters used to make in the glory days of the Blue Note and Riverside labels. And it’s always invigorating to hear top-shelf acoustic jazz played in a space like CU’s Macky Auditorium. Tickets are $33-$50. Get more information at , or call 303-492-8423.
M.F. Production’s Latin Jazz All Stars, Mount Vernon Country Club, Jan. 27: The term “All Stars” really lives up to its name this time. Trombonist Steve Turre has what is likely the most familiar face, as he has appeared with the house band for “Saturday Night Live” and is a magnificent improvisor who has worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Ray Charles. Turre is also a premier seashell player. Percussionist Pete Escovedo is a tireless force and Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi plays in the stratospheric range. Also in the band: Chembo Corneil on congas, bassist Yunior Terry, pianist Benito Gonzalez and drummer Diego Lopez. Dinner will be available with the concert for $47.95, or $20 for just the music. Get tickets at .
Rene Marie closes. Vocalist Rene Marie wraps up her weekend stand at Dazzle tonight. . . . Dotsero returns to Jazz@Jack’s on Friday and Saturday. . . . Colorado’s Quemando plays a “Salsa Fiesta” at the Boulder Theater on Jan. 21. . . . Pianist Jacky Terrasson doesn’t play in Denver often enough, but he’ll appear at Dazzle for two nights, Jan. 20-21. . . . The much-loved trio Medeski Martin and Wood is scheduled for March 4 at the Boulder Theater.
