This month, some lesser-known (but musically very solid) names are playing at Denver-area venues. They all show distinct promise for the future of jazz. Is the music dying? Not by a long shot.
is a lush, mildly exploratory unit that reflects the creations of the pianist Sosa. Born in Cuba but finding himself in San Francisco at a relatively young age, Sosa’s approach to the piano is relaxing. His band’s latest CD, “Eggun,” was conceived as a sort of tribute to Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue,” more so in terms of the use of modal jazz and the moods expressed than covers of the tunes on that monumental 1959 album.
Joining Sosa at the on Nov. 7 are trumpeter Joo Kraus and saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum, both veterans of the world music community. Together, these varied performers should create the right kind of tension to further open up the themes from “Eggun” in a live setting. The Mount Vernon Country Club offers dinner with the concert for $49.95 per person, or the concert only for $25. .
Bassist Ben Allison has released a number of critically admired recordings in the past decade, but the New Yorker has never gotten around to bringing a band to Colorado. His , promoting the release of a CD that consists of a multi-layered, futuristic set of compositions, “The Stars Look Very Different Today.” Allison took the title from the lyrics of the anxiety-inducing David Bowie song, “Space Oddity,” and the music on “Stars” can also put you on edge. It’s sci-fi jazz that’s audacious enough to allow a banjo to float by before the listener gets sucked into a black hole of tape loops.
The overall effect of “Stars” is that of soundtrack music, but you have to supply your own imagery. Allison is certainly on to something here, and bandmate/drummer Allison Miller is doing some exciting things these days. If you’re looking for something to challenge your ear, this is the band for you. Two shows both days; $20. .
Finally, the forceful 22-year old pianist Ai Kuwabara seems to have a remarkably encyclopedic knowledge of her elders. With speed and seeming ease, she can remind you of Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea, often at the same time. Kuwabara brings her Trio Project to Denver Nov. 18. Her trio, with bassist Yusuke Morita and drummer Shintaro Imamura, is airtight. The free concert will take place at the at 7:30. Even the parking will be free that night. So, how can you lose?
Set list: Some promising shows at Dazzle: guitarist Leni Stern’s African Trio on Nov. 4 and keyboardist Larry Goldings and Convergence on Nov. 7 and 8.
Bret Saunders hosts the KBCO Morning Show at 97.3-FM, 6 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday: BretSaunders@KBCO.com
