A few sonically rousing acts are making their way through Denver in the next couple of weeks.
The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey has been through numerous lineup changes in its 20-year existence, but has always maintained its core identity of upbeat experimentalism. The trio is releasing a new collection on Oct. 14, “Worker,” which consists of satisfying tracks of rapid-fire electronic blips and electric piano flourishes pitted against guitar and drums. Make no mistake, though, it’s “jazz” (or “jazz-rock,” anyway) in the tradition of Herbie Hancock’s 1970s excursions that maintains the personality quirks of the group’s members. Keyboardist Brian Haas, guitarist Chris Combs and drummer Josh Raymer, who make up the JFJO’s current lineup, play two nights at Dazzle, Oct. 16-17.
Imagine being a young saxophonist, enthralled by the music of John Coltrane, and being hired by Coltrane’s longtime drummer to play saxophone in that drummer’s (Elvin Jones’) group. That’s what happened to soprano master (and NEA Jazz Master) David Liebman early in his career. More than 40 years later, he has racked up credits with Miles Davis, Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner as well as a stellar bandleader’s résumé with countless record and live dates. Liebman continues his musical journey by continually challenging himself, and he’s assembled a new band of young musicians, called Expansions. There’s a new CD, “Samsara,” and the group is touring both coasts with a single stop in the middle of the U.S., at Dazzle, Oct. 23-24. Get more information at .
Pianist Jacky Terrasson will bring his trio to the Mount Vernon Country Club on Oct. 23. Terrasson is a particularly sensitive keyboardist who can seemingly channel the spirits of Bud Powell and Bill Evans. Terrasson was the recipient of the esteemed Thelonious Monk award in 1993, and he’s made good on his promise by developing into a virtuoso pianist. He doesn’t perform in Colorado very often, so this performance shouldn’t be missed. The Mount Vernon Country Club offers up a dinner option before the concert. Find out more at .
Also of interest: the Neil Bridge Rhythm Express will play Nissi’s in Lafayette on Oct. 12; Freddy Rodriguez appears at the legendary El Chapultepec on Oct. 15 and 16; saxophonist and James Brown sideman Maceo Parker brings his blend of jazz and soul to the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins on Oct. 18, followed by an appearance at Denver’s Cervantes’ Masterpiece on Oct. 19; the accomplished vocalist Cyrille Aimee will appear at Dazzle Oct. 21-22; as the 70th anniversary of the disappearance of bandleader-trombonist-CU alumnus Glenn Miller approaches, the Glenn Miller Orchestra plays the Paramount Theatre Oct. 25.
Bret Saunders can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekday mornings at KBCO 97.3 FM and . Contact bretsaunders@kbco.com.
