Excellent live musicianship is coming to Denver and Boulder stages in June, and here’s a pair of “can’t-miss” shows:
Jason Moran, Baur’s Listening Lounge, June 14: Moran is simply one of the most exciting and celebrated pianists to emerge in the past 20 years. His charismatic approach to the history of jazz, as recently demonstrated on “All Rise: A Joyful Elegy For Fats Waller” (Blue Note) enthusiastically updated Waller’s repertoire for 21st- century listeners. As enjoyable as Moran’s efforts as a bandleader can be, I prefer the voyages of his solo work, which will be on display for these two concerts. He is a rare musician who can merge pyrotechnics with heart, and can instill a genuine sense of fun into jazz while remaining respectful of his mentors. Shows at 4 and 7 p.m., tickets $30-60. Baur’s, 1512 Curtis St. .
John Scofield Quartet With John Medeski, Boulder Theater, June 18: Along with Bill Frisell, John Scofield has to be the most tireless electric guitarist, not just in jazz, but in all of contemporary music. His gritty, blues-inflected sound has graced countless recordings going back to his sideman days with Miles Davis, and he tours 200-plus days per year. In addition to his trio work, he’s recently collaborated with the jam band Gov’t Mule, saxophonist Joe Lovano and beloved organ trio Medeski Martin and Wood. For this Boulder show, he will have keyboardist John Medeski on board, for what should be an evening of heady exchanges. (By the way, anyone concerned about the demise of Medeski Martin and Wood should take note that they will be performing at the Fillmore on June 30.) 7 and 8 p.m., tickets $30-40. 2032 14th Street, Boulder. .
Also in June: vocalist Selina Albright plays Denver’s City Park Jazz on June 7, and pianist Annie Booth’s Quartet performs there on June 14. Both performances are free. Speaking of free concerts, the annual Estes Park Jazz Fest & Art Walk is scheduled for June 6-7, featuring outdoor shows with the United States Air Force Academy Falconaires, the Ken Walker Sextet, Nelson Rangell and Conjunto Colores. Details are at ; organist Booker T. Jones, he of the historic Stax Records’ Booker T. & The M.G.’s, appears at the Soiled Dove Underground on June 12, and smooth saxophonist Boney James will perform there on June 18; a tribute to recently departed trumpet great Clark Terry will take place at Nocturne on June 7; at Dazzle, Mike Abbott presents a “Grant Green 80th Birthday Celebration” on June 6, and creative drummer Scott Amendola brings his quartet to the same stage on June 12; Jazz Aspen Snowmass presents the Count Basie Orchestra with vocalists Kurt Elling and Roberta Gambarini and saxophonist Maceo Parker at Aspen’s Benedict Music Tent on June 26. Get tickets and lodging at
Bret Saunders can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays at KBCO 97.3 FM and . bretsaunders@kbco.com
