Master clarinetist-saxophonist and composer Don Byron moved to Denver in 2015 in order to take a faculty position with Metro State University’s Department of Music. Those with even a passing familiarity of his numerous acclaimed recordings and honors will know that his presence is a major addition to the city’s ever-growing jazz and creative music community.
“I think the people (in Colorado) are great,” the New York native told me in advance of his shows at DazzleJazz on Friday. “I’ve really connected with the mountains and nature. My goal on the weekend is to get to the mountains — me and my mountain bike — at least until the temperature goes below 50 degrees.”
Byron is highly regarded for his stylistic versatility. A perusal of the list of albums issued under his own name includes tributes to mid-20th century Klezmer comedian Mickey Katz, R&B saxophonist Junior Walker and the Great American Songbook (“Ivey-Divey,” from 2004, where he successfully engages with kindred spirits Jack DeJohnette and Jason Moran). There are few musicians one could compare Byron to directly, but pianist Herbie Hancock, known for his own adventurous twists and turns, might apply.
“Unlike Herbie, I play clarinet,” Byron said. “You can’t play jazz clarinet without playing classical music. It’s a complicated instrument, and there are a lot of peculiarities in the fingering system. Anyone who plays decent jazz clarinet studied classical. I know I created a lot of cognitive dissonance because of my ability to do different things. I played with (jazz artist) Steve Coleman and (rock guitarist) Vernon Reid. I also play Bartok and solo and chamber music.” (The latest recording associated with Byron presents him solely as a composer, for the MIT Wind Ensemble and Festival Jazz Ensemble.)
It does, however, beg this question: What will we hear at DazzleJazz?
“We’re going to play the kind of (jazz) quartet music that I usually play — mainly things that I wrote, and I always play some (Afro-jazz pioneer) Guy Warren. I’ll probably sing some Hank Williams!” Don’t be surprised if he does.
(Don Byron Quartet, 7 and 9 p.m., Friday, DazzleJazz, 930 Lincoln St. $15. Get tickets through .)
The Colorado Springs Jazz Party wraps up at the Antlers Hilton on Sunday, featuring vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, saxophonist Harry Allen and numerous other keepers of the traditional jazz flame. The Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra appears at the New Climax Lounge on Monday. The hugely influential Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour makes a rare Colorado appearance at the Boulder Theater on Wednesday. The Colleen Clark Collective, led by the drummer of the same name, plays Wednesday and Thursday at Nocturne. Thirteen-year-old Indonesian piano prodigy Joey Alexander appears with his trio for two sets at Dazzle on Saturday . He’s creating quite a stir wherever he plays, and his technique is undeniable. The underrated pianist Monty Alexander appears at DazzleJazz on Nov. 11.
Bret Saunders can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekday mornings at KBCO 97.3 FM and . bretsaunders@kbco.com.
