The role of the violin in jazz has been limited, and that’s unfortunate. One could argue the instrument comes as close to capturing many characteristics of the human voice just as well as the omnipresent saxophone. There have been some magnificent practitioners on the violin throughout the music’s history, from the swing-era glories of Stuff Smith to the forward-moving explorations of Billy Bang. Nonetheless, it rarely takes center stage in the music. Regina Carter is one of those artists, however, who has proven time and again that there is a place for the violin on the jazz stage.
Carter, who brings her “Southern Comfort” quintet to Dazzle on Feb. 23-24, has never been content to merely bring her considerable virtuosity to the music. Through an accomplished series of recordings, she has explored the roots of American music, tracing back to the sounds of her hometown of Detroit to folk and gospel of the rural U.S. South as well as Africa. Carter has brought warmth and authenticity to all of her projects, and she’s one of a handful of contemporary performers whose music easily could be enjoyed by anyone interested in the “Americana” genre of sounds as well as appealing to jazz fans. Tickets for the 6 and 8 p.m. shows both nights are $35. Get details at .
Bassist Eddie Gomez is one of the few historically significant jazz bassists of the ’60s who is still actively performing. His resume is stunning: He has anchored Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Benny Goodman and Tony Williams and, most visibly, has been an important participant in celebrated trios for pianists Bill Evans and Chick Corea. Gomez’s sensitive approach helped to gently push Evans to some of his most lovely, meditative playing, as well as some of Corea’s more emotionally open performances.
Gomez’s current working trio includes drummer Ed Soph and pianist Stefan Karlsson, and the band will perform March 2-3 at Nocturne, one of Denver’s newest live music hot spots. Gomez and his cohorts should investigate the mysteries of the Great American Songbook elegantly, and it’s indeed rare to get to experience a giant of his stature in such an intimate atmosphere. The shows take place at 7:30 p.m., and tickets range from $29-$280. Get information though .
Shows: The unjustly under-recognized pianist Hal Galper brings his trio to Dazzle on Feb. 21, and the Neil Bridge 7 With Karen Lee will appear at the Bull & Bush Pub & Brewery the same night. Guitarist Bill Frisell brings his “When You Wish Upon A Star” project with vocalist Petra Haden to the Oriental Theater on Feb. 24. Guitar genius Pat Martino plays the Mount Vernon Country Club on Feb. 25. Singer Kurt Elling arrives at Dazzle with his quintet Feb. 25-26. Kneebody and Daedelus collaborate at the Oriental Theater on Feb. 27. The emerging trumpeter Sean Jones and his quartet play the Lakewood Cultural Center March 5.
Bret Saunders can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekday mornings at KBCO 97.3 FM and . bretsaunders@kbco.com.
