This Week in Jazz
>> Tonight, check out bassist/composer Howard Britz as he brings his repertoire of original post-bop compositions to Twins Jazz. Call (202) 234-0072 for set times and cover information.
>> This week's first of many must see shows takes place at GW's Lisner Auditorium on Thursday as The Global Drum Project (pictured) takes the stage. Comprised of four percussionists hailing from very different musical traditions, the ensemble features Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, tabla master Zakir Hussein, Latin whirlwind Giovanni Hidalgo, and Nigerian native Sikiru Adepoju. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are available here. $25-$45 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> Also on Thursday, Twins Jazz hosts saxophonist Kidd Jordan, who has played with artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Ornette Coleman, Archie Shepp, and Sun Ra. Call (202) 234-0072 for details.
>> If you are looking for something more traditional this weekend, stop by Blues Alley to check out N'awlins legend Dr. John as he comes to town on Thursday for a four night stand. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and tickets are available here. $50 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Fans of avant-garde jazz should head down to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday as saxophonist David Bond leads a group of first class local musicians in a tribute to Sun Ra and Ornette Coleman. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets are $20.
Image from Global Drum Project's website
>> Our second pick of the week is Friday's performance by legendary saxophonist Oliver Lake. This marks Lake's Kennedy Center debut and he will perform with his quintet, featuring the Hammond B-3, drums, trumpet, and DJ. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it's always worth contacting the box office for cancellations.
>> The music keeps on coming as Ravi Shankar, the most celebrated Indian classical musician in the world, visits the Kennedy Center along with his daughter, Anoushka (pictured left). We reviewed the younger Shankar's most recent release, but this afternoon will see a performance of traditional Hindustani classical music. Tickets are $35-$75. 4 p.m.
>> Those who like the smoother side of jazz should head down to The Birchmere on Saturday night to hear Hiroshima. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $35 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> There is a slew of great music on Sunday night, beginning with 70s jazz-funk legends Tower of Power at The Birchmere for a 7:30 p.m. set. Tickets are $45 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> Our final must see of the week also takes place on Sunday as Dee Dee Bridgewater (pictured right) comes to the Kennedy Center. In search of her roots, Bridgewater made a trip to West Africa, where she fell in love with the Malian music and culture. She ended up recording an album, titled Red Earth, with a group of local musicians, seven of whom will be joining her trio for this very special concert. Tickets are $20-$45. 7 p.m.
>> Sunday night also brings some less expensive options for jazz lovers out there. Local guitarist Dan Leonard will be hosting a CD release event at 9:30 p.m. at Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call (202) 667-0088 for cover information. Down on U Street at Twins Jazz, three ensembles affiliated with the jazz program at the University of Maryland will perform a tribute to the great Miles Davis. Call (202) 234-0072 for details.
>> On Monday, a prodigal son returns as versatile guitarist Joel Harrison, a D.C. native and current resident of the Big Apple, comes to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $20 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> To continue on the student tip, an ensemble from the Berklee College of Music visits Blues Alley on Tuesday. Tickets are $18 + $10 food/drink minimum. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets.
Images taken from artist websites