This Week in Jazz
Esther Williams and Davey Yarborough |
>> Fiery trumpeter and Latin jazz legend Arturo Sandoval begins a four night stint at Blues Alley on Thursday. Few instrumentalists can claim his level of technical mastery and its sure to be on display all weekend. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Advance purchase required.
>> On Friday, the Millennium Stage hosts Venezuelan pianist Leo Blanco, who blends South American, Middle Eastern, and African rhythms into his eclectic jazz style. 6 p.m. Free
>> Jazz vocalist and 2007 Wammie winner Esther Williams leads a fine group of local musicians this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. Her band includes her husband, saxophonist Davey Yarborough, pianist Jon Ozment, bassist Wes Biles, and drummer Francis Thompson. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Baltimore based guitarist Mark Mosely sets up shop this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. His band will feature a stellar group of local musicians including bassist Ameen Saleem and drummer Greg Holloway, along with special guest saxophonist Dave Schitter. Tickets are $16.
>> Piano whiz Eric Lewis comes to HR-57 this Friday and Saturday. The music runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15
Matt Grason |
>> Unbuckled 7 alums Motel, the jazz/hip-hop collective led by bassist Matt Grason, pay a visit to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday. 10 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Guitarist and Three Stars alum Anthony Pirog brings his boundary crossing sound to Bossa on Monday night. 10 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Next Monday, avant-garde Three Stars alums the Mancuso-Suzda Project will be playing Blues Alley in support of their recently released debut, Lines. This show will be extra special because it not only features new electronic compositions (where else will you see an electric amplified cactus!), but also coincides with saxophonist Jeff Suzda's birthday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 +$12.50 minimum and surcharge.
>> Head over to Bohemian Caverns next Tuesday to check out the Duology Band, featuring special guests MC Christylez and others. 9 p.m. $5
>> In the 1970s, the Bay Area was home to a funky brand of jazz, led by Tower of Power, that remembered that dance music and improvisation are not mutually exclusive. On Tuesday, a band comprised of that era's veterans will be coming to Blues Alley in the form of East Bay Soul. Trumpeter Greg Perry leads the 12 piece band, which features sax legend Tom Scott and others. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $43 +$12.50 minimum/surcharge.