This Week in Jazz
Allen Toussaint |
>> Otis Taylor's music is rooted in the traditional blues, but he infuses it with an Appalachian feel, often performing on the banjo or cello. This unique sound comes to Blues Alley tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Talented vocalist and D.C. native Andrea Wood performs on Thursday at Twins jazz. The Ellington grad has performed at notable venues throughout the city and is now studying music at Michigan State. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> WAR is best known for classic rock staples like "Low Rider", which have led to the band's selling over 50 million albums over the course of its career. The band continues to tour and on Thursday begins a four night stand at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $45 (Thurs/Sun) or $50 (Fri/Sat) + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Three Stars alums The Oscillators bring their fusion grooves to Comet Ping Pong this Friday from 10 p.m to 12 a.m. Members of the group include Three Stars alums John Lee and Matt Rippetoe. No cover
>> The Kennedy Center is the place to be on Friday, where it will play host to The Keys to New Orleans, a concert featuring three Crescent City music legends, Allen Toussaint, Henry Butler, and Jon Cleary, in a special tribute to the great American city. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $30.
>> The Saltman-Knowles Quartet performs jazz that is tuneful and accessible, but does not sacrifice first rate musicianship. They will bring their tasteful sound to HR-57 this Friday and Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12.
>> Saxophonist Salim Washington incorporates a number of influences into his music, which can range from gritty funk to the avant garde. He will be leading a group this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Fans of the trombone should also consider going because versatile trombonist Kumbaa Frank Lacy will be part of the ensemble. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
Cassandra Wilson |
>> For our money, Cassandra Wilson is the finest jazz vocalist of her generation. She blew us away last year at The Birchmere, and will no doubt deliver an equally impressive performance on Saturday at The Warner Theater. 8 p.m. $40-$58
>> Saxophonist Javon Jackson and pianist Les McCann team up at the Kennedy Center to perform a concert that revisits McCann's 1969 classic, Swiss Movement, which was recently re-released. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it's worth contacting the box office for cancellations.
>> Saxophonist Cam Collins, a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Band, is a relative newcomer to the District's jazz scene, but seems like someone to keep an eye on. He will lead a group on Sunday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Vocalist Alyssa Graham has been making waves and garnering rave reviews with the release of her latest album, Echo. The rising chanteuse brings her silky voice to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Chaise Lounge is a local band that plays a mix of originals and covers that evoke the swing and lounge music of the 50s and 60s. These veterans of the Lilith Fair and H.O.R.D.E. tours will be performing 8 and 10 p.m. on Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
Note: Sriram Gopal is going on vacation for two weeks. This Week in Jazz will return on Nov. 26.