This Week in Jazz
Chuchito Valdes |
>> Smooth jazz supergroup Pieces of a Dream comes to town tonight for the start of a five night stand at Blues Alley. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Every year, NPR and the Kennedy Center team up to present A Jazz Piano Christmas, which brings the best pianists in jazz to perform their favorite holiday songs. This year's show, taking place on Thursday, will feature Eliane Elias, Ellis Marsalis, and others. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are $40.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest presents the "Wailin' Mailman" himself, the legendary Buck Hill on Friday. His band will include some of the area's best, including pianist Jon Ozment. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> The historic Bohemian Caverns will be featuring some excellent local musicians this weekend. On Friday, trombonist and Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje will lead a group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets while trumpeter DeAndre Schaifer does the same on Saturday. Tickets are $15.
>> Chuchito Valdes, son of Cuban piano legend Chucho Valdes and 2007 Latin Grammy nominee for Best Latin Jazz album, will be playing must see sets this Friday and Saturday at HR-57. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20
>> Baltimore based chanteuse Tamm E. Hunt has shared the stage with many respected musicians and will be leading her own group on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> If there's a band that defies genre, while at the same time being worthy of wider recognition, it's The Lee Boys. Their music is rooted in gospel, but is infused with R&B, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country, and international flavors. They will be at the State Theater on Sunday night. 8 p.m. $12
>> On Monday, up-and-coming New York based guitarist Jostein Gulbrandsen will be at Blues Alley for a performance sponsored by the Embassy of Norway, his native country. Accompanying him will be a local rhythm section of bassist Matt Grason and drummer Larry Ferguson. Stay tuned for a full preview later this week. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Next Tuesday, The Capitol Bones, an all-brass big band comprised of current and former members of many of the area's fine military bands, will present it's annual Christmas concert that features the music of big band legend Stan Kenton. Tickets to the Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Also on Tuesday, The Fourth Stream, a group specializing in improvisational music with an international flair, will perform at Bohemian Caverns. The group includes Unbuckled 7 alum Matt Grason and Three Stars alum John Lee. 8:30 p.m., $5.