This Week in Jazz
Pianist Allyn Johnson, who will be directing the Washington Jazz Orchestra at Sunday's People's Inaugural Jazz Concert |
>> One of the world's finest guitarists, Al Di Meola, will perform tonight at the Barns of Wolf Trap. His live set will heavily integrate selections from his most recent release, Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, Volume I, Music of Astor Piazzolla, a tribute to the tango master. Tickets to the 8 p.m. set are $35.
>> Continuing our guitar theme, another flamenco influenced performance will take place tonight at the 9:30 Club. Strunz & Farah is a guitar duo specializing in fusing Latin and Middle Eastern music with a contemporary jazz sound. If it's half as good as another guitar duo we covered, it will be well worth the price of admission. 7 p.m. doors. $25
>> Many a jazz musician has been influenced by the rhythms and melodies of Indian classical music. Thursday night is your chance to go to the source. The The Textile Museum presents an evening of music played on the sitar and surbahar by husband and wife duo Brian Q. Silver and Shubha Sankaran. 6:30 p.m. $20
>> A group of local mainstays will help Jazz Night in Southwest celebrate it's 10th Anniversary on Friday. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Blues Alley's Latin Jazz series continues this week, the highlight of which is a three night stand by Brazillian percussion legend Airto Moreira. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets, which take place Friday through Sunday, are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Twins Jazz hosts the local scene's most extensive inaugural celebration. Running from January 16 to January 24, the concert series will feature many of the east coast's best, including pianist Larry Willis, saxophonists Brian Settles and Brad Linde, as well as greats Tim Warfield and Oliver Lake. Full lineup and tickets are available here.
>> Grammy award winning tenor saxophonist David Murray, and Music Minister Dr. C. Anthony Bush (drums) will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday. In a quartet, David Murray will be performing songs of faith, hope and love including: original compositions by David Murray, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Don Pullen, and C. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. sets are $25.
>> Among the more notable jazz related inauguration events is The People's Inaugural Jazz Concert on Sunday at the venerable Lincoln Theatre. The performance will feature the Washington Jazz Orchestra under the direction of piano wiz Allyn Johnson, along with very special guests George Duke and vocalist Vanessa Rubin. The orchestra will include Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje along with many of the area's finest. 8 p.m. $75
>> We've long been impressed by the talents of chanteuse Melody Gardot. The singer-songwriter will be featured at shows on Monday and Tuesday at the inaugural celebration hosted by Proof. The venue will also feature D.C. native Alice Smith for a performance on Sunday. Visit the web site for a complete schedule. Tickets are $40.