Live music is picking up around D.C. after the cursory holiday break and then the recovery period known as January. If you’re ready to come out of hibernation to see some jazz or international music, this month offers a variety of options, including a much loved local festival and several world-class acts coming through town.
If you only catch one show this month:
MID-ATLANTIC JAZZ FESTIVAL: This annual event, under the direction of area saxophonist and educator Paul Carr, rose from the ashes of the East Coast Jazz Festival after the passing of its founder, Ronnie Wells. Carr brought some welcome changes, including expanding the variety of music presented at the festival. He also maintained those elements that gave the East Coast Jazz Festival its charm, notably the focus on student and up-and-coming musicians who gain experience performing in a festival setting. This year’s MAJF boasts a number of excellent performers, including trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, percussionist Fran Vielma, and drummer Dennis Chambers. Local headliners on the festival’s side stages include saxophonists Davey Yarborough and Elijah Balbed, and vocalist Maija Rejman. (Feb. 17-19 at the Hilton Washington/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center; visit the festival website for ticket packages)
If you want to see local talent:
JAZZ ORGAN: The Hammond B3 organ has a rich legacy in jazz, cemented by musicians like Jimmy Smith, Lonnie Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others. Greg Lamont honors this tradition in a setting that is perfect for this soulful instrument. (Feb. 3 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6-9 p.m.; $10 at the door)
WIFE & HUSBAND: Brian Settles and Jessica Boykin-Settles met in 1991 as high school students at Duke Ellington School Of The Arts. Along with eventually getting married, each has become an important voice in the local jazz community. Brian Settles is a first-call saxophonist with two critically acclaimed albums under his belt. Boykin-Settles is a faculty member at Howard University’s respected jazz program. The two will co-lead a quintet with a selection of songs assembled in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. (Feb. 13 at Blues Alley, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets; $25 + minimum/surcharge)
ALL ABOUT THAT BASS: Phil Ravita is at home in both jazz and classical settings, having held the principal bass chair in the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra and the Trinity Chamber Orchestra. His combo, Ravita Jazz, performs a mix of standards and original songs and features Ravita on both upright and electric bass. (Feb. 18 at Takoma Station, 7-10 p.m.; $15 in advance/$20 at the door)
UP-AND-COMER: Shami Beni, like many artists of his generation, wears many hats. In addition to playing saxophone, he is a dedicated public school teacher and, for good measure, a podcaster. The Harrisburg native is starting to make a name for himself here in D.C. and will likely become a familiar face in local clubs. (Feb. 18 at Mr. Henry’s, 8-11 p.m.; $20 + food/drink minimum)
If you want to see acts coming through town:
HERSCH & SPALDING: Fred Hersch’s elegant approach to the piano results in consistently sublime music over a career that spans over 45 years. Esperanza Spalding rose to prominence in the mid-aughts, when she was barely in her 20s, and was arguably the first bona fide jazz star of the 21st century. Hersch and Spalding teamed up to release a live album, Alive At The Village Vanguard, in which the duo goes from intimacy to adventurousness, and back again. They come to D.C. to perform their blend of classic American and Brazilian standards alongside original compositions. (Feb. 1 & 2 at The Kennedy Center, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets; $45-$79)
ECO JAZZ: Drummer/composer Allison Miller is an area native who has made her way to the top of New York’s competitive jazz scene. She returns to the D.C. area to present Rivers In Our Veins, a multimedia presentation exploring the ecological and cultural life of the James, Delaware, Potomac, Hudson, and Susquehanna Rivers. Miller’s collaborators include her working band, Boom Tic Boom, tap dancer Claudia Rahardjanoto, and video designer Todd Winkler. Miller will also be on hand to deliver a pre-concert lecture (RSVP required). (Feb. 10 at The Music Center At Strathmore, 8 p.m.; $28-$58)
CLASSIC TUNES: Loston Harris began his career as primarily an instrumentalist, with early recordings that highlight his formidable piano skills. He has since shifted to showcasing his voice, developing a style in the tradition of Nat King Cole. On his latest album, Swingfully Yours, Harris explores the Great American Songbook, highlighting tunes by the likes of Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and Sammy Cahn. Harris comes to the area as part of a trio that includes Gianluca Renzi (bass) and Mike Lee (tenor saxophone). (Feb. 16 at AMP, 8 p.m.; $25-$45)
NEW YORK MEETS D.C.: Corcoran Holt plays bass internationally, and is now based out of New York after spending his formative years in D.C. He has been using his NYC connections to bring some monster players to local venues, and will co-lead a quartet with ace trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. (Feb. 25 at Takoma Station, 7-10 p.m.; $25)
If you want to get out of your comfort zone:
ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE: PercussionistKahil El’Zabar formerly chaired the internationally acclaimed Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians and has performed all over the world with his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. This iteration of the group features trumpeter Corey Wilkes and baritone saxophonist Alex Harding. This performance is the latest collaboration between El’Zabar and local event producer, Transparent Productions, which has brought the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble to D.C. every year since 1997 in celebration of Black History Month. (Feb. 6 at Rhizome, 7 p.m.; $20)
HUMAN RITES TRIO: Violinist Jason Kao Hwang’s music lies at the intersection of classical music and jazz, but drawing from the more experimental side of each form. This trio includes Hwang along with longtime partners Andrew Drury (percussion) and Ken Filiano (bass), with pieces that interweave composed melodies and free improvisation. (Feb. 19 at Rhizome, 7 p.m.; $20)
If you’re in search of global sounds:
KLEZMER NIGHT: TheBoston-based Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band has played some of the world’s fanciest concert halls, but they feel right at home bringing the party to small bars and clubs. The band will come to Adams Morgan for an early show. (Feb. 17 at Bossa Bistro + Lounge, 7:30 p.m.; $10 at the door)
AFRICAN-SOUTH AMERICAN CONNECTION: Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda joined forces with South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathinito create Routes Of Discovery, a sonic conversation that establishes connections between their respective communities. Their music combines a complex rhythmic foundation with strong melodies and a sophisticated harmonic structure. (Feb. 23 at The Kennedy Center; $20-$35)
LATIN JAZZ LEGEND: Arturo Sandoval was one of the most prominent musicians in Afro-Cuban music even before he defected from Cuba in the late 1980s. Barack Obama awarded the trumpeter the Presidential Medal Of Freedom in 2013, an honor that sits above ten Grammys and numerous other accolades. He brings his infectious sound to D.C. for a weekend run. (Feb. 24 & 25 at The Carlyle Room, 7 and 9:15 p.m. sets; $58 + food/drink minimum)
