“This is a celebration!,” Thad Wilson (pictured) cheered during his jazz orchestra’s first set on Friday night at Bohemian Caverns. The ensemble was at the club celebrating its 10th anniversary as D.C.’s only regularly working, homegrown big band. Though the music was loose, as this lineup does not perform together regularly, but a note-perfect performance was not necessarily the goal of the night. Wilson’s hope was simply to acknowledge and share ten years of memories…
One need not dig too deep into our city’s jazz scene before coming across the name Thad Wilson. Since coming to D.C. in 1997, Wilson has become a mainstay in the jazz clubs of U Street and beyond by consistently performing with passion, intensity, and consummate artistry in a variety of settings. In addition to his own considerable abilities, his groups feature some of the finest players in the D.C. area. A native of…
>> One of the biggest names in smooth jazz, altoist David Sanborn, begins a five night stint at Blues Alley tonight with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. >> Our first must see of the week takes place at Twins Jazz, where the club will feature three ensembles under the direction of local saxophonist Brad Linde. The University of Maryland Jazz Chamber Ensemble will play the first set…
>> Our first item this week has absolutely nothing to do with jazz but it’s just too noteworthy not to mention. This week, The Millennium Stage hosts the 2007 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships. Tonight through Sunday, each free 6 p.m. concert will showcase a different internationally renowned accordion ensemble. Admit it, you’re curious. >> As we told you yesterday, trumpeter Terence Blanchard will be celebrating the release of his new album with a four…
>> Of course, this week’s big event is the Congressional Blues Festival, which we told you about yesterday. We’ll keep you posted on how it goes, but it should be a fabulous show. The lineup features The Derek Trucks Band, Sweet Betty, Mudcat, and Adolphus Bell. >> Every Thursday, the Thad Wilson Trio plays at Jojo’s on U Street. The trumpet/bass/drums trio has an extensive repetoire of standards and occasionally breaks out more adventurous material….
