Jazz is in full swing as we near the autumn season. Marked by a special homecoming and a visit from one of the best female jazz vocalists on the jazz scene. And, the reunion of some of the best local talent offers up inspiring original music. The calendar of jazz this week is like the return of the heat – hot!
Spyro Gyra, since its’ origins on Congress Street on the West Side of Buffalo approximately forty years ago, went on to be one of the most popular jazz fusion and smooth jazz bands of the past four decades. The band produced thirty plus albums in this time span. Winning Grammy nominations and awards along the way. Most notably, collecting Grammy’s in the 1980’s. Returning with nominations and Grammy awards again beginning in 2000. Jay Beckenstein, saxophonist, and Tom Schuman, keyboardist, have remained core members of this band since those early days.
They will be making a rare homecoming appearance in Buffalo this Sunday, September 20th at the Sportsmen Tavern beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $45 pre-sale and $50 at the door.
Highly acclaimed female jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato appears at the UB Center For Performing Arts this Saturday, September 19th beginning at 8pm. Her recent album Live in NYC received a Grammy Nomination in 2014. Her distinctive style and subtle tones have captured the interests of many of today’s jazz luminaries such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
Joining her on piano will be a rising star in the jazz world, Taylor Eigsti. When living in California years ago, I saw Taylor Eigsti as a young teenage pianist wowing audiences in San Jose and San Francisco. At the tender age of fifteen he was leading the Stanford Jazz Workshop at Stanford University. Now at age 31, he is one of the jazz world’s most prolific pianists. Tickets are $34.50 and $20.50 for students.
What Would Mingus Do?
Two years ago, this Kelly Bucheger led band put together one of the best original CD’s to come out of Buffalo in a while. House Of Relics represents an improvisational burst of originality and stellar melodic compositions by saxophonist Kelly Bucheger. The band will be having an almost complete reunion for the JazzBuffalo Sunday Jazz Series this Sunday, September 20th beginning at 5:30pm at 189 Public House in East Aurora. Featuring Tim Clarke on trumpet, Danny Ziemann on bass, Russ Algera on drums, Jared Tinkham on guitar (filling in for the spot held down by Michael McNeil on the CD), and Kelly Bucheger on saxophone. There is no cover at the door so do not miss this great opportunity to see What Would Mingus Do? perform! More here: WWMD Performs At Sunday Jazz Series
Jazz In Town
Four Winds Featuring Brian DeJesus on bass, Eric DeJesus on guitar, Ralph DeMarco on sax, and Damone Jackson on drums plays Pausa Art House Thursday, September 17th beginning at 8pm. This represents a Villa Maria alumni reunion!
On Thursday, September 17th at 7pm catch the Mark Filsinger Hot Trad 5 at Merge on Delaware.
On Friday, September 18th beginning at 7:30pm at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora catch the Phil Sims Jazz Quartet with Phil Sims on trombone, Warren Stirtzinger on guitar, Paul Zapalowski on bass, and Tom Kasperek on drums
On Friday, September 18, also at Pausa Art House, you will find the Bobby Militello Quartet with Jim Colemon on bass, Bobby Jones on piano, and John Bacon, Jr. on drums beginning at 8pm.
On Saturday, September 19th, at Pausa Art House beginning at 8pm, catch the jazz group Gruvology with Walter Kemp III on piano, Bernard Kunz on guitar, James Bender on bass, and David “Teaspoon” Hulett on drums.
On Sunday, September 20th beginning at 6pm at the Historic Colored Musicians Club, see DMW Jazz Experience with Dennis Warne on guitar, Mike Slomowicz on guitar, Brian DeJesus on bass, and Jamie Sunshine on drums
Sunday, September 20th beginning at 10pm you can find the Jon Lehning Sextet performing at Nietzsche’s
The Jazz Example led by Doug “Trigger” Gaston continues their Friday night performances at the Anchor Bar beginning at 8pm
Oliver’s Restaurant features George Jones on piano with All Hands beginning at 7pm on Saturdays
Upcoming
Block off Friday, September 25th for the Jazz Concert For The Magdalene Project takes place at Pausa Art House. This will be a special fundraising event for Joanne Lorenzo and her work with the Mary Magdalene Project in Niagara County. Look for a star-studded list of jazz musicians chipping in, which includes Ralph Fava, Phil DiRe, Bobby Jones, George Caldwell, and many more. $15 donation at the door gets you 4 performances for the night and goes to a great cause. See more here: Jazz Concert For The Magdalene Project
The highly acclaimed avant-garde group SAO PAULO UNDERGROUND makes an appearance at Hallwalls on Tuesday, September 20th beginning at 8pm. Expect to hear an eclectic blending of sounds from the Chicago avant-garde scene and the influence of Brazilian sounds.
