JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, will present the first of several concept performances this fall entitled The Midnight Blue Experience. Concept performances will focus on specific jazz artists as a means to help foster one of the purposes of JazzBuffalo, which is to build jazz awareness and audience appreciation for jazz.
On Saturday, September 10th at 8 pm, music from Kenny Burrell’s legendary Blue Note recording, Midnight Blue, will be performed. In addition, several selections from the body of work Kenny Burrell recorded and arranged will be performed. Performing on this evening will be George Kane on guitar, Dave Schiavone on sax, Wayne Moose on bass, Tony Zambito on percussion, and Devin Kelly on drums.
The band configuration is similar to that which appeared on the famous Midnight Blue album. The Blue Note recording of this album featured, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Stanley Turrentine on sax, Major Holley on bass, Ray Barretto on percussion, and Billy Gene English on drums. This quintet produced one of the most highly acclaimed albums of all time. Jazz Improv Magazine stated that “if you need to know 'the Blue Note sound', here it is." NPR referred to this album as one of the great jazz bluesy records and noted it belongs in everyone’s basic jazz library.
Here is a clip of the famous Midnight Blue tune with the notable jazz bluesy groove:
Kenny Burrell has had an illustrious career forging a path as one of the most dynamic straight-ahead jazz guitarists of our time. He made his debut album with Blue Note in 1956 and it set the course for Burrell to play with many of the great jazz artists of this era. Engaging in many collaborations with such jazz legends as Billie Holiday, Jimmy Smith, and Gene Ammons. Through all his body of works, he developed his own unmistakable sound. In the late 1970’s, Burrell began to teach at UCLA and since 1996 has served as the Director of Jazz Studies at UCLA. He is still with us at the age 85 and continues to be active in jazz.
George Kane is one of the area’s most established and prolific guitarists. He has performed in the area for over 30 years with the top jazz artists in the area. George is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. Over the past 30 years, George has been teaching guitar technical skills to students of all ages, many who have gone on to perform and study in jazz.
For a special evening devoted to the Blue Note Sound and to the music of Kenny Burrell, make plans to visit Pausa Art House on 19 Wadsworth in the Allentown district of Buffalo. And hear the Midnight Blue Experience, as well as, experience the legendary music of Kenny Burrell.
Look for other JazzBuffalo concept performances at Pausa Art House this fall. Including nights devoted to Freddie Hubbard, Red Garland, and Grant Green.
Keep Jazz Alive In WNY!!
