The holiday festivities are underway and that includes jazz in the forefront and in the background. We’ve got a night of original soul jazz and big bands and everything in-between.
Highlights
JazzBuffalo Presents A Night Of Soul Jazz With Paradigm Shift, Friday, December 8 at Pausa Art House at 8 pm
JazzBuffalo, in association with Pausa Art House, presents the prolific soul-jazz and organ-jazz group – Paradigm Shift. The group features Melvin Henderson on guitar, Gerry Youngman on organ, and Sean Jefferson on drums. Henderson has performed with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, and Al Jarreau while Youngman has performed with the likes of The Drifters, The Platters, and Martha Reeves. Since the band was founded, they have performed with David "Fathead" Newman, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Jeremy Pelt, and more. Look for a night of pure gold soul jazz! The group writes award-winning original compositions and arrangements in the tradition of organ-based soul jazz. Come out and hear why the players aforementioned play the music of Paradigm Shift! They have performed throughout the country with the above-mentioned jazz stars. Do not miss another evening of world-class jazz brought to you by JazzBuffalo and Pausa Art House! Take a listen to their very soulful original sound!
Holiday Jazz
The Anderson Big Band Christmas Dinner Dance, Saturday, December 9 at 6:30 pm at Magruder’s Restaurant
If you are looking for a night out of dinner, great jazz, big band sound, and dancing, then this just may be the ticket. Led by John and Laura Anderson, the band features some of the finest players in WNY. Tickets $35 and includes dinner.
Big Band Holiday 2017 with the Cabaret Big Band and Katy Miner, Saturday, December 9 at 4 pm and 8 pm at MusicalFare Premier Cabaret Lounge
This show features the MusicalFare Cabaret Big Band with great players and singer Katy Miner singing all of your holiday jazz big band favorites. Suggest you call ahead (716-839-8540) to see if tickets ($25) are available – some individual seats are available for Saturday 8 pm and as of now, 4 pm show is sold out.
Jingle Bell Jazz at the Tralf with the Buffalo Dolls and The Ladies First Jazz Big Band, Sunday, December 10 at 1 pm
The Buffalo Dolls and Ladies First Jazz Holiday Concert takes place at the Tralf Music Hall and is billed as a family-friendly event. Enjoy the sounds of the Holidays featuring beloved songs such as White Christmas and Baby, It's Cold Outside. Special guest performers: Greg Hennessy as "Bing" and Dan DeLano as "Dean". A portion of the proceeds from the show will help Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight to purchase wheelchair transporters and to help sponsor a Veteran for Honor Flight. Doors open at Noon and show starts at 1 pm. ($20/$25 the day of the show)
Jazz In Town
On Thursday, December 7 at Pausa Art House at 7 pm you can catch drummer Joe Goretti’s Elvin, Tony, Roy: A Tribute to the Post-Bop Drummer. The music will highlight the innovative drumming styles of Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette etc. with Andrew Nixon (piano), Mark Harris (bass), Jon Lehning (saxes), and Joe Goretti (Drums)
On Thursday, December 7 at 8 pm the Jacob Jay Quintet will be performing at Babeville a collection of originals and standards with Shaun Doyle on vocals
On Friday, December 8 at 7 pm you can catch vocalist Mary McMahon with Rick Strauss and Bud Fadale at Merge
On Saturday, December 9 you can find the Ed Croft Trio doing A Charlie Brown Christmas at Pausa Art House at 8 pm
On Sunday, December 10th at 2:30 pm the BJC Sextet will perform a Christmas Jazz oriented performance at the Buffalo History Museum
On Wednesday, December 13th at 5:30 pm, you can catch the Jim Bohm-led Winelight at Soho! on Chippewa
(Be sure to check the Weekly Jazz on the JazzBuffalo website for ongoing jazz.)
Holiday Jazz Brunch
On Sunday, December 10th at 12 noon to 2 pm you will find jazz provided by JazzBuffalo featuring The Hot Club Express featuring E.J. Koeppel on violin and Deano Gionis on guitar from the Hot Club of Buffalo at the Hotel Henry Holiday Brunch and Public Market (10 am to 4 pm)
Upcoming
On Saturday, December 16 French-born Scott Tixier returns to the Buffalo area after his terrific performances at the 2017 CMC Jazz Festival. The jazz violinist has gained award-winning recognition in the jazz world for his unique vision for the violin and his stellar performances. Noted by the prestigious Downbeat Critic's Poll as one of today's Rising Stars in jazz. Tixier will be accompanied by the BluJazz Recording trio – the Walter Kemp 3oh! Receiving rave reviews and airplay on jazz radio stations across the country for their "Dark Continent" CD, the trio has performed in Toronto and Philadelphia to packed audiences. Garnering recognition for their modern jazz sound. A special blending of jazz not to be missed! See the JazzBuffalo article here: JazzBuffalo Presents Tixier. Get to know Tixier in the video below. Look for ticket availability for 2 shows – 7:15 pm and 9:15 pm plus a VIP option for both shows and meet and greet with Scott Tixier – by going here: Tixier/WK3Oh! Tickets
Albright-Knox Art Gallery Art Of Jazz Series
Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan kicked off the 2017-2018 Art of Jazz Series in spectacular and sublime fashion! A tremendous jazz duo concert that etched many varietal sounds into our consciousness. Next up in the series is one of the true jazz piano legends of our time, Monty Alexander. His career is highlighted by more than 70 recordings as a leader as well as work with artists including Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, and Quincy Jones. Set aside Sunday, January 28 at 3 pm for what will surely be a concert to remember. The first concert sold-out and this one will surely do so as well. Get your tickets soon here: Monty Alexander – Art of Jazz. Below is the Monty Alexander Trio in a performance of I've Got You Under My Skin – once you check it out – you best get a ticket very soon! (This past Saturday we also had the chance to welcome back Bruce Eaton. On a personal note, I couldn't be happier for his return and to collaborate with Bruce as associate producer for the series, as well as, provide promotional support via JazzBuffalo.)
Hotel Henry Jazz Concert Series
What a fantastic 2017 fall series that ended with a world-class magnificent performance by the Joe Policastro Trio from Chicago. A mesmerizing concert that captivated the audience with their jazz arranged performances of West Side Story Suite, Theme from The Godfather, pop scores like Harvest Moon, and the riveting love song from Blade Runner. JazzBuffalo and the Hotel Henry will be planning the 2018 Hotel Henry Jazz Concert Series once these busy holidays are over. So stay tuned for more information coming soon on what has turned out to be quite a remarkable community event!
Get Ready For The 4th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!!
We are nearing that time of year where we reflect on the year that is near ending. Which means, getting in your nominations for the JazzBuffalo Poll. And, then voting on the JazzBuffalo Poll at the start of the new year. We will be entering out 4th year of the JazzBuffalo Poll! More details soon!
Keep Jazz Alive!!!
