UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS
Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20BWJO presents MILES DAVIS'
"BIRTH OF THE COOL"
Taking cues from the innovations learned in Charlie Parker's group, Davis, along with his nonet, recorded 12 songs in a two-year span that, when released together on one album, became known as Birth of the Cool. In 1949, arranger Gil Evans's New York basement apartment, where various jazz musicians had gathered, became ground zero for the nonet's formation.
For the three recording sessions that took place January and April 1949 and March 1950, Davis used the unlikely instruments of French horn and tuba, something first brought to light by the Claude Thornhill Orchestra, of which Evans was the principal arranger.
Davis also enlisted the more traditional baritone and alto saxophones, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums to complete the nonet.
This instrumentation, coupled with the likes of Davis on trumpet, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, pianist John Lewis, alto saxophonist Lee Konitz and drummers Kenny Clarke and Max Roach, created a warm, relaxed, albeit "cool," sound that would become the standard for West Coast jazz.
Even though these songs clock in at an average of three minutes, the Davis nonet uses the shortened time span to create something magical.
Birth of the Cool serves as a perfect example of how the music can evolve to create something timeless. But this wouldn't be the last time Davis started a revolution in the jazz world.
Personnel: Miles Davis: trumpet, Kai Winding: trombone, J.J. Johnson: trombone, Junior Collins: French horn, Sandy Siegelstein: French horn, John Barber: tuba, Lee Konitz: alto sax, Gerry Mulligan: baritone sax, Al Haig: piano, John Lewis: piano, Joe Shulman: bass, Nelson Boyd: bass, Al McKibbon: bass, Kenny Clarke: drums, Max Roach: drums, Kenny Hagood: vocals.8 & 10p • $20 - order tickets online
Sunday, March 21PAT MARTINO
featuring TONY MONACO
patmartino.com
One of the most exciting and virtuosic guitarists in jazz. With a distinctive, fat sound and gut-wrenching performances, he represents the best not just in jazz, but in music. He embodies thoughtful energy and soul.
As a special treat he will be teamed with B-3 organist Tony Monaco. No stranger to the JK, Monaco brings that go-for-it style that will be a great match for Martino.
6-8:30p • $20 - order tickets online
Pat Martino Live with Tony Monaco at the Java Jazz Fest 08
Monday, April 17DR. LONNIE SMITH TRIO
drlonniesmith.com
Dr. Lonnie Smith, a pillar in the jazz pantheon, is one of the most influential organists to ever man the helm of the Hammond B-3, an instrument he refers to paradoxically as both "the monster" and "the love of my life". His dynamic playing and prolific composing is featured on over 70 recordings, and he has played with such luminaries as George Benson, David "Fathead" Newman and Lou Donaldson. Dr. Smith wears his trademark turban when he plays, and with his large, probing eyes and flowing gray beard, he bears a strong resemblance to civil rights activist Dick Gregory. Those eyes can light up when he's excited, or express deep sadness when something upsets him.
7 &
9:30p • $20 - order tickets online
Dr. Lonnie Smith @ The Jazz Standard in NYC 2007