The Jazz Voyager
It’s a four hour drive through Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on I95 north to get to the Big Apple. Crossing the Verrazanno Bridge into Brooklyn and up the BQE to the Williamsburg Bridge into Lower Manhattan. This Jazz Voyager will arrive in Greenwich Village where I’ll spend a few hours before showtime at the Village Vanguard, one of my favorite hangouts for jazz.
My Christmas present taking the stage this week is a phenomenal pianist called Kenny Barron. I’ve seen here several times throughout his career and he always has great sidemen and sidewomen with him. He’s bringing saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, Yoshi Kitagawa on double bass, with drummer Johnathan Blake. Unfortunately for you jazz voyagers who haven’t got your tickets or reservations, this engagement is sold out.
The Village Vanguard is located at 178 7th Avenue S, New York City 10014. For more information visit villagevanguard.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
Leaving Miami for the cold climes of our nation’s capital and heading to my old stomping grounds that have been gentrified and transformed into a multicultural hangout. The laction is U Street, the venue is JoJo Restaurant & Bar. This is where the Jazz Voyager will be spending an evening dining on calamari and grilled vegetables while taking in some great jazz.
On tap for this week’s adventure in jazz is the Tedd Baker Trio who is bringing his trio to the stage. The Boston native has been playing professionally since he was a teenager around the city before venturing out. He has worked with a host of musicians such as Barry Harris, David Sanborn, Arturo Sandoval, Slide Hampton, Eddie Daniels, George Duke, Victor Lewis, Orrin Evans, Jason Moran, Wycliffe Gordon, and Kurt Elling.
JoJo Restaurant & Bar is located at 1518 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. For more information visit https://www.jojodc.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is jumping on a plane to return to Magic City on the east coast for some more jazz. The venue is the Miami Beach Bandshell where performances of all genres are held. This historic space was initially erected as the North Shore Community Center, it has undergone several renovations where several television programs were broadcasted. By the 1980s and 90s it became a venue for music.
The Jazz Voyager will be in the audience to witness the vocal talents of Philadelphia native, now Miami’s own Nicole Henry. LOVE: The Greatest Gift is the message for the season. This is her 12th Annual Winter Fundraising Concert is a holiday tradition bringing joy and love for all the music lovers, advocates, and community.
The Miami Beach Bandshell is located at 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141. For more information visit https://miamibeachbandshell.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
From the ATL to the City of Angels The Jazz Voyager is on a flight cross-country to for a little bit of jazz. It’s been a while since I’ve been in this venue. So jumping into the rental car and heading north on the 101 for twenty minutes is the next leg of the trip. The destination is a small venue called The Baked Potato. The hundred and twenty seat venue is intimate in its wood-paneled walls and autographed posters.
Hitting the bandstand is the Dave Weckl Quartet. Led by the drummer who the band is named, was once an integral member of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band for six years beginning in 1985. He also appeared with Corea’s Akoustic Band. He said he “augmented his work with Corea by continuing his session work and appearing often with the GRP All-Star Big Band.
Filling out his quartet are vocalist Chrissi Poland, guitarist Oz Noy, and bassist Jimmy Haslip.
The Baked Potato is located at 3787 Cahuenga Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 For more information visit https://www.thebakedpotato.com.
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is on the road again, this time leaving Tennessee for Georgia. Heading north of Atlanta on 400 for the progressive city of Alpharetta where The Velvet Note does its thing. The 40 plus eating offers an intimate atmosphere where one comes to listen to jazz, not talk through the set.
On tap this week is trumpeter Russell Gunn & Blackhawk. The project’s name, Blackhawk, is a nod to the legendary 1961 album Miles Davis In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk. That record is famous for capturing Miles Davis at his most raw and hard-swinging, performing in a gritty San Francisco club with no rehearsals and no safety net.
The Velvet Note is located at 4075 Old Milton Parkway, 30005. For more information visit https://thevelvetnote.com
Tickets: $54.00
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