The Jazz Voyager

Hitting the jetway to board yet another plane, this Jazz Voyager is going to be on a fourteen hour flight to Tokyo, Japan. The destination is Blue Note Tokyo and again will stay in the same hotel with the same walk to the club. More exploration of this wonderful city until it is the appointed hour to become part of the audience.

The night promises to be electric as three-time Grammy-winning and six time nominated vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant who takes the Billboard Critics Poll often will take the mic. The French-American singer has released seven albums and brings her unique style and a band featuring pianist Sullivan Fortner, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Kyle Poole for a three day residency from Wednesday to Friday.

With a cover of  ¥ 8,800 | $59.24, the evening is eagerly anticipated. The Blue Note Tokyo is located at 6 Chome-3-16 Minamiaoyama Minato City 107-0062. For more information contact the venue at https://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp.

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The Jazz Voyager

Thanks to the fates who had me buy a roundtrip ticket to New York’s JFK to head back into the city for a night at Birdland. The Jazz Voyager will be heading down to the Broadway District for the second set of the Oscar Peterson Centennial Celebration. However, it’s Harlem during the day to hit a couple of favorite spots, wander through the art galleries and see the evolution of the city. 

This evening, Grammy-winning bassist John Clayton is joined by pianist Makoto Ozone and drummer Jeff Hamilton in celebration of their friend, colleague and mentor, Oscar Peterson. This is their first ever musical meeting at Birdland and will be performing his catalogue as well as their own compositions and beloved standards.

The cover charge ranges from $45.76 to $56.06 and this night promises to be something special. 

Birdland is located at 315 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036. For more information contact the venue at https://www.birdlandjazz.com.

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The Jazz Voyager

Having taken off from JFK in New York, this Jazz Voyager is nine hours into the fourteen hour flight to Tokyo, Japan. Give or take should be landing around one in the afternoon at Haneda Airport with a short drive to the center of the city and one of the moderate hotels within walking distance of the Blue Note Tokyo. First time in the city exploration is on the menu and learning to get around while seeing the sights and sounds alter from day to night is rewarding.

This evening, four-time Grammy-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and Grammy-nominated vocalist Christie Dashiell resurrects Max Roach’s 1960 We Insist release and reimagines his timeless anthem Freedom Day. The single highlights Carrington’s lifelong mission to champion jazz and advocate for inclusivity and raise the voice of women, hence Dashiell supplanting Abbey Lincoln voice.

With a cover of  ¥ 10,000 | $67.32, the evening is eagerly anticipated to see how these two ladies update the classic suite.

Blue Note Tokyo is located at 6 Chome-3-16 Minamiaoyama Minato City 107-0062. For more information contact the venue at https://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp.

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is back in New York City for another evening of music at Columbus Circle. It sits in the middle of Broadway, connected to Central Park West with 59th Street heading east along the southern border of Central Park. Overlooking the park is the jazz club named after one of the greatest trumpeters of the 20th century, Dizzy’s, a name that is household renowned for jazz heads.

Bassist and composer Buster Williams brings his rich tone, infectious swing, and joyful spirit to the stage. A beloved fixture of the New York jazz scene, he’s played alongside greats like Herbie Hancock, Art Blakey, and Betty Carter, and now leads his dynamic group Something More. Get ready for a night of deep grooves, soulful melodies, and the kind of musical chemistry that makes live jazz unforgettable.

Performers: Buster Williams, bass | Steve Wilson, saxophone | Brandon McCune, piano (7/31 and 8/1) | Steve Nelson, vibes (8/2) |  Lenny White, drums

Cover: $25.00 ~ $65.00

Dizzy’s  is located at 3 Columbus Circle, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10019 For more information contact the venue at https://jazz.org/dizzys.

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The Jazz Voyager

Back in the Midwest to Gateway City this Jazz Voyager goes for another jazz escapade in a new venue, the Harold & Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz. Sitting next to Jazz St. Louis, the 220 seat auditorium is coupled with education programs, six soundproof practice rooms, a resource room featuring computers loaded with music, composition software, and the brand new Nancy’s Jazz Lounge.

On the marquee tonight is vocalist Diana West, stepping into the spotlight with her highly anticipated breakout performance at Jazz St. Louis. The St. Louis native is a dynamic young vocalist in her early 20s, bringing fresh, soulful energy to the stage that is rooted in the tradition but is unafraid to take bold steps forward. I am anticipating seeing this artist who is new to me.

The performance is sold out for this in-demand artist, so if you haven’t gotten your ticket you’ll have to catch her the next time.

Harold & Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz  is located at 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 For more information contact the venue at https://my.jazzstl.org.

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