The Jazz Voyager
Heading back across the continent west to east to the city that never sleeps for another opportunity to hear a big band at Birdland. This iconic venue has been a major part of the city’s jazz scene since 1949. It was famously nicknamed by Charlie Parker as The Jazz Corner of the World. Sitting on Broadway, one block west of the 52nd Street scene, which was a hotbed of jazz in the 1930s and 40s, and when The Street lost its luster, Birdland blossomed.
In residence for the night is the Mingus Big Band, performing exclusively the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus. Building off the strengths of the Mingus Dynasty septet, his widow Sue Mingus formed in 1991. She created this 14-piece band to feature new arrangements of her husband’s compositions in a larger band format that draws from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians.
Birdland is located at 315 W 44th Street, New York City, NY 10036. For more information contact the venue at birdlandjazz.com.
Tickets: $40.61 – $50.91
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JULIE DEXTER
The world renowned, award winning, British singer, songwriter and producer is considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Doug Carn, Third World and Maxi Priest to name a few, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too.
Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of Artistry. Fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of Jazz, Broken-Beat, Bossa-Nova, Reggae, Afro-Beat and Soul and she was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award.
It was in 1999 that Julie took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. She launched her own label, Ketch A Vibe Records and in 2000 released the critically acclaimed EP Peace of Mind, followed by Dexterity (2002) ,Conscious (2005) and New Again (2011). Moon Bossa, a collaboration with Khari Simmons was released in 2007 and her single “Ketch A Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama. Her latest release Deja Vu is an eclectic blend of Jazz, Soul and Reggae.
Tickets: $33 per person | $3.95 Processing Fee
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MONTY ALEXANDER
The Real Deal Monty Alexander is a Kingston, Jamaica born jazz pianist whose playing has a Caribbean influence and bright swinging feeling, with a strong vocabulary of bebop jazz and blues rooted melodies. He was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Les McCann, and Frank Sinatra.
Alexander also sings and plays the melodica. He is known for his surprising musical twists, bright rhythmic sense, and intense dramatic musical climaxes. His recording career has covered many of the well-known American songbook standards, jazz standards, pop hits, and Jamaican songs from his original homeland. He performs frequently throughout the world at jazz festivals and clubs.
The Band: Monty Alexander ~ piano | Luke Sellick ~ bass | Jason Brown ~ drums
Tickets: $41.74~$53.38
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The Jazz Voyager
From Miami to Seattle is where this Jazz Voyager is in flight to Seattle~Tacoma International Airport for some more of the Northwest hospitality and jazz experience. Located in the downtown section of the city, The Triple Door is situated in a historic theater. Radiating urban cool with plush half-moon booths, state of the art sound witha side of colorful cocktails. The venue provides an intimate dimension to the atmosphere between artist and audience.
Pianist and composer Lynne Arrriale takes center stage in the Mainstage Theater for two nights and I’ll be in the audience on the second night. Having seen her over twenty years ago I anticipate hearing her growth as a performer. She won the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and has recorded seventeen critically acclaimed albums.
The Triple Door is located at 216 Union Street, Seattle, Washington 98101. For more information contact the venue at https://www.thetripledoor.net.
Tickets: $30.00 General Admission | $38.00 Premium
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NOAH JACKSON & FULL CIRCLE
A Detroit original, Noah Jackson is a bassist, cellist, and composer specializing in black american music and classical music. Aimed with a curiosity to where sound could touch audiences from within, he has both written and performed music for large international audiences since 2010.
A graduate of Michigan State University (B.M.), and Manhattan School of Music (M.M.), Noah has performed with world renowned artists such as NEA Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim, Branford Marsails, Jason Marsalis, The Marsalis Family, Hugh Masekela, Nnenna Freelon, Kenny Garrett, Wizard Harper, George Burton, Jazzmeia Horn, and Christian Sands.
Shows ~ 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Tickets: $25.00
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