CHARLES MCPHERSON QUINTET

85th Birthday Celebration with Terrell Stafford

For more than 60 years, alto saxophonist Charles McPherson has been one of the most expressive and highly regarded voices in jazz. His rich musical style, rooted in the blues and bebop, has influenced and inspired generations of musicians and listeners. Wynton Marsalis, a longtime admirer says: “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music. He is the definitive master on this instrument. He plays with exceptional harmonic accuracy and sophistication. He performs free-flowing, melodic and thematically developed solos with unbelievable fire and an unparalleled depth of soul.”

Terell Stafford, acclaimed trumpet player based in New York, has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player, he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism.

Jeb Patton, described as both a “young phenomon… on piano” and an “absolute great,” has earned a well-regarded reputation in the international jazz community. The multi-talented Patton is known as a “player of great expression.”

Billy Drummond is acclaimed by Downbeat as one of the hippest and versatile bandleaders now at work, his thrilling, powerful and highly musical playing has also made him one of the most called-for sidemen of his generation.

Bassist David Wong has studied classical bass with Orin O’Brien of the New York Philharmonic, and jazz bass with legends Ron Carter, Ben Wolfe, and John Clayton.

Charles McPherson ~ Also Saxophone
Terell Stafford ~ Trumpet
Jeb Patton ~ piano
David Wong ~ Bass
Billy Drummond ~ Drums

Friday 7/12  ~ 7:00 pm w/Live Stream | 9:30 pm
Saturday 7/13 ~ 6:00 pm w/Live Stream | 8:30 pm
Sunday 7/14 ~ 5:00 pm w/Live Stream | 7:30 pm

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CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader, musician, and the new face of NFL Monday Night Football, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing. “Some drummers act, some react. Some keep time, others create it. Cindy Blackman Santana is among the few who can,” writes Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune.

Cindy has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the ’80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game—including the critically acclaimed Another Lifetime (2010). In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group—also known as Another Lifetime—she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill. From 1992 to 2007 and again in 2014 & 2015 she was the drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band, performing through multiple world tours and hit albums. In 2010, she was part of the all-star line-up performing “Bitches Brew,” a tribute to Miles Davis’ seminal album staged at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and NYC Winter JazzFest.

The Band: Cindy Blackman Santana ~ Drums | Aurelien Budynek ~ Guitar | Felix Pastorius ~ Bass | Emilio Modeste ~ Saxophone | Zaccai Curtis ~ Keyboard

Friday 7/5 ~ 7:00 pm w/Live Stream |  9:30 pm
Saturday 7/6 ~ 6:00 pm w/Live Stream | 8:30 pm
Sunday 7/7 ~ 5:00 pm w/Live Stream | 7:30 pm

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is leaving the confines of Baltimore and heading north to Old Lyme, Connecticut to pay a visit to the Old Lyme Inn the once housed a riding academy of some renown. Now it has 13 charming and luxurious guest rooms and a quaint, intimate one of a kind venue just steps away known as The Side Door.

Born into a family of musicians, painters, and poets, Tatiana Eva-Marie began her career at age four, immersed in the world of show business. Before her twenties, she had already recorded many albums, established herself as an actress and director. Choosing New York she quickly built up a reputation as a singer, and started the Avalon Jazz Band, which overnight became the number one reference for French swing around the world.

The venue is located at 85 Lyme Street 06371. For more information visit thesidedoorjazz.com.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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VIRGINIA MACDONALD ~ TODD MARCUS QUINTET

Juno Award-nominated clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a rising star of her generation. Known for her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing, Virginia has been described as a “powerful new voice in the Canadian scene” by Juno Award-winning bassist Mike Downes. As a highly in-demand bandleader, sidewoman, and composer, Virginia keeps a regular performance schedule across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Bass clarinetist, composer, and bandleader Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus their work primarily on the bass clarinet. Though use of bass clarinet in jazz typically leans heavily towards avant-garde and free-jazz styles, Marcus’ straight-ahead playing has carved out a unique voice for the instrument in modern jazz.

Musicians:
Virginia MacDonald – clarinet
Todd Marcus – bass clarinet
Bruce Barth – piano
Blake Meister – bass
Eric Kennedy – drums

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ALTHEA RENÉ

Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan Althea René began her musical journey at the tender age of four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University. She gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flutists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”.

With a passionate mission to mentor women in the entertainment industry, Althea René authored an autobiography entitled “Becoming Chocolate Barbie – a guide for professional women in the music business” in June 2018. The book was written in an interview format so that readers may easily use it as a reference resource. Women who aspire for a life in business can appreciate the insights she shares.

Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flautists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”.

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