CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE TRIO

Bass genius Christian McBride honors his mentor and greatest inspiration, the legendary Ray Brown, with an all-star trio of Ray Brown Trio alumni — pianist Benny Green and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.

A major figure in the development of bebop and hard bop in the 40s and 50s, Brown was among the most prolific and versatile bassists in jazz history who gained fame through his notable associations with Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dizzy Gillespie.

He led a series of remarkable trios in the 1990s and 2000s featuring Green and Hutchinson, whose recordings for the Telarc label stand as benchmarks for the time-honored format.

In addition to his own lengthy histories with both Green and Hutchinson, McBride appeared on Brown’s live 1997 bass summit release SuperBass and 2001 follow-up SuperBass 2 (along with fellow legend John Clayton). He pays tribute to the master with this special performance.

Cover: $45.00 ~ $135.00

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THE COOKERS

The Cookers take their name from Night of the Cookers, the famous 1965 recorded trumpet summit between Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard at Brooklyn’s Club La Marchal. Formed by trumpeter and organizer David Weiss, the group brings together some of the most storied musicians in jazz, players who came up in the 1960s and 70s working alongside the very architects of the music.

Drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Eddie Henderson were both members of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi group. Bassist Cecil McBee anchored Charles Lloyd’s celebrated quartet alongside Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette. Pianist George Cables held the piano chair in bands led by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, and Art Pepper. Saxophonist Donald Harrison, a recently named NEA Jazz Master, came up performing with Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock.

Together these musicians have contributed to well over a thousand recordings across the history of jazz, and the chemistry between them, forged over decades of shared history on bandstands around the world, is unmistakable. Critics have praised The Cookers for embodying the serious commitment it took to thrive on the New York jazz scene of decades past, and audiences consistently describe their live performances as electrifying, a rare opportunity to witness musicians who don’t simply play the music, but live inside of it. This is a true once in a lifetime chance to experience some of the last living architects of modern jazz in an intimate room.

The Side Door Jazz Club is a dedicated jazz listening room located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are reserved seating. Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the show receive 10% off their dinner bill.

The Band:
Eddie Henderson – Trumpet
David Weiss – Trumpet
Donald Harrison – Alto Saxophone
Azar Lawrence – Tenor Saxophone
George Cables – Piano
Cecil McBee – Bass
Billy Hart – Drums

Cover: $38.57

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Requisites

Central Avenue Reunion ~ Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, Albert “Tootie” Heath | By Eddie Carter

It’s wonderful to be back with you all after some time away to recuperate from two surgeries earlier this month. This morning’s album from the library, Central Avenue Reunion (Contemporary Records C-14057) spotlights two of my favorite artists, Art Farmer and Frank Morgan. Recorded live in 1989 over two memorable nights at Kimball’s East, it reunites Art Farmer on both flugelhorn (tracks: A2, A3, A4, B1) and trumpet (A1, B3), and Frank Morgan on alto saxophone (A1, A2, A4, B1 to B3). An outstanding rhythm section joins them: Lou Levy on piano, Eric Von Essen on bass, and Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums. I own the 1990 U.S. stereo release.

The set opens with Star Eyes by Gene De Paul and Don Raye. Art sets the solos in motion on muted trumpet, leading the group through the relaxing melody. Frank takes flight first with a spirited solo that’s crisp and precise. Art takes the second statement with smooth efficiency. Lou takes a cheerfully appealing turn, and Eric follows with a short walk towards the restatement of the theme. Farmer’s Market by Art Farmer takes off at a fast gallop for the quintet’s opening ensemble. Frank gets right down to business first, then Art sustains the momentum with passionate fire next. Lou follows with a vigorous statement, then all the soloists share a brisk exchange before the closing ensemble comes to a dead stop.

Art and the trio pay homage to George and Ira Gershwin with Embraceable You, opening with a gorgeous melody. Art begins with the first of two exceptionally gentle interpretations, showing off his sentimental side. Lou follows with a short solo filled with warmth and sensitivity. Art returns with a thoughtfully graceful reading, leading back to the soothing theme. Blue Minor by Sonny Clark brings the ensemble back for a medium-tempo melody. Frank sets the pace with a wailing opening statement. Art takes the wheel next and continues with a jubilant reading. Lou has the last word and neatly wraps up the solos before the theme returns.

I Remember You by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer begins with Lou’s lovely introduction, which segues into the quintet’s lively melody. Art is in top form first, with a good-hearted swing. Frank works out a few intriguing ideas next, then Lou’s piano flows like cool water in a relaxing river stream. Art and Frank share a brief conversation into the closing chorus. Don’t Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields is a beautiful ballad from the thirties that begins elegantly, with Frank and the rhythm section’s melody moving like a couple’s Sunday evening stroll. He continues approaching the song’s only solo from the heart, anchored by the trio’s subtle support, into a gorgeous reprise and ending.

Sonny Clark’s Cool Struttin’ brings the set to a close with the ensemble’s collective midtempo theme, setting a good tone. Lou comes in first and skillfully navigates the rhythm section. Art takes the next spot on muted trumpet with carefree enthusiasm. Frank sparkles next with steady sureness, and Eric delivers a delightful finale before the group’s theme restatement earns the audience’s approval. Helen Keane produced Central Avenue Reunion. Danny Kopelson managed the recording console, and George Horn mastered the album. The sound quality is exceptional, placing the listener in the audience as the musicians perform.

If you’re searching for an exhilarating hard-bop live session to listen to after a long day, evening, or week, I invite you to join Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, and Albert “Tootie” Heath for a Central Avenue Reunion the next time you’re out record shopping. It’s a lively, spirited performance of standards and originals, with thoughtful arrangements and inspired solos that offers many hours of listening enjoyment and shouldn't be missed for a spot in your library!

~Donna Lee, Don’t Blame Me, Embraceable You, I Remember You, Star Eyes – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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JOBIM & THE MUSIC OF BRAZIL

In the 1960s, Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim brought the bossa nova craze to the United States, and this infectious and sensuous sound soon became beloved throughout the world. We celebrate Jobim’s centennial and the jazz genres of Brazil—including bossa nova, samba and choro with Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.

Featured Special Guests:
Eliane Elias ~ Piano, Vocal
Anat Cohen ~ Clarinet
Trio da Paz ~ Guitar, Bass, Drums

Cover: $52.65 – $152.10 | Fees Included

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Eddie Locke was born on August 2, 1930 and at a very young age the drummer became a part of the fertile and vibrant Detroit jazz scene during the 1940s and 1950s. This period spawned such great musicians including Hank, Thad and Elvin Jones, Kenny Burrell, Lucky Thompson, Tommy Flanagan, Barry Harris, among so many others.

He eventually formed a variety act with drummer Oliver Jackson called “Bop & Locke” which played the Apollo Theater. A move to New York City in 1954 had him working with Dick Wellstood, Tony Parenti, Red Allen, Willie “The Lion” Smith and Teddy Wilson, to name a few. During this time he came under the tutelage of the great Jo Jones, and eventually became known as a driving and swinging drummer who kept solid time and supported the soloist.

During the late 1950s Eddie formed two of his most fruitful musical relationships, one with Roy Eldridge and the other with Coleman Hawkins. His recording debut came with Eldridge in 1959 on “On The Town”, and he rounded out the Coleman Hawkins Quartet in the 1960s with band members Tommy Flanagan and Major Holley, that made many fine records including the exquisite album “Today and Now” in 1963.

Throughout the 1970s, he played with Roy Eldridge’s band at Jimmy Ryan’s on 54th Street, wound out his career freelancing, teaching youngsters the drums and appearing in the “A Great Day In Harlem” photograph. Drummer Eddie Locke passed away on September 7 2009, in Ramsey, New Jersey.

 

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