EKEP NKWELLE BAND

A rising master of her craft, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle entrances audiences with her strong lyrical presence and an uncanny connection to phrasing that’s at once grounded and ethereal. High-level musicality informs her storytelling. To Dizzy’s Club she brings her tight ensemble of acclaimed artists. Expect an evening of imaginative arrangements and compelling treatment of standard tunes. 

Ekep Nkwelle, vocals
Luther Allison, piano
Russell Hall, bass
Nazir Ebo, drums
Kofi Hunter, percussion

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THE DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA

A multigenerational outfit led by drummer, composer, and clinician Sherrie Maricle, DIVA Jazz Orchestra has garnered accolades from across the world. The 15-piece ensemble “exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of historic big bands, with an eye towards originality.” Their program of stylistically diverse standards and original tunes spotlights a swinging band sound as well as each soloist’s distinct and vibrant personality. Don’t miss this energetic three-night event! 

Sherrie Maricle, drums
Jami Dauber, trumpet

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DOMO BRANCH BIG BAND

Domo Branch brings an intentional curiosity to his sets. His versatility on the drums allows him to perform with a range of individualists, from Wynton Marsalis and Dianne Reeves to Taylor Eigsti and Terence Blanchard. Leading his acclaimed ensemble Branchin’ Out, the bi-coastal artist centers improvisation and expansion. Expect a high-energy evening of new music and classic tunes. 

Dominick “Domo” Branch, drums/bandleader
Nathaniel Williford, Nicholas Mikhail, Alexandra Ridout, Geoff Gallante, trumpet | Nate Jones, Bruno Tzinas, Jack Kotze, Joe Giordano, trombone | Kevin Oliver Jr., Ginger Meyer, alto saxophone | Birsa Chatterjee, Ben Sherman, tenor saxophone | Jarien Jaminila, baritone saxophone | Ben Collins-Siegel, Dabin Ryu, piano | Jayla Chee, bass

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TORD GUSTAVSEN

Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen and his exploratory trio present new music from his forthcoming ECM release. Combining improvisation and lush, at times eerie harmonies with electronic programming and plenty of soundscaping, Gustavsen and fellow artists Steiner Raknes and Jarle Vespestad invite listeners into a sonic world that draws inspiration from a range of styles, including church and folk music. Expect an invigorating evening of original music and energizing dialogue emanating from the bandstand.  

Tord Gustavsen, piano and electronics
Steinar Raknes, double bass and electronics
Jarle Vespestad, drums

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Minor Hall was born in Sellers, Louisiana on March 2, 1897 and was the younger brother of Tubby Hall. He studied at New Orleans University until 1914, then began playing with Kid Ory in the middle of the decade. He played in various New Orleans ensembles, including the Superior Band, then moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1918. He briefly took his brother’s spot in Lawrence Duhe’s band before serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. By the time he returned, King Oliver was leading Duhe’s band, which Hall rejoined in 1921.

In 1926 he played with Jimmie Noone, then moved to California for an extended run with Mutt Carey’s Jeffersonians from 1927 to 1932. He played in the Winslow Allen Band during the Thirties, but took a hiatus from music for part of the decade. He served briefly in the Army again in 1942.

In 1945 he rejoined Ory in his Creole Jazz Band, becoming one of his most long standing members. He remained with Ory’s ensemble until 1956, when he retired on account of poor health, having never led his own recording date, though he recorded extensively with Ory and with Louis Armstrong in the 1940s.

Drummer Minor Hall, better known as Ram Hall, died in Sawtelle, California at the age of 61 on October 16, 1959.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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