MARIO ABNEY QUINTET
Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mario Abney’s musical career began at age 7 when he was introduced to the piano by his uncle Arthur. Influenced by both his uncle’s playing and the musical background of his church, Abney developed a love and fascination for music that grew throughout his years in high school. It was during this time that his interest turned from piano and drums to wind instruments; however, he continued to hone his percussion skills by playing drums for church services.
Mario’s first encounter with jazz was when he heard the sounds of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. This sparked a fascination and soon Mario began to explore music by Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and other great trumpet players who established this genre.
Fast forwarding to 2024, Mario Abney is once again gracing the stages of his beloved hometown Chicago. From iconic venues to up-and-coming spots, he’s become a regular feature with fans eagerly anticipating each and every performance.
Cover: $20.00
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The Jazz Voyager
It’s a four hour drive through Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on I95 north to get to the Big Apple. Crossing the Verrazanno Bridge into Brooklyn and up the BQE to the Williamsburg Bridge into Lower Manhattan. This Jazz Voyager will arrive in Greenwich Village where I’ll spend a few hours before showtime at the Village Vanguard, one of my favorite hangouts for jazz.
My Christmas present taking the stage this week is a phenomenal pianist called Kenny Barron. I’ve seen here several times throughout his career and he always has great sidemen and sidewomen with him. He’s bringing saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, Yoshi Kitagawa on double bass, with drummer Johnathan Blake. Unfortunately for you jazz voyagers who haven’t got your tickets or reservations, this engagement is sold out.
The Village Vanguard is located at 178 7th Avenue S, New York City 10014. For more information visit villagevanguard.com.
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KENNY BARRON QUINTET
The pianist Kenny Barron has a brisk but unostentatious technique and a deceptively casual way with a phrase. He conveys a number of things clearly in his playing; what comes across over all is the quiet hum of effortless erudition. Within his playing you can hear a digest of mainstream jazz piano traditions, with bebop as the root. You can also hear the measured tension of an expert nudging himself toward a challenge.
The Band:
Kenny Barron ~ Piano
Immanuel Wilkins ~ Saxophone
Steve Nelson ~ Vibraphone
Yoshi Kitagawa ~ Double Bass
Johnathan Blake ~ Drums
Cover: Sold Out
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The Jazz Voyager
Leaving Miami for the cold climes of our nation’s capital and heading to my old stomping grounds that have been gentrified and transformed into a multicultural hangout. The laction is U Street, the venue is JoJo Restaurant & Bar. This is where the Jazz Voyager will be spending an evening dining on calamari and grilled vegetables while taking in some great jazz.
On tap for this week’s adventure in jazz is the Tedd Baker Trio who is bringing his trio to the stage. The Boston native has been playing professionally since he was a teenager around the city before venturing out. He has worked with a host of musicians such as Barry Harris, David Sanborn, Arturo Sandoval, Slide Hampton, Eddie Daniels, George Duke, Victor Lewis, Orrin Evans, Jason Moran, Wycliffe Gordon, and Kurt Elling.
JoJo Restaurant & Bar is located at 1518 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. For more information visit https://www.jojodc.com.
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JANE MONHEIT
The Merriest Holiday Show
One of jazz’s most beloved voices, Jane Monheit returns with a warm and enchanting holiday project designed to stir feelings of nostalgia, family, and home. The Merriest is a personal collection hand-picked by Jane herself, expressing her love for the season in a way that feels like a gift from her to listeners. With lush orchestrations, intimate vocals, and timeless songs, Jane invites everyone to celebrate the merriest season of all.
A self-described Christmas fanatic, Jane has released two highly acclaimed seasonal albums: The Season (2005) and The Merriest (2022). Each December, she tours to widespread acclaim, bringing her bright, swinging holiday show to audiences across the country. With fresh arrangements of classic favorites and joyful performances, Jane’s holiday shows have become a cherished tradition, delighting fans of all ages and cementing her status as one of jazz?s most enchanting vocalists.
Lineup: Max Haymer ~ piano, Neal Miner ~ bass, Rick Montalbano ~ drums
Cover: Sold Out
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