Requisites

Cunningbird ~ Jimmy Knepper Quintet | By Eddie Carter

A few years back, during our anniversary trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, my wife and I took a walk along Bethel Street in Chinatown and found our way into Skull-Face Books and Vinyl. There, I came across an album by the Jimmy Knepper Quintet, which I listened to a few nights ago, inspiring me to feature it in this morning’s discussion. Cunningbird (SteepleChase Records SCS-1061) is a 1977 Danish release, the trombonist’s fourth as a bandleader. He’s best known for working with Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, the Mingus Dynasty, and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra. Here, he’s joined by Al Cohn on tenor saxophone, Roland Hanna on piano, George Mraz on bass, and Dannie Richmond on drums. The copy I own is the 1980 U.S. stereo reissue that shares the original catalog number.

Side One opens with Figment Fragment, the first of six originals by Jimmy Knepper. The opening ensemble is a spirited romp by the group with Knepper and Cohn at the forefront. Jimmy is up first and gives an energetic solo, then Al jumps in with a lively bounce. Roland follows with a delightful reading, and George walks with assurance next. Knepper and Cohn share a short workout ahead of the closing chorus. Languid is a lovely ballad that begins with a touchingly tender ensemble melody. Knepper’s opening solo is executed with warmth and intimacy. Hanna delivers a short statement, delicately leading to the group’s elegant reprise and ending.

Just Tonight is a fast bopper that gets busy right from the start of the ensemble’s speedy theme. Jimmy kicks things off with a fiery opening statement. Cohn takes over, pouring energy into every note. Roland builds the third reading with a compelling intensity next. George steps in last and walks briskly before the quintet wraps up with a vigorous restatement of the theme. Cunningbird, the title selection, opens the second side solemnly, then picks up the pace for Knepper to state the theme. Knepper cruises comfortably into the lead solo. Mraz follows and solos effectively. Cohn swings lightly next, and Hanna takes aim last, making a concise comment into the reprise and close.

Noche Triste is a haunting ballad with a Latin groove underpinning the ensemble’s graciously inviting melody. Jimmy leads the way with a thoughtfully tender solo. Al fills the next interpretation with a soft, elegant beauty. Roland etches a reading of lyrical grace next, and George gets the last words to deliver a wonderfully soothing statement preceding the group’s gentle reprise and fadeout. Spotlight Girl ends the album on an upbeat note with the quintet’s theme. Knepper gets to the point right away in the first solo. Mraz responds vigorously in the following reading. Hanna finds new avenues to explore in the third statement, and Knepper and Cohn have a brief conversation that leads back to the lively reprise and climax.

Nils Winther produced Cunningbird, and Elvin Campbell managed the recording console. The album’s sound quality is excellent with no harshness from top to bottom. The record is silent until the music starts, and the soundstage of each instrument is splendid. If you’re a hard bop fan and are in the mood for a great ensemble album, I invite you to consider Cunningbird by the Jimmy Knepper Quintet on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a terrific album by one of the unsung heroes of the slide trombone, who’s deserving of greater recognition and serves as a perfect introduction to his discography as a leader and sideman!

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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PAT METHENY

Launching his newest project Side-Eye, the concert features rising stars and kindred spirits in jazz. A trailblazing guitarist and composer, Metheny redefined jazz guitar with his blend of melody, swing, and innovation.

Over his career, he worked with legends like Herbie Hancock, David Bowie, and Ornette Coleman, exploring everything from solo guitar to orchestral and electronic music. A 20-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, Metheny continues to inspire, mentor, and push musical boundaries on stages around the world. Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series.

Born in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Metheny began on trumpet before switching to guitar at 12. By 15, he was performing with Kansas City’s top jazz musicians. He made his international debut in 1974 with vibraphonist Gary Burton, quickly earning recognition for his horn-like phrasing, modern improvisation, and deep roots in swing, melody, and the blues. His groundbreaking debut album Bright Size Life (1975) redefined the sound of jazz guitar for a new generation.

The Band:
Pat Metheny | Guitar
Jermaine Paul | Bass
Chris Fishman | Piano
Joe Dyson | Drums
Leonard Patton | Vocal

Tickets: $111.00 – $136.00

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TOMI BERRY & OMAR ASKEW

Tomi Berry is a beautiful performer, inside and out, brings natural grace, a rich soulful voice, and spiritual essence to her performances throughout the Atlanta area and beyond. Wherever she sings, she spreads joy, whether singing smooth R&B, swinging jazz, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention.  A spiritual song-stylist, she engages her listeners in musical conversation.

Omar Askew, a 19-year-old student at Kennesaw State University, is dedicated to studying Jazz Performance on the piano. Constantly striving for self-improvement, he aims to excel every time he touches his instrument. In lessons, Omar pushes his students to become the best pianists they can be, helping them achieve their personal goals.

Cover & Parking: Free

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ARTEMIS

ARTEMIS is a powerful ensemble of modern jazz masters, founded in 2017 by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes. Each musician is a bandleader and composer and every performance encompasses inspired arrangements of classics and originals. Performances across North America and Europe at major venues and festivals have garnered high praise from audiences and critics alike.

It is no wonder that ARTEMIS has been awarded #1 Group of the Year in the Annual Downbeat Readers Poll in 2023, 2024 and 2025! Their third recording “Arboresque” was released February 28, 2025. The album is testament to the group’s evolving musical landscape featuring stellar arrangements and riveting originals contributed by all members of the band. Come hear ARTEMIS perform with joy, passion, and high-wire intensity – there’s no other band like it!

Renee Rosnes – piano & keyboard
Ingrid Jensen – trumpet
Nicole Glover – tenor saxophone
Noriko Ueda – bass
Allison Miller – drums

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $45.00 +fee | Streaming: $15.00 +fee

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KERSTEN STEVENS

Kersten Stevens — Queen of the Violin, is a genre-defying artist and composer whose electrifying, luminous performances turn every stage into a sanctuary. A Yale alumna and six-time winner of Amateur Night and Showtime at The Apollo, her sound is a bold fusion of jazz, gospel, soul, and storytelling that leaves audiences moved, seen, and electrified.

Her latest album, Queen Rising, co-written and produced by 8x Grammy winner Christian McBride, debuted in the JazzWeek Top 40. She’s been featured in Vogue, WBGO 88.3FM, and All About Jazz, and has shared the stage with Keyon Harrold, Kamasi Washington, Faith Evans, and Trombone Shorty. She’s performed for icons like Usher, Babyface, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Dionne Warwick.

Tickets: Streaming ~ $15.00 +fee | GA ~ $35.00 – $45.00 +fee

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