LOUIS HAYES QUINTET

The Louis Hayes Quintet With Steve Nelson~vibraphone, Abraham Burton~tenor saxophone, Allyn Johnson~piano & Gerald Cannon~bass

For more than forty years, drummer and NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes has been a catalyst for energetic, unrelenting swing in his self led bands, as well as in those whose respective leaders reads like an encyclopedia of straight ahead post-bop modern jazz. His iconic jazz drumming style graced and elevated the music of Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, & countless others.

Hayes himself an authentic architect of post-bop swing, began his professional activities at the tender age of 18. He started with tenor saxophonist, flautist and oboist Yusef Lateef who like Hayes is a Detroit native. After the stint with Lateef, Hayes went on to rhythmically propel groups led by pianist Horace Silver, legendary saxophonist Cannonball Adderley and pianist Oscar Peterson. These positions were augmented by countless recordings on the Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside and other labels with the likes of John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson, Jackie McLean, Wes Montgomery, Cedar Walton, Dexter Gordon, Woody Shaw, George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner and the list goes on.

For the last twenty-plus years, Louis has led or co-led some of the most uncompromisingly swinging groups in all of jazz. Each unit has displayed tight-knit harmonic cohesion and hard-driving consistency as part of its signature.

Native Washingtonian, Allyn Johnson, is a multi-talented musician, composer, arranger and producer whose trademark sound gives brilliance and fortitude to the art of jazz improvisation. Allyn is one of the nation’s most sought after musicians in the jazz community. He is revered by musical giants as well as the “young lions” of his generation. He was chosen for the highly competitive Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2001 and returned to teach in the program in 2002.

Friday & Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm | $35~$45 + fee
Sunday: 5:00pm & 7:30pm | $35~$45 + fee

Streaming: $10 + fee

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The Jazz Voyager

I’m leaving on a jet plane from the cold of the East Coast for much warmer temperatures of Southern California in San Diego. A jacket may be required by this Jazz Voyager to maintain a modicum of warmth in the evening hours. That said, I will be visiting the Balboa Theatre, located at 868 Fourth Avenue, 92101. They are playing host to a fabulous lineup of musicians on the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour.

One of the world’s longest-running musical events that was begun in 2007 after celebrating 50 years, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble. Featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and critically acclaimed rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. This stellar band is directed by visionary pianist Christian Sands and anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.

If you’ve never been to the jazz festival in Monterey here’s your chance to experience the verve of these musicians. Take a moment to purchase your tickets and I’ll see you there and experience it together.

The theatre’s number is 619-615-4000. If you want to get more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event/monterey-jazz-festival-on-tour.

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The Jazz Voyager

Leaving the cold of the East Coast for the meaner temperatures of the Midwest as the Jazz Voyager heads to Ann Arbor, Michigan to check out a new venue I am not familiar with. It’s called the Blue Llama and is located at ​​314 S Main Street, 48104. It’s going to be a rush to the airport from the ship but fortunately I travel light with one carry~on bag. I have my Uber waiting for me at the port and hopefully I will make the plane on time.

My good friend, vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris will be in residence for two nights in this stylish lounge that offers inventive cuisine, charcuterie (meats) and great jazz. Two sets each night and if you haven’t ever seen him perform, here’s your opportunity to revel in his magic and understand the genius of the man.

So bundle up and come out for dinner and a show while supporting your local watering and dining spot and keeping the community vibrant. Enjoy the celebration of music!

The club’s number is 734-372-3200. If you want to get more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event/allan-harris-band-2.

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is not one who cruises to look at the ocean rather than being in it. I like to experience the adventure on terra firma so I can fully explore the destination and the waters snorkeling and diving. But it is a new year and one must try new things, so Blue Note At Sea is where you’ll find this voyager.

Seven days from January 13~20th upon the Celebrity Millennium Cruise Line there will be jam packed roster of 80 musicians and vocalists, performing as much music as you can stand. Folks like Marcus Miller, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Baylor Project, Christian McBride, Chris Botti, Robert Glasper, Cyrille Aimée, José James, Derrick Hodge, Gerald Clayton, Emmet Cohen, Julian Lage, Warren Wolf and many, many more.

So tune up your jazz ears, protect yourself as variants are still appearing on the horizon and you will be in crowded spaces. Kindness to yourself will be kindness to others. Enjoy the celebration of music!

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JEFF LIBMAN

Jeff Libman Quintet

Jeff Libman-guitar, Michael Kocour-piano, Ben Hedquist-bass, Dom Moio-drums, with Clark Gibson-alto saxophone

Chicago-born jazz guitarist Jeff Libman is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. As a jazz guitarist, Libman performs frequently in the Phoenix metropolitan area, sharing the stage with some of Arizona’s finest jazz musicians, including Michael Kocour, Brice Winston, Dom Moio, and Eric Rasmussen. His most recent album, Strange Beauty, released on the Cellar Live label, received extensive radio airplay and reached #26 on the JazzWeek chart.

• Table Seats – : $35
  
• Tier 2 Table Seats – : $32
  
• High Top Seats – : $32
  
• East Row Seats – : $27
  
• West Row Seats – : $27

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