DON ALIQUO

Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk…with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing” while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he’s describing”.

“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.

Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.

Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label.

Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew.

Cover: $20.00 advance/door

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Claire Daly was born on February 26, 1959. At the age of 12 she began playing the saxophone and was soon turned onto jazz by way of a live performance by the Buddy Rich Big Band. She went on to attend Berklee College Of Music and upon graduation she became a full-time professional musician.

In the late 70s and early 80s Claire played with various groups in the jazz and rock arenas, and her powerful tenor saxophone suited the latter perfectly. However, playing more jazz than rock, Daly switched to the baritone saxophone and has worked in New York City since the mid-80s.

>A seven-year association with the all-female big band, Diva, was followed with her working with People Like Us. Daly’s versatility moves between jazz, R&B and Latin, releasing two CDs as a leader for Koch Records and three on her own label DalyBread.

Her influences include Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Sonny Rollins and, on baritone, Serge Chaloff, Ronnie Cuber and Leo Parker. She has performed with Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Joe Williams, and Rosemary Clooney among many others, and her first CD Swing Low resides in the William Jefferson Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Claire Daly, a gifted improviser whose rich tone and emotional depth has earned her a place as a respected member of the baritone saxophone family, continues to lead her own jazz groups and to pass the gift of music on to the next generation.

Diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2023, baritone saxophonist and composer Claire Daly died at the residence of a friend in Longmont, Colorado, on October 22, 2024, at the age of 66.

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Requisites

Jackie’s Bag ~ Jackie McLean | By Eddie Carter

Alto saxophonist, Jackie McLean, enters this morning’s spotlight with an excellent 1961 hard bop album, Jackie’s Bag (Blue Note BLP 4051/BST 84051). It comprises two sessions from 1959 and 1960, and two all-star ensembles join him. Donald Byrd (tracks: A1-A3), Blue Mitchell (B1 to B3) on trumpet, Tina Brooks (B1 to B3) on tenor sax, Sonny Clark (A1 to A3), Kenny Drew (B1 to B3) on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones (A1 to A3), and Art Taylor (B1 to B3) on drums. The copy I own is the 2008 Classic Records mono audiophile deep groove reissue, sharing the original catalog number.

Side One opens with Quadrangle, the first of five originals by Jackie McLean. It takes off straight into the stratosphere from the start of the quintet’s brisk melody. Jackie takes a sharp corner into an energetic opening solo, then Donald continues navigating traffic in the next lively statement. Philly Joe tackles the final solo vigorously, leading back into the closing chorus. Blues Inn begins with the ensemble’s relaxed theme. McLean opens with an easygoing solo, then Byrd compels the listener to leave their troubles behind in the following statement. Clark has an enjoyable interpretation next, and Paul’s short walk leads the group back into the theme’s restatement and close.

Fidel gets going with Philly Joe’s introduction to the group’s upbeat melody. Donald has the first solo and makes the most of every note. Jackie takes over and swings so passionately that the listener is sure to be tapping his toes and snapping his fingers. Sonny’s rhythmic agility in the closer flows efficiently into the closing chorus and ending. Appointment in Ghana starts the second side with the front line’s introduction segueing into the sextet’s lively melody. McLean leads off and shows he can cook with the best of them. Mitchell adds some bite to the second solo, then Brooks ignites the next reading with plenty of heat. Drew gets the last word ahead of the group’s tasty finale.

A Ballad For Doll is a heartfelt tribute from Jackie to his wife, Dolly. The sextet gently slows things down for a warm and affectionate opening chorus. Kenny shines in the solo spotlight with a delicately beautiful interpretation that builds into the group’s touching climax. Isle of Java by Tina Brooks brings the album to a close, picking up the tempo one last time for Brooks, setting the spirited melody in motion against the sextet. McLean comes out swinging first with a lively interpretation. Mitchell maintains the groove with an effervescent solo. Brooks responds with a statement full of zest. Drew is on the trail of the front line in the following reading, and Chambers gets a moment to shine, preceding the theme’s reprise and fadeout.

Alfred Lion produced Jackie’s Bag, and Rudy Van Gelder managed the recording console. The album’s sound quality is clean and crisp, leaping from the speakers with stunning fidelity and absolutely no background noise. Bernie Grundman mastered the audiophile reissue, and the record was pressed on 200-gram Quiex SV-P Hand Made Super Vinyl. The record is also silent until the music starts. If you’re in the mood for an excellent hard bop album, Jackie’s Bag, by Jackie McLean, is an outstanding entry point to his artistry and discography. The album also offers a vivid picture of the music landscape in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and should make a welcome addition to any jazz fan’s library!

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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LANGSTON HUGHES & HIS QUARTET

Experience an unforgettable evening of modern jazz with saxophonist Langston Hughes IIand his Quartet. Rooted in gospel and shaped by the rich traditions of jazz, Langston’s music is a soulful, high-energy journey through sound, storytelling, and spirit. With a style that is both deeply expressive and rhythmically driven, the quartet delivers performances filled with passion, beauty, and joy.

Hughes is an accomplished saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator, rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting young voices in jazz today. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Langston began his musical journey in the Prince George’s County public school system before studying at Howard University under the mentorship of Charlie Young III and Cyrus Chestnut. He recently earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School. Langston has toured with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, performs with Cyrus Chestnut, Rufus Reid, and is a member of Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y Band.

Langston is also an in-demand woodwind performer on and off Broadway, with recent credits including A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical and Just in Time: The Bobby Darin Story. A former Strathmore Artist in Residence and a graduate of the Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead, he is also a dedicated educator, teaching privately and through FAME, committed to uplifting the next generation of artists.

Langston Hughes II ~ saxophone
Robert Papachica ~ guitar
William Hill III ~ piano
Eytan Schillinger-Hyman ~ bass
Quincy Phillips ~ drums

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $40.00 +fee
Streaming: $15.00 +fee

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BRAXTON COOK

Maryland’s own Braxton Cook is an Emmy Award-winning, two time Grammy Award winning, NAACP Image Award-nominated artist, known for his world-class skills as an alto saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and composer. With a blend of jazz, soul, and alt-R&B, he has carved out a unique, melodic sound that has made him one of the most exciting voices of his generation. A Juilliard-trained, genre-jumping artist whose music feels both contemporary and timeless, Braxton studied saxophone under the renowned Paul Carr. During this time, Braxton was selected as a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.

He has performed on major stages around the world, from Coachella to international jazz festivals, and collaborated with artists like Rihanna, Solange, Christian McBride Big Band, Tom Misch, Christian Scott, Marquis Hill, and Jon Batiste, performing on his soundtrack for Pixar’s Oscar-winning film, Soul. His albums garner critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard, BET, NPR Music, FORBES, and The Washington Post, cementing Braxton as both a “jazz marvel” and a cultural influencer shaping modern music. His newest album, Not Everyone Can Go, drops August 29th. Musically, the album conjures images of bright evening sunshine, when the temperature begins to cool.

Braxton Cook ~ saxophone & vocals
Mike King ~ keyboards
Paul Reinhold~  bass
Curtis Nowosad ~ drums

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $40.00 +fee
Streaming: $15.00 +fee

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