THE COOKERS
The Cookers take their name from Night of the Cookers, the famous 1965 recorded trumpet summit between Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard at Brooklyn’s Club La Marchal. Formed by trumpeter and organizer David Weiss, the group brings together some of the most storied musicians in jazz, players who came up in the 1960s and 70s working alongside the very architects of the music.
Drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Eddie Henderson were both members of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi group. Bassist Cecil McBee anchored Charles Lloyd’s celebrated quartet alongside Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette. Pianist George Cables held the piano chair in bands led by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, and Art Pepper. Saxophonist Donald Harrison, a recently named NEA Jazz Master, came up performing with Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock.
Together these musicians have contributed to well over a thousand recordings across the history of jazz, and the chemistry between them, forged over decades of shared history on bandstands around the world, is unmistakable. Critics have praised The Cookers for embodying the serious commitment it took to thrive on the New York jazz scene of decades past, and audiences consistently describe their live performances as electrifying, a rare opportunity to witness musicians who don’t simply play the music, but live inside of it. This is a true once in a lifetime chance to experience some of the last living architects of modern jazz in an intimate room.
The Side Door Jazz Club is a dedicated jazz listening room located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are reserved seating. Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the show receive 10% off their dinner bill.
The Band:
Eddie Henderson – Trumpet
David Weiss – Trumpet
Donald Harrison – Alto Saxophone
Azar Lawrence – Tenor Saxophone
George Cables – Piano
Cecil McBee – Bass
Billy Hart – Drums
Cover: $38.57
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HERBIE HANCOCK
Herbie Hancock Celebrates Miles Davis Centennial
This concert features some of the biggest names in jazz, including two of Miles’ former bassists—Ron Carter, who was a member of the legendary Miles Quintet with Herbie, as well as Marcus Miller, who produced Miles’ electric band classic, Tutu, Grammy winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, former Miles Davis saxophonist Kenny Garrett, esteemed bassist Christian McBride, and conductor, arranger Vince Mendoza. All told, that’s 45 Grammys on one stage honoring an absolute titan of music.
The program will feature music from throughout Miles’ career, including his collaborations with Gil Evans on the landmark albums Miles Ahead and Porgy and Bess, as well as a reimagining of his iconic late ’60s quartet and his fusion era.
Tickets: $39.00 ~ $759 (fee included)
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Eddie Shu was born on August 18, 1918 in New York City. He learned violin and guitar as a child before picking up saxophone as a teenager. His first professional gigs were as a harmonica-playing ventriloquist. He played in military bands while serving in the Army from 1942 to 1945.
Following his discharge he played with Tadd Dameron in 1947, George Shearing, Johnny Bothwell, Buddy Rich, Les Elgart and Lionel Hampton from 1949–1950. He would play with Charlie Barnet, Chubby Jackson and Gene Krupa through the end of the decade.
In the 1960s Shu moved to Florida, playing locally as well as clarinet with Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars, as well as Hampton and Krupa again. He would freelance around New York City, the Virgin Islands and Florida. Though he only did a few sessions as a leader in 1949, 1954 and 1955, he also recorded frequently with Gene Krupa.
Though he never gained much fame, Eddie Shu, a multi-talented swing and jazz saxophonist, a valued sideman skilled on reeds and brass instruments, passed away on July 4, 1986 in Tampa, Florida.
Requisites
Central Avenue Reunion ~ Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, Albert “Tootie” Heath | By Eddie Carter
It’s wonderful to be back with you all after some time away to recuperate from two surgeries earlier this month. This morning’s album from the library, Central Avenue Reunion (Contemporary Records C-14057) spotlights two of my favorite artists, Art Farmer and Frank Morgan. Recorded live in 1989 over two memorable nights at Kimball’s East, it reunites Art Farmer on both flugelhorn (tracks: A2, A3, A4, B1) and trumpet (A1, B3), and Frank Morgan on alto saxophone (A1, A2, A4, B1 to B3). An outstanding rhythm section joins them: Lou Levy on piano, Eric Von Essen on bass, and Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums. I own the 1990 U.S. stereo release.
The set opens with Star Eyes by Gene De Paul and Don Raye. Art sets the solos in motion on muted trumpet, leading the group through the relaxing melody. Frank takes flight first with a spirited solo that’s crisp and precise. Art takes the second statement with smooth efficiency. Lou takes a cheerfully appealing turn, and Eric follows with a short walk towards the restatement of the theme. Farmer’s Market by Art Farmer takes off at a fast gallop for the quintet’s opening ensemble. Frank gets right down to business first, then Art sustains the momentum with passionate fire next. Lou follows with a vigorous statement, then all the soloists share a brisk exchange before the closing ensemble comes to a dead stop.
Art and the trio pay homage to George and Ira Gershwin with Embraceable You, opening with a gorgeous melody. Art begins with the first of two exceptionally gentle interpretations, showing off his sentimental side. Lou follows with a short solo filled with warmth and sensitivity. Art returns with a thoughtfully graceful reading, leading back to the soothing theme. Blue Minor by Sonny Clark brings the ensemble back for a medium-tempo melody. Frank sets the pace with a wailing opening statement. Art takes the wheel next and continues with a jubilant reading. Lou has the last word and neatly wraps up the solos before the theme returns.
I Remember You by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer begins with Lou’s lovely introduction, which segues into the quintet’s lively melody. Art is in top form first, with a good-hearted swing. Frank works out a few intriguing ideas next, then Lou’s piano flows like cool water in a relaxing river stream. Art and Frank share a brief conversation into the closing chorus. Don’t Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields is a beautiful ballad from the thirties that begins elegantly, with Frank and the rhythm section’s melody moving like a couple’s Sunday evening stroll. He continues approaching the song’s only solo from the heart, anchored by the trio’s subtle support, into a gorgeous reprise and ending.
Sonny Clark’s Cool Struttin’ brings the set to a close with the ensemble’s collective midtempo theme, setting a good tone. Lou comes in first and skillfully navigates the rhythm section. Art takes the next spot on muted trumpet with carefree enthusiasm. Frank sparkles next with steady sureness, and Eric delivers a delightful finale before the group’s theme restatement earns the audience’s approval. Helen Keane produced Central Avenue Reunion. Danny Kopelson managed the recording console, and George Horn mastered the album. The sound quality is exceptional, placing the listener in the audience as the musicians perform.
If you’re searching for an exhilarating hard-bop live session to listen to after a long day, evening, or week, I invite you to join Art Farmer, Frank Morgan, Lou Levy, Eric Von Essen, and Albert “Tootie” Heath for a Central Avenue Reunion the next time you’re out record shopping. It’s a lively, spirited performance of standards and originals, with thoughtful arrangements and inspired solos that offers many hours of listening enjoyment and shouldn't be missed for a spot in your library!
~Donna Lee, Don’t Blame Me, Embraceable You, I Remember You, Star Eyes – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Walter Blanding Jr. was born on August 14, 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio to a musical family and began playing the saxophone at age six. In 1981, he moved with his family to New York City, and by age 16, he was performing regularly with his parents at the Village Gate.
Blanding attended LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and continued his studies at the New School for Social Research. Living in Israel for 4 years he had a major impact on the music scene, inviting great artists such as Louis Hayes, Eric Reed and others to perform. He also taught in several Israeli schools and toured the country with his ensemble.
Walter’s first recording, Tough Young Tenors, was acclaimed as one of the best jazz albums of 1991. He has performed or recorded with numerous musicians, such as Cab Calloway, the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Marcus Roberts, Illinois Jacquet, Eric Reed and Roy Hargrove among others. His last release, The Olive Tree, features fellow members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Clarinetist, tenor and soprano saxophonist Walter Blanding Jr. has taught at the Shanghai branch of Jazz At Lincoln Center, and continues to record as a sideman with a variety of musicians and perform as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.