KIND OF BLUE: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF MILES DAVIS

Born in 1926, trumpeter Miles Davis was among the greatest innovators in jazz. This centennial concert celebrates his unparalleled musical legacy, which includes the albums Sketches of Spain, Tutu, Birth of the Cool and Kind of Blue. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, both Grammy Award nominees, will pay tribute to the magical pairing of Miles Davis and John Coltrane,

Miles was the quintessence of cool. A musical icon as well as a cultural one, Davis took his place in the pantheon by ceaselessly seeking and often ushering in the “next thing” in jazz while steadfastly refusing to be anyone but himself.   

Finding his footing in the bebop world in the late 1940s and early 50s, Davis would go on to reinvent his sound many times—to the consternation of many of his followers and the delight of others. To Davis, what the audience might want never seemed to enter into the equation. Throughout his 65 years on the planet, he would set his course of discovery, a renegade in a restless search for new, uncharted places that the music could take him.  

Featuring:
Ravi Coltrane ~ Tenor, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet
Ambrose Akinmusire ~ Trumpe
Veronica Swift ~ Vocal
Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra
Conductor ~ Scott Flavin

Tickets: $52.65 – $152.10

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STRAIGHT AHEAD

Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, comes the ground breaking, Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Straight Ahead was the first all-woman group signed to Atlantic Jazz.

Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, Straight Ahead is in the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame. with a sound that ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz to Latin jazz and jazzy hip-hop.  Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy!

The Group:
Alina Morr- Piano
Marion Hayden – Bass
Gayelynn McKinney- Drums
Kymberli Wright – Vocals
Ingrid Racine – Trumpet

Cover: $20.00

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Requisites

Quartet ~ Russ Freeman and Chet Baker | By Eddie Carter

It had been some time since I last enjoyed Russ Freeman’s piano work, so this morning I chose an excellent collaboration featuring him and trumpeter Chet Baker from my library. Quartet (World Pacific Records, PJ-1232) hit the stores in 1957 and was the eleventh album Freeman and Baker recorded together. The album showcases six original tunes alongside two standards, and they are supported by the outstanding rhythm section of Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Shelly Manne on drums. The copy of this album that I own is a King Record Company Japanese mono reissue (Pacific Jazz GFX-3104).

The first side opener, Love Nest by Otto Harbach and Louis A. Hirsch begins at a brisk pace, with Chet on muted trumpet during the lively melody, which continues into a spirited opening statement. Russ gets the next nod and delivers an energetic reading. Leroy follows up with a swinging interpretation, then Chet and Shelly engage in a brief exchange before the closing chorus returns. Fan Tan, the first of six originals by Russ Freeman, slows the pace to midtempo for the quartet’s theme. Freeman is afforded plenty of room to shape his phrases in the opening statement. Baker is back on the open horn and maintains a laid-back vibe as he effortlessly swings to the closing chorus and ending.

Summer Sketch begins with a gentle piano introduction. Chet Baker’s trumpet playing throughout the track is both poetic and tender, with each note radiating romantic beauty, softly guiding the group to a smooth, unified finish. An Afternoon At Home ends the first side with the rhythm section’s inviting introduction, allowing Baker to glide through the opening chorus at a leisurely, relaxed pace. Freeman’s lead solo is as enjoyable as spending a leisurely afternoon with friends. Then, Vinnegar takes the spotlight next for a captivating solo. Baker has the last word with a charming presentation, before the quartet brings the tune to a satisfying close.

Say When starts Side Two with the quartet’s spirited melody. Chet leads the way with an exciting opening statement. Russ soars into the following presentation, then Shelly swings with great force in a brief, exhilarating closing reading before the theme’s reappearance and the group’s exit. Lush Life by Billy Strayhorn is one of the enduring favorites among jazz standards. The song begins with Freeman’s sensitive introduction, gently segueing to Baker’s rich tone as he introduces the tender theme. The pianist’s solo possesses a sad, reflective beauty, culminating in the trumpeter’s tender and thoughtful finale.

Amblin is a slow blues, introduced by the trio’s soulful introduction, segueing to the leader’s down-home melody. Chet opens with a solo that’s thoughtfully crafted and effortlessly delivered. Russ continues letting each verse glide effortlessly next. Leroy wraps it up with plenty of heart, ahead of the quartet’s theme reprise and climax. Hugo Hurwhey takes off with a short introduction, preceding the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Baker hits an ideal groove in the opening statement. Freeman takes the reins next with a robust reading, then Vinnegar, Manne, and Freeman culminate the solos in a vigorous exchange with Baker, leading to the melody’s restatement and conclusion.

Richard Bock produced Quartet, but the identity of the recording engineer is unidentified. However, this King Record Company reissue possesses outstanding audio quality, with an excellent soundstage that brings the foursome into your listening room with impressive clarity and presence. Whether you’re a Russ Freeman or Chet Baker fan, or are just discovering the discography of either musician, I emphatically recommend and invite you to pick up Quartet on your next trip to the record store. The album is a stellar showcase for both musicians and would make a welcome addition to any jazz library!

~ Lush Life – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter


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The Jazz Voyager

Autumn in New York is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is wonderful and the jazz is plentiful. This month the Jazz Voyager is flying nowhere but around the isldanrelegated to the city’s cabs, private cars or Lyfts. Last week was Dizzy’s at Columbus Circle, this week I’ll be right up Broadway to Lincoln Center to be in the audience at Alice Tull Hall.

For the listening pleasure of this week’s audience I will be in attendance to witness the talent of Trindadian trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles with his band Creole Soul. Joining him is the University of Miami Frost Symphony Orchestra along with special guests. They’ll be paying tribute to San Juan Hill, a story about the Black neighborhood that was destroyed in order to build the venerable performance venue complex, Lincoln Center.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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SCOTT BELCK QUINTET FEATURING GREGORY TARDY

Dr. Scott Belck is Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he leads the CCM Jazz Orchestra and teaches jazz trumpet. A versatile performer, he’s played lead trumpet with the Cincinnati Pops, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Bootsy Collins’ Funk Unity Band, and numerous symphonies and jazz festivals.

He co-founded several ensembles including Tromba Mundi, Jazz Central Big Band, and the Flying Circus Big Band. Belck is also a published author and the founder of Lip Slur World Headquarters. Gregory Tardy is a saxophonist and clarinetist known for his soulful, expressive style rooted in jazz tradition yet always pushing forward. Originally a classical clarinetist, he shifted to jazz after hearing Coltrane and Monk’s “Monk’s Mood,” eventually immersing himself in the New Orleans scene alongside artists like Nicholas Payton and Brian Blade.

Tardy gained national attention with Elvin Jones’ Jazz Machine and went on to perform and record with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Tom Harrell, Andrew Hill, Betty Carter, and Bill Frisell. His work as a leader includes acclaimed albums for Impulse!, Palmetto, and Steeplechase Records, most recently If Time Could Stand Still on WJ3. Now a professor at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, Tardy continues to perform internationally and inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.

The Band:
Scott Belck — trumpet
Gregory Tardy— tenor saxophone/clarinet
Dan Karlsberg — piano
Justin Dawson — bass
John Taylor — drums

Cover: $15.00

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