Jazz at the Majestic Theater

The Majestic Theater is turning into THE place to hear big name jazz with popular appeal. The Bad Plus was already on the schedule for April 16, now they’ve added John Scofield for the same week, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe  for the end of this month, and Charlie Hunter for early May. All of these are must see shows. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe may be more funk/RnB than jazz but it is informed by his jazz roots and features his funky sax.

I’ll have more about these artists as we get closer to their concerts. Here’s the lineup as it currently looks:

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Saturday, 3/28, 9 pm
Tickets $20-35

John Scofield
Monday, 4/13, 8 pm
Tickets $20-32

Bad Plus
Thursday, 4/16, 8 pm
Tickets $16-25

The Charlie Hunter Duo
Wednesday, 5/6, 8 pm
Tickets $15-30

El Clan Destino Jazz Concert and Lecture

Next week is a good one for jazz in Madison. I’ll write about some of the other events later, but for now let’s focus on a special event this coming Thursday night: El Clan Destino will give a concert performance and lecture on their Afro-Cuban musical influences at Capitol Lakes Grand Hall at 7:30.

 El Clan Destino features music inspired by African and Cuban traditions as well as American Jazz and Funk. Their repertoire features hard-hitting renditions of works by Chucho Valdez, Michel Camilo, and Chano Dominquez (all innovators in latin jazz piano), progressive originals, and arrangements of indigenous sacred and secular vocal music of Cuba.

In addition to the musical performance, the group will provide musical and historical background on the classic, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary Afro-Cuban rhythms they use. Anyone interested in latin rhythms, latin jazz, and understanding more about the African Diaspora will want to attend.

No Jam Tonight – Now What?

So there’s no jazz jam session tonight – what to do?

My first pick, and sorry this isn’t jazz but it should be a blast, is Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, 7:30 at the Barrymore. Good old fashioned house rocking soul-funk. This band has been on a roll and will be one of the best dance concerts of the year. If you don’t know much about them there is an excellent primer on Madison Music Review.

Two other solid choices are the Red Quartet, 8 pm at the Mercury Lounge. I’ve mentioned them here before, but I haven’t seen their show yet because it conflicted with the Concourse jam. I’ll see them tonight if all works out. At 7:30 the UW Jazz Bands are playing a free concert at Music Hall. It’s always fun seeing the up and coming talent, and this performance will be special because it’s at Music Hall, one of the nicer concert venues in Madison.

By the way, the UW Big Band Jazz Ensemble plays again in the Union Rathskellar from 5-6 on Friday evening.

Concourse Jazz last night

It was another beautiful night of jazz at the Concourse Hotel bar last night. The band seemed mystified why trumpeter Dave Cooper wasn’t there, but the show went on as a quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Patrick Briener. Patrick has great technique, a seemingly unlimited supply of great ideas, puts them together in unexpected ways, and intersperses them with overtones, alternate fingerings, and other special effects. Really a treat to listen to.

Dave Cooper showed for the second set, maybe the fog had slowed him down? The band sounded great, so did some of the guest musicians. Among those that stood out were John Doing (drums), and Matt Donoghue (bass), from the Red Quartet. They were off from their usual gig at the Mercury Lounge on Wednesdays. This is the first time I heard them and based on their performance I’ll have to check out the entire group. Another notable jammer was Joey B. Banks , a very busy blues and funk Madison drummer who showed off some nice jazz chops.

More about the situation regarding the future of music at the Concourse…  Apparently, nothing has been decided. There is a meeting in early December when it’s believed decisions will be made. Let’s hope for the best.