What happens when two of the greatest musicians in Hungary — saxophonist Mihaly Borbely and drummer Balazs Bagyi — get together with two of New York City’s finest — pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and bassist Joe Fonda? You can find out when the Eastern Boundary Quartet takes the stage at the Bop Shop where you’re […]
Ron Netsky
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JAZZ | Aaron Irwin Trio
Saxophonist and clarinetist Aaron Irwin has made a name for himself playing in the innovative large ensemble Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society. He’s also lent his talents to a variety of pop performers including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and The Roots. When Irwin brings his trio to the Bop Shop, the audience will […]
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JAZZ | Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet
When the Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet played at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival last year, it was a rhythmic feast, provided by percussionist Freddy “Huevito” Lobatón on the cajón, Shirazette Tinnin on drums, John Benitez on bass, and Yuri Juárez guitar. Soaring above that core group were Alegria and Laura Andrea Leguia on soulful […]
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Album review: ‘Triple Play’
Harold Danko “Triple Play” SteepleChase esm.rochester.edu/faculty/danko_harold The new album by pianist Harold Danko is best described as a musical adventure. The title, “Triple Play,” is especially appropriate because it’s a collective improvisation on the part of Danko and trio-mates Jay Anderson (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums). As Danko explains in his liner notes, the three […]
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Album review: ‘Light Blue’
Martin Wind “Light Blue” Laika Records martinwind.com For the last three decades, Martin Wind has been among the most in-demand bassists in jazz, playing with a diverse array of artists ranging from Johnny Griffin to Sting. His latest album, “Light Blue,” leaves no doubt that he’s far more than a sideman. Wind wrote every tune […]
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JAZZ | Loren Stillman Quartet with Gary Versace
Brooklyn-based saxophonist Loren Stillman is one of the finest young hard-bop players on the scene today. He’s enhanced the bands of Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, Carla Bley, John Abercrombie, and others, and is now making a name for himself as a leader. When he brings his quartet to the Bop Shop, he’ll be featuring the […]
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Top pianists honor a jazz pioneer
The Kodak Hall stage will be occupied by seven excellent pianists the night of Friday, March 23: Monty Alexander, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap, Harold Danko, Bill Dobbins, Tony Caramia, and Gary Versace. But another great pianist, who is no longer with us, will be on everyone’s mind. Marian McPartland (who lived from 1918 to 2013) […]
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JAZZ | Joseph Daley Tuba Trio
The three musicians in the Joseph Daley Tuba Trio have collectively collaborated with a “Who’s Who” of musical giants. Daley (tuba) has worked with Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, and Taj Mahal. Warren Smith (drums, marimba, and percussion) has played with everyone from Nat King Cole and Charles Mingus to Janis Joplin and Barbra Streisand. And […]
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JAZZ | Herb Smith Freedom Trio
EDITOR’S NOTE: This concert has been postponed until Friday, March 9. Same time, location, and price. The words “Freedom Trio” can mean many things, but in the case of the Herb Smith Freedom Trio, one sure thing is freedom from the predictable. When Smith, a superb trumpeter, records his upcoming album live at The Penthouse, […]
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Album review: ‘The Early Riser’
Doug Stone / Josiah Williams “The Early Riser” Self-released dougstonejazz.com; jdeanwilliams.com Over the last decade, artists like Robert Glasper and Q-Tip have explored the intersection of jazz and hip-hop. But the jazz side of that equation has usually consisted of pretty light grooves. Local saxophonist extraordinaire Doug Stone has teamed up with Peoria, Illinois, rapper […]
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JAZZ | Johnny O’Neal Trio
If you have any doubts about the piano prowess of Johnny O’Neal just consider one fact: Out of all the excellent pianists in the world, he was selected to simulate the great Art Tatum in the 2004 film “Ray.” O’Neal had already paid his dues playing with Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Brown, not […]
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Bobby Floyd is a piano player’s piano player
The first piano player who observed prodigious talent in Bobby Floyd was his mother. At the age of 2, he walked over to the old upright in the family’s Marion, Ohio, home and began picking out melodies. A short time later his parents discovered he had perfect pitch, and by 5, Floyd was taking piano […]
