Monday, June 26
Conrad Herwig Latin Side (Latin jazz) He's a first-call trombonist who has played with Miles Davis, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, and others, but Conrad Herwig has found another niche that has greatly enhanced his career. Over the last two decades, he has released a series of critically acclaimed albums exploring the Latin sides of Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. (RN) conradherwig.com
ESM-XRIJF Scholarships Concert with Jeff Campbell (Straight-ahead jazz) Bassist Jeff Campbell has been a ubiquitous presence on the Rochester jazz and classical scene for over two decades. The Eastman School of Music professor and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra member will be hosting some of the top young jazz players of the future in this annual scholarships concert. (RN) esm.rochester.edu/faculty/campbell_jeffrey
Gene Bertoncini (Straight-ahead jazz) Over the last half-century, guitarist extraordinaire Gene Bertoncini has played with jazz greats like Wayne Shorter, Buddy Rich, and Tony Bennett. But his technique is so gorgeous, he's also been featured with the Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra. Bertoncini excels in any setting, but he is best known for his extraordinary solo work. And no small part of any Bertoncini performance is his sense of humor. (RN) genebertoncini.com
Harold Danko (Straight-ahead jazz) He may now have the august title of Professor of Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music, but pianist Harold Danko spent many years paying his dues on the road with a "Who's Who" of jazz greats, including Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. If that's not enough, his classic tune, "Tidal Breeze," has been recorded by both Baker and Konitz. (RN) esm.rochester.edu/faculty/danko_harold
Herb Smith's Freedom Trio (Straight-ahead jazz) If you've heard Herb Smith playing trumpet with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, you might be surprised to hear him as a blistering jazz player with his Freedom Trio. Smith is nothing if not versatile, having played with jazz, soul, and pop greats, including Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Cole, Yes, Doc Severinsen, and The O'Jays. (RN) herbtrumpet.com
Ikonostasis (Not-so-straight-ahead jazz) Led by Moogist, pianist, and composer Kari Ikonen, Ikonostasis eases the listener into its abstract improvisation by not sinking to its level but rather lifting it up. You'll discover you're halfway through an odd passage before it strikes you as odd. (FD) kariikonen.com
Jae Sinnett's Zero to 60 Quartet (Straight-ahead Jazz) Jae Sinnett has sat in the drummer's chair with some of the most demanding musicians in jazz, including Branford and Ellis Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, and Joe Henderson. But he's also capable of writing complex, challenging compositions. His 14th album as a leader showcases his commitment to classic, swinging, compelling jazz. (RN) jaesinnett.com
Jam Sessions with Bob Sneider Trio (Jazz jam) Click here for more information.
Katy Wright (Singer-songwriter, rock) Whether it's bangin' on the elephant teeth with Teagan and the Tweeds, or singing bright and insightful with the Skeleton Keys, Katy Wright is a beautiful example of the musical talent found in Rochester. (FD) katywrightmusic.com
Laura Jurd's Dinosaur (Jazz, Electronica) It may sound like a strange hybrid, but filtering a combination of folk and funk through an array of electronic instruments works beautifully for Dinosaur. The key to this futuristic band is the experimental nature of its personnel: Laura Jurd on trumpet; Elliot Galvin, keyboards; Conor Chaplin, bass; and Corrie Dick, drums. (RN) laurajurd.com
Lera Lynn (Country rock) While mainstream country music may be getting increasingly pop-oriented, an alternative brand of more subtle, challenging country is also gaining strength. Lera Lynn is a wonderful example of what happens when contemporary singer-songwriter sensibility meets Americana with healthy measures of folk and rock in the mix. (RN) leralynn.com
Marquis Hill Blacktet (Post-bop, swing) Chicago's Marquis Hill leads his ensemble, Blacktet, with a no-frills beauty blown through his cream-toned trumpet and flugelhorn. The band is powerful but handles the demure passages with thoughtfulness and ingenuity. Hill is rooted classically, but he leaves room for modern sojourns. Feel free to snap your fingers. (FD) marquishill.com
Miguel Zenon (Straight-ahead jazz) Click here for a feature on Miguel Zenón.
New Breed Brass Band (New Orleans jazz) you can talk all you want about New Breed Brass Band's deep dish, funky groove. But let me elucidate you to the wall that is the brass section. It's an inescapable force of nature; it's the reason you'll be sore the next morning, whether you wake up in a parking lot or your own bed. (FD) facebook.com/newbreedbrassband
Red Hook Soul (Funky and smooth) Check out the bio here.
The Red Hot and Blue Band (Blues rock) Featuring Bernie Heveron (ex-Personal Effects) on slide guitar and bass, The Red Hot and Blue Band proves that Rochester is a blues kind of town. The band plays plugged-in and electrified and will put the boogie in your socks. (FD) facebook.com/Redhotnblueband
Vince Ercolamento Quintet (Straight-ahead jazz) Saxophonist extraordinaire Vince Ercolamento may be best known for his work with Prime Time Funk, but he has recently released a wonderful new album, "Inner Soul," showcasing not only his skills as a great soloist, but also as a composer and arranger. His original music covers a lot of territory, from straight-forward jazz to the funkiest fusion. (RN) vinceercolamento.com
