 | Wednesday, June 14th at 9pm The Alyssa Allgood Quintet performing Carmen McRae’s 1988 release CARMEN SINGS MONK. BACKGROUND: “Being both an avid fan of both Carmen and Monk this album is a delight. Carmen makes it work because she had a deep understanding and appreciation of Monk's work… Her phrasing is perfect. However, her backing ensemble is also an ingredient in pulling this album off. Let's start with Monk's best known tenor saxophonist, Charlie Rouse, who is backing her. He sets the tone and provides a link back to the music. You can almost imagine Monk in Europe of Japan inviting Carmen to the stage to sit in. The other musicians backing Carmen are both Larry Willis and Eric Gunnison on piano, Clifford Jordon on soprano and tenor sax accompanying Rouse's tenor, George Mraz on bass and Al Foster on drums...” ~ Mike Terrani PERFORMANCES BY: Alyssa Allgood - Vocals Chris Madsen - Sax Dan Chase - Piano Joe Policastro- Bass Jon Deitemyer - Drums |
 | Wednesday, June 28th at 9pm The Dave Rempis Quartet will perform Johnny Dyani’s 1978 release SONG FOR BIKO. BACKGROUND: “Bassist Johnny Dyani had a large tone and a relaxed yet authoritative style. On this classic SteepleChase release he teams up with two other South African expatriates (altoist Dudu Pukwana and drummer Makay Ntshoko) plus cornetist Don Cherry for music that is haunting, emotional, somewhat adventurous, yet also melodic. While "Song for Biko" is the most memorable piece, all five of Dyani's originals (including the 16-and-a-half-minute "Jo'burg-New York") are special. The music combines together Dyani's South African folk heritage with Ornette Coleman's free bop and elements of avant-garde jazz. Highly recommended....” ~ Scott Yanow PERFORMANCES BY: Dave Rempis - Reeds Russ Johnson - Trumpet Joshua Abrams - Bass Avreeayl Ra - Drums |
