By Matt Micucci
NYC’s Jazz Standard is rightfully regarded as one of the top jazz clubs in the US. Throughout the month of November, it clearly aims to continue in the tradition of hosting top quality live performances, with a programme that features a healthy mix of jazz legends and rising stars.
Here are some of the highlights.
On Nov 5-8, Jazz Standard presents trumpeter Hugh Masekela and pianist Larry Willis, who will be performing as a duo. Masekela has been one of the most famous names in the rich history of South African jazz, and has often crossed over to other genres such as pop, funk and soul through collaboration with artists such as The Byrds and Paul Simon. Willis was a key player in the pioneering jazz-rock band Blood Swear & Tears for seven years, and has been recording albums as a leader since the seventies.
Nov 10-15 sees the return of the all star trio of pianist Danilo Pérez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade. The trio is easily one of the most celebrated and infulential of the last twenty years, and their performance at Jazz Standard this November also marks the release of their acclaimed album Children of the Night, which was released to great acclaim on September 2015.
On Nov 19-22, Guggehleim Fellowship winner and Grammy award nominated trumpeter Dave Douglas returns to Jazz Standard with his quintet, regarded as one of the best in the world, which features Jon Irabagon on saxophones, Matt Mitchell on piano, Linda Oh on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. This performance also marks the release of their new album. Entitled Brazen Heart, this is a heart-felt rememberance of Douglas’ brother, with material that emerged from the quintet’s extensive travels around the US and Europe.
The Maria Schneider Orchestra returns to the Jazz Standard stage for its annual Thanksgiving run, Nov 25-29. Schneider and her orchestra have established a distinguished recording career with nine Grammy nods and two Grammy Awards; her 2004 album Concert in the Garden made history as the first recording sold only on the internet to win a Grammy.
The “Mingus Monday” residency continues this month with performances by the Grammy Award winning Mingus Big Band.
For more information and complete schedules of November performances at Jazz Standard, along with information on the musicians, click here to visit their official website ->http://www.jazzstandard.com/<-