2 Good Guitarists, One Fine Voice

Tuesday Jazz at Public welcomes guitarist Sinan Bakir, his Trio and the fine young vocalist Nicole Zuraitis (pictured) for a 6 p.m. show on May 19. Bakir, who moved to Hartford from his native Turkey to study guitar, is rapidly becoming one the area's finer players. I had the opportunity to review his debut CD (read here) and it's an impressive first effort. Ms. Zuraitis, a native of Litchfield and recent graduate of New York University, is fluent in both jazz and classical music as well as appearing in operas and benefit performances. Her self-released debut CD came out last year and, while it's a bit tame, her voice is sweet and clear.

Joining her and Bakir will be the fine young pianist Craig Hartley (in town with Mario Pavone at Boney's Music Lounge a couple of weeks ago), bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jay Williams. You can watch a video of Sinan Bakir shot at his recent Buttonwood Tree gig by going to www.sinanbakir.com.

If you got something a little funkier in mind, head down to Boney's Music Lounge, 106 Court Street, on Friday May 22 for the Melvin Sparks Trio. Sparks has been lighting funky fires for over 30 years working with both jazz and r'n'b bands, including saxophonist Lou Donaldson back in the 1970s and more modern players and groups such as Derek Trucks, Galactic, and saxophonist Karl Denson.

His music doesn't swing as much as it percolates or snaps, with a bounce and swagger that is irresistible. Accompanying him will be organist Paul Wolstencroft and drummer Bill Carbone. Carbone, currently enrolled at Wesleyan working on his PhD in Ethnomusicology, also plays in Wes grad Matt Steckler's creative music ensemble Dead Cat Bounce and the reggae group known as Buru Style.

Sparks and company begin "rocking the lounge" at 8:30. For more information, call 346-1000.