Noah B and His Buds + Live Music (9/19-20)

Middletown resident Noah Baerman, pianist/composer/author/educator and all-around "mensch" (look it up), is part of a quintet called "Playdate." Composed of his regular trio mates Henry Lugo (bass) and Vinnie Sperazza (drums), the band reunites Baerman with his high-school musical pals Amanda Monaco (guitar) and Wayne Escoffery (saxophones.) The triumvirate studied at the Educational School for the Arts in New Haven before heading off into the great world of creative music/jazz. Noah's now on the Jazz Ensemble Coach at Wesleyan University, Amanda leads several groups in the New York City area, and Wayne has a busy career as a bandleader and sideman (the Mingus Dynasty band, the Tom Harrell Quintet.)

They've played together on and off over the years, coming together on CD in 2005 as part of Baerman's "Soul Force", his heartfelt tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. So far, I have only heard excerpts from "Playdate" but the music has a "mainstream" feel, with strong melody lines and tight interplay. (Check out those excerpts here.)

It would be nice to see this band play "live" in the area but the schedules for all the contributors are pretty busy. To make a date with this fine band, you have to go to iTunes or emusic.com. Those who shun digital downloads should be able to find the CD at Integrity 'n' Music, Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield (a real "record" store.) (Photo above courtesy of allaboutjazz.com.)

Saturday, September 19:
"Party on the Patio" at the Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, features the music of The Remainders. They'll get started at 7 p.m. For more information, call 346-3367.

Jazz fans can enjoy the music of the Dave Palla Trio at 8 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. Joining Guitarist Palla for the evening of smartly played melodies and improvisations will be Paul Fuller (bass) and Dan Scheer (keyboards.) For more information, call 347-4957.

The name of the ensemble playing Saturday in Boney's Music Lounge should tell you all you need to know about its repertoire - Basic Blues Group. They'll hit the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday morning, head down to Brew Bakers, 169 Main Street, for coffee, brunch, and healthy portion of the music of Dave Downs. Middletown's "folk crooner" will keep you company starting at 11 a.m.

The Music at the Russell House series begins this Sunday with "Charlie Suriyakham: Clarinet Pointillism." Suriyakham, born in Thailand, is a member of the United States Coast Guard Band and an accomplished soloist, whose repertoire stretches from classical to jazz to ethnic musics. Joining him will be John Metz (piano), Megan Sesma (harp) and Lisa Williamson (soprano.) The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.



The Buttonwood Tree presents a Native American Music and Lecture Sunday at 6 p.m. The evening features a lecture delivered by David Swallow Jr., Lakota Spiritual Leader and flute music performed by Joseph FireCrow, raised on a reservation in Southeastern Montana. This looks to be a fascinating evening with much to learn about this Native American culture. For more information, call 347-4957.