"Jazz Up Close", the series that pianist, composer, and educator Noah Baerman has produced at The Russell Library, 123 Broad Street in Middletown over the past several years, continues on Thursday June 1 with guests Meg Okura (violin) and Sam Newsome (soprano) joining Mr. Baerman, bassist Henry Lugo, and drummer Paul Wells. Over the past two decades, Ms. Okura has been busy playing in multiple ensembles and multiple genres, from composing string quartets to performing with Cirque du Soleil to being a featured soloist with artists such as Dianne Reeves and Lee Konitz. She's also the leader of the Pan Asian Jazz Ensemble (an ensemble with 2 CDs released so far), a Trio, and the J Orchestra, a big band dedicated to playing the music of Japanese and Jewish composers (the latter two ensembles have yet to record).
Mr. Newsome first came to critical in the late 1980s when he joined trumpeter and compose Terence Blanchard's group. He went off on his own in 1995 and also decided to concentrate on soprano saxophone. Mr. Newsome is now considered one of the masters of the instrument. His solo concerts and recordings are brilliant, each in their own right. His breath control, intelligent use of amplification and prepared saxophone, plus the various ways he employs the saxophone keys, stand out. Since 2007, he has released six CDs of solo performances with performances that are as musical as they are challenging, amazing and earthy music that defies labels. Sam Newsome is also a fine blogger; on his "Soprano Sax Talk", he writes about many aspects of his chosen instrument and some of the people who play it. Go to sopranosaxtalk.blogspot.com to check it out.
If you have attended these events in the past, you know the host leaves time inside the concert and after for the audience to ask questions of the artists. In that way (and others), Mr. Baerman does much to demystify the music, making it accessible to those who shy away from what they consider a challenge.
The concert takes place at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.russelllibrary.org.
Here's a taste of Ms. Okura's wonderful violin work:
Here's Sam Newsome from his 2014 album, "The Straight Horn of Africa":
Last night at TBT the room was filled with music and words of healing energy and vibrations of love, Led by the passionate Margaux Modimo Hayes, the audience and performers collectively exclaimed, "From your chakra to your mantra, we want the world to heal". Intentions were of unity for our world, our community and even for this very event. And so it was that Margaux, together with partner Rich McGee III, invited to join them Mixashawn Rozie, Peter Onofrio and from the audience, Abu - Alvin Carter Sr. It was amazing to hear all these talented musicians bringing forth their years of experience in the spirit of unity and love.
We never know what will happen at The Buttonwood Tree shows - often musicians will join us unexpectedly who add to the wonder of the evening. Ah, to be open to the spontaneity of Life - is pure Joy!
Tonight we open our doors to a richly talented group who plays music we are familiar with from the Great American Songbook and other tunes we love. Drop in for a sound bite or stay the evening! Wine, beer, Slambovian coffee, natural soft drinks and snacks are available. Bonus tonight: "Don't whine, do wine"!
La Hot Jazz
Saturday, July 26 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm ($10 cash or check at the door)
The Buttonwood Tree will be sizzlin’ on July 26, when La Hot Jazz
performs with sophistication and style. These seasoned musicians will
add a unique flavor and charisma to The Buttonwood Tree’s jazz event.
The band performs the Great American Songbook with a lineup of voice,
upright bass, saxophone, drums, and piano. Read more here: http://www.buttonwood.org/event/la-hot-jazz/
The Buttonwood Tree is located at 605 Main Street, next to It's Only Natural market. www.buttonwood.org 860-347-4957 Doors open at 6:30 to reserve your seat.
We discovered a pleasant way to pass Sunday afternoon last week, at the drumming circle at the Javapalooza Café on Main Street. We sipped our hot chocolate and listened to the acoustic jam. When a seat opens up, anyone is welcome to join in a give it a try -- as this six-year-old did. He wasn't too shabby!
It starts at 2 pm and runs until about 4 pm, depending on the crowd.
