Fall 2008 Jazz Preview
Critics Pick: Solvang Jazz Festival
For the second annual edition of this humble but promising weekend-long festival in the European tradition-in a lovely, quasi-Danish town, no less-the artistic stakes definitely have been raised. Included in the lineup are a trio led by noted pianists Monty Alexander and Jean-Michel Pilc, famed Hammond B3 organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, Bobby Rodriguez and his Latin Jazz Orchestra, and one of the boldest Los Angeles big bands, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, with vocalist Barbara Morrison and sax legend James Moody. Fri.-Sun., Sept. 26-28. Various venues. Visit solvangjazz.com.
Calvin Keys
A dexterous and original-sounding jazz guitarist from the Bay Area, Keys returns to SOhO with his trio. Mon., Sept. 29, 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com.
Critics Pick: Ahmad Jamal Trio
Veteran Ahmad Jamal, an organic jazz piano virtuoso and returning favorite in the Jazz at the Lobero series, rides collective waves of energy with his finely attuned trio, performed in a style all his own. Thu., Oct. 9, 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.
Gutpuppet and Vinnie Golia
Just another Thursday night at Muddy Waters Cafe for Colter Frazier’s New Music Night, this evening’s fare ranges from Gutpuppet, a slide guitar and chromatic harmonica duo, to the godfather of the L.A. free jazz scene, multi-reedist Vinnie Golia. Thu., Oct. 9, 8pm. Muddy Waters Cafe, 508 E. Haley St. Call 966-9328 or visit colterfrazier.com/sbemn.html.
Billy Mintz and Dottie Grossman/Mike Vlatkovich
Two of the more fascinating jazz “outsiders” based in Los Angeles head up the highway for a multiheaded double-header. Drummer Billy Mintz and trombonist Mike Vlatkovich team up with poet Dottie Grossman for some post-beat permutations. Thu., Oct. 23, 8pm. Muddy Waters Cafe, 508 E. Haley St. Call 966-9328 or visit colterfrazier.com/sbemn.html.
Milton Nascimento and the Jobim Trio
This great Brazilian musician has had a long and strong dialogue with jazz for decades, including classic work with Wayne Shorter. Thu., Oct. 30, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
Critics Pick: Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra
Of all of bassist project-maker Charlie Haden’s many efforts, the periodic but captivating Liberation Music Orchestra is his greatest contribution to jazz, thanks to some help from arranger Carla Bley. First launched in the late ’60s, with revolutionary music swathed in smart but loose big band charts, the group’s latest project, 2005’s Not in Our Name, was one of the more subtly probing and dreamy projects about America. Sat., Nov. 1, 8pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.
Brad Dutz
Percussionist/composer/bandleader Brad Dutz was booked to play Reds last year, but the fates of gig unplugging intervened. Dutz returns to play Muddy Waters, this time with a new album and a rumored CD giveaway. Thu., Nov. 13, 8pm. Muddy Waters Cafe, 508 E. Haley St. Call 966-9328 or visit colterfrazier.com/sbemn.html.
