JazzSet
Rudresh Mahantahppa and Esperanza Spalding at Newport
The 25-year-old bassist and singer, Esperanza Spalding, originally from Portland, now juggles invitations from the White House and festivals around the world. She's a new Down Beat Critics Poll winner, as is saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, whose group opens this show.
Women Play Drums @ Kennedy Center
Sherrie Maricle leads her Five Play quintet, and Cindy Blackman's Quartet features J.D. Allen on sax -- both at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Fest at the Kennedy Center. Tune in on Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m.
Remembering James Williams
Pianist and producer James Williams (1951-2004) directed Jazz Studies at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Successor and friend Mulgrew Miller leads an all-star ensemble in James's music, with love. Tune in to JazzSet on Friday, March 5 at 6 p.m.
Dee Dee Bridgewater at Kennedy Center
Sexy, spunky, sublime, inspired: the new CD To Billie With Love from Dee Dee comes out March 2. Dee Dee is onstage at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. Tune in to JazzSet on Friday, February 26 at 6 p.m.
Jamie Cullum at Monterey
The fast-paced, super-talenteed British singer / songwriter / pianist / ball of fire makes his North American Pursuit Tour 2010 in March, from Joe's Pub in New York to The Fillmore in San Francisco with a dozen stops in between. Don't miss this week's JazzSet on Friday, February 19 at 6 p.m.
The Keys to New Orleans
In a piano spectacular, Jon Cleary and Henry Butler each takes his turn, setting the stage for grand master Allen Toussaint. Tune in to JazzSet on Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m.
Stefon Harris & Blackout
On vibes and marimba, 2010 Grammy nominee Harris and his super-talented group meld jazz, soul, hip-hop and gospel on "an imaginatively orchestrated and vigorously propelled collection of tunes" (Washington Post) at the KC Jazz Club. Friday, February 5 at 6 p.m.
Brubeck Brothers
Outdoors, they are Chris on bass and Dan on drums, with Mike DeMicco on guitar and Chuck Lamb on piano, opening the Detroit International Jazz Festival. Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m.
Benny Golson at the Kennedy Center
Celebrate the saxophonist/composer's birthday (1/25/1929) and illustrious career with him, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and a dozen other musicians including Golson's New JazzTet. Friday, January 22 at 6 p.m.
Cassandra Wilson
The bluesy vocalist stretches out on songs from Loverly, winner of the Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy in 2009. Tune in to JazzSet on Friday, January 15 at 6 p.m.
