Back from the Brink. Music: 10.16 – 10.22

If you, like me, have had enough of the hyperventilating chattering class, going on and on about the machinations in DC, then you can relax by going out and listening to some music – always good for lifting the spirits. On a more positive fiscal note, many of you may have joined KBEM during it’s recent pledge drive. Well, KFAI is now up and asking for your support as well. In particular I’d be thrilled if some of you would make a pledge to my Saturday morning show: Rhythm and Grooves. You can do it on Saturday by phoning in during the show (612-375-9030) or you can go online and make a pledge here. Mention Rhythm and Grooves in the comments section. KFAI (Fresh Air Radio) is a community station that provides a refreshing alternative to commercial radio. All of the program hosts volunteer their time and efforts. Thank you. end of commercial.

Jazz

Wednesday, October 16

Lucia Newell @ The Artists’ Quarter, Saint Paul. 9pm ($5) Lucia is one of the Twin Cities’ pure jazz singers. She can scat, compose, and sing with the best of them. And, if fact, she has some of the best of them to accompany her:Tanner Taylor, piano; Chris Bates, bass; and Kenny Horst, drums. And oh yes, as regulars know, Vanessa shows up with $2 tacos and cake for late night noshing whilst listening.

Thursday, October 17

McNally X-Tet @ The Artists’ Quarter, Saint Paul. 7:30pm (No Cover) Listen to some young players in a large-ish band, with no cover charge.

Dave Karr Quartet @ The Artists’ Quarter, Saint Paul. 9pm ($5) The multi-reed octogenarian can still blow a mean sax, and throw in a wise quip as well. Bebop for these times, tempered with some beautiful melodies.  Here’s a hint of what he sounds like.

Friday, October 18

Sophia Shorai @ Hell’s Kitchen, Minneapolis. 6pm – 9pm (No Cover) Her sweet, yet clarion voice will carry over the crowd at Hell’s Kitchen, but I’d still recommend sitting at the bar or closer to fully appreciate her way with a tune.

George Marich Jazz Quartet @ Zeke’s Unchained Animal, East Lake Street, Minneapoils. 7pm – 9pm (Tip Jar) Zeke’s seems to be finding under the radar groups to play its room. Tonight’s group is such a case. Though I’ve not seen Marich, I can tell you he’s a drummer who has studied with Dave King, and recorded and studied with Anthony Cox. Burgers, pizzas, a nice selection of beer, and some jazz. Sounds like a pretty good combination to me.

Cafe Societe @ The Hat Trick Lounge, Saint Paul. 9pm ($?) French Cafe music and bossa novas, along with some American pop and jazz, sung by Amelia Rivera with accompaniment by Mark Chergosky, keyboards; and Mike Chergosky,  mandolin and viola, all in the intimate confines of the Hat Trick’s music room.

Friday, Saturday, October 18, 19

Foreign Motion CD Release @ The Artists’ Quarter, Saint Paul. ($15) Jazz funk/fusion from some of the bright lights of the Twin Cities jazz scene: Cory Washington, guitar; Yohannes Tona, bass; Kevin Gastonguay, piano; and Peter Janjic, drums. Together, they have a wealth of experience with various national artists in various and sundry jazz, funk, gospel, and pop outfits. Check out this video.

Saturday, October 19

Lila Ammons Jazz Quintet @ Honey, Minneapolis. 7pm – 9pm ($7). There’s some considerable talent at work here, from the lithe vocals of Ammons to Dean Brewington, sax; Tim Zhome, drums; Tom West, keyboards; and Ron Evaniuk, bass. Expect standards, bossas, and the occasional blues.

Kelly Rossum Quartet + Marimba @ Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. 8pm ($25, $15 students/seniors)  It’s been a while since Rossum left the Twin Towns for other environs, so it’s great to have him, his trumpet, and his sly approach to music back. He’ll be accompanied by some of his former bandmates: JT Bates, drums; Chris Bates, bass; and Bryan Nichols, piano; as well as Annie Stevens, Marimba. Dr. Annie Stevens is Professor of Percussion at Virginia Tech. The concert will include all new music composed by Rossum to show off the unique sound and percussive properties of the marimba. Here’s a video of Rossum & Stevens.

For a comprehensive listing of Jazz, go to the Twin Cities Live Jazz Calendar. For further commentary on Twin Cities jazz, check out the blogs Jazz Police, Bebopified, and Jazz Ink.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 16

Charlie Parr on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (KFAI), 7pm – 9pm (331 – Tip jar) Minnesota’s favorite country blues troubadour shows up for the station’s pledge drive. Parr’s fans go way beyond the Midwest – He’s had songs featured in an Australian ad and a tv show. Whether he’s playing a 12 string guitar or a resonator, he’ll capture your imagination.

Steve Clarke & The Working Stiffs @ The Eagles Club, Minneapolis. 8pm ($5-$10) Looking for the kind of music to which you can do the Lindy, West Coast Swing, and other fun dances? Well, saxman Clarke is just the guy to deliver. Add in the wooden dance floors at the Eagle, and your in jump jive heaven.

Friday, October 18

Courtney Yasminah CD Release Party @ Bunkers, Minneapoils. 9pm ($6) This alt pop/rocker uses clever lyrics, fire in her gut, and head-bopping, toe-tapping arrangements to showcase her imaginative writing.

Friday, Saturday, October 18, 19

Dave Mason @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($45) The Dakota continues it’s winning programming of bringing in artists that appeal to boomers, Gen X-ers and younger folk. Tonight it’s Dave Mason, originally of Traffic, whose songs like 40,000 Headmen, and Feelin’ Alright were background for many a stoner party in the early 70s. His solo hits included Only You Know and I Know, and his biggest, We Just Disagree. He played with all the heavies, and even did an album with Mama Cass.

Saturday, October 19

Food Truck Rally @ Harriet Brewing, Minneapolis. Noon – 10pm (free before 8pm) Body Omara, Crankshaft & the Gear Grinders, Charlie Parr, Jeff Ray & the Stakes; After party at 8pm, featuring Big Tree Bonsai. ($5 for afterparty, unless you have a wristband from the day)

Jeff Ray & Hurricane Harold @ Bayport BBQ, Bayport. ($10) The ace guitarist and his hot-blowin harmonic buddy are joined by special guest Hilary Thavis on vocals. And, if you choose, you get to have some mighty fine BBQ.

The Badinovs @ The Eagles Club, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($5)  Music inspired by Lennon & McCartney, not Boris & Natasha, or even Rocky & Bullwinkle. Always a treat. Fine for dancing. Opening set at 8:30 by troubadour and inspired tunesmith Mike Ryan, and a short set of music from the Brazilian hinterlands by Os Masters de Amazonia.

Sunday, Monday, October 20, 21

Aimee Mann @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($60, $50, $40) It’s songwriter night at the Dakota, with a nod towards the 80s in the form of Ms Mann, who led Til Tuesday for three albums, before going solo in the mid 80s. She’s a talented songwriter, whose latest, Charmer, received favorable reviews and it’s videos show a sly humor. Ted Leo, another singer/songwriter, opens.

Tuesday, Wednesday, October 22, 23

Still Tuxedoed after all these years

Jack Jones @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($65, $55, $45) Still singing after all these years, Jones is from the heyday of tuxedoed crooners in classy nightclubs and still sounds good. Though not as popular as Sinatra or Bennett, he nevertheless won a couple of grammys and sells out theaters around the world.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the Minnesota Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.