The noted percussionist Steve Kroon, who has played many jazz venues nationally and internationally, will make his debut Jan. 16 at Trumpet’s Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair, N.J.
Kroon’s Latin Jazz Sextet will perform sets at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The ensemble will include keyboardist Igor Atalita, bassist Waldo Chavez, vibraphonist Bryan Carrott, flutist Craig Rivers and drummer Vince Cherico, with Kroon on percussion and congas.
Kroon’s most recent CD with his trusted ensemble is titled “On the #1” (Kroonatune Records). Reservations are advisable. Call 973-744-2600 or visit www.trumpetsjazz.com.
All those hardcore dance enclaves where salsa ruled, such as the Corso and the Palladium, are long gone. However, there is no need to fret for those anxiously seeking the thrill of Salsa turns and fancy dance moves. Jan. 17, Jazz on Fifth presents Mambo Jaambo with a stinger full of Latino jazz and salsa music.
Mambo Jaambo plays with an intuitive Afro-Caribbean flavor with the ingredients from such salsa kings as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and Mongo Santamaria. The band includes percussionist Don “Baba Donn” Eaton, keyboardist Ronnie-Roc, bassist Richie Robles, timbales Teddy Acosta, and on steel pan Marcus Steele.
The band’s co-founders Ronnie-Roc and Eaton agree, “Our sound is influenced by those who played and came before us in the Afro-Latin diaspora.”
Jazz on Fifth takes place at Gran Piatto d’Oro, 1429 Fifth Ave., between 116th and 117th streets, with music and dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight. The music charge is $10. For more information or reservations, call 917-742-1239.
Pianist Marc Cary is an imaginative improvisationalist who is on the must-see list anytime he performs in Gotham. He performs Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Cell, 338 W. 23rd St.
The ever-exploring composer-arranger will feature his special guests, drummer Terreon Gully and bassist Tarus Mateen—two young, spirited musicians whose reputations precede them as they continue their journey through the jazz sea.
Cary is a hard post-bop pianist who tickles the keys from classical swing to funk and stride. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he played on the go-go music scene. He has played and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stefon Harris, Jackie McLean, Q-Tip and Carmen McRae. He was a longtime member of Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln’s bands, which served as formal boot camps for the noted aspiring pianist. For the past 20 years, Cary has recorded for Motema Music.
Tickets are $15 per show. The Cell is a quaint little performance space that seats a modest audience. Lately, the space has hosted a few noted jazz musicians, and Cary is continuing this new tradition at the Cell.