The Jazz Gallery, the little jazz club that roars with tomorrow’s legends, presents the Tivon Pennicott Quartet for one night only on Feb. 13, with two shows (7:45 p.m., to be livestreamed,) and 9:45 p.m.). Saxophonist and composer Pennicott, who takes the art of playing tenor saxophone to greater heights, along with the spirit of his vocals will be joined, by his quartet of pianist Idris Frederick, bassist Dean Torrey, and drummer Kenn Salters.
Pennicott was a key contributor to three Grammy Award-winning albums, appearing on Esperanza Spalding’s out-of-the box recording “Radio Music Society” (Heads Up International, 2012) and Gregory Porter’s “Liquid Spirit” (Blue Note, 2013) and “Take Me to the Alley” (Blue Note, 2017). He appeared regularly on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as a member of the Stay Human Band with Jon Batiste. He went on to record his “Chronology of a dream: Live at the Village Vanguard” (Verve, 2019) and “Anatomy of Angels” (Verve, 2019) Live at the Village Vanguard.
His evolving sound reflects his playing in the church — that soulful gospel flair with harmonic adventure. Commissioned by the Jazz Gallery for a 2020 residency, his sound is the result of a soulful, sophisticated foundation for groove that he honed in the church, and a penchant for unbound harmonic exploration.
In his current album release, “Roots to Branches” (Dox Records, 2024), Pennicott exhibits the foundation and strength of his Jamaican heritage, with lion swag.
For ticket information, visit jazzgallery.org.
For lovers or those dreaming of love, NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves returns to the Rose Theater (60 Columbus Circle) on Feb. 14 and 15 for her 11th annual Valentine’s Day engagement. Reeves is known for captivating audiences with her hypnotic vocals that highlight her stylistic range and clarity of tone. The five-time Grammy winner will offer treasured standards, songs of romance, and — yes — even heartbreak. It will be two evenings of magical enchantment with an all-star band.
The Detroit-born vocalist is a mesmerizing storyteller, an interpreter of lyrics, whose scat vocal riffs come from an angelic source. Her voice stylings are reminiscent of Dinah Washington. Between 1983 and 1986, Reeves toured as a lead vocalist with Harry Belafonte, who introduced her to West African and West Indian rhythms that continue to be essential to her varied repertoire. She is a gem to be treasured and a gift in live performance.
Shows are each night at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit jazz.org.
On Feb. 15, percussionist/vocalist Eric Frazier makes his way to Sista’s Place (456 Nostrand Avenue) from his longtime residence in Brooklyn, with two shows (8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.). The Harlem native is a graduate of Boys High and will bring his African rhythms with some Rasta funk and good ol’ Brooklyn soul. He will be joined by saxophonist Patience Higgins, pianist Marcus Persiani, bassist Nori Naraoka, and vocalists Harmony Bartz and Julie Alexander.
Frazier’s recordings are elements of living in NYC, crossing the genres of jazz, blues, bebop, Reggae, salsa, Calypso, and world music. He has expanded his artistic endeavors to singing, trap drums, and tap dance. Frazier follows the mode of improvisation, so be ready for an experience out of the jazz norm.
For reservations, call 718-398-1766.
Percussionist and composer Steven Koon, who infuses extra spice into his melodic percussive arsenal, will lead his Latin Jazz Sextet and feature vocalist Cala Cook for one night only at Dizzy’s jazz club (10 Columbus Circle) for two sets (7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) on Feb. 18.
Kroon’s versatile sextet will include his longtime vibraphonist Bryan Carrett, keyboardist Igor Atalita, flutist Craig Rivers, bassist Donald Spider Nicks, and drummer Diego Lopez. Cook is somewhat of a mainstay with Kroon whose reputation includes having performed with a cross-section of artists from Eric Alexander to Regina Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, and Craig Harris.
In his 20-plus-year career, Kroon’s multi-percussive arsenal was an essential sound for the multi-Grammy Award-winning R&B vocalist Luther Vandross, with whom he spent a length of time on recording and touring. He also had a long stint with NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter while performing with Aretha Franklin and Diana Krall. Kroon has recorded six albums as a leader on his label Kroonatune Records; his most recent is “In Your Dreams.”
Kroon has developed a definitive sound that brings together the many ingredients from his native home of Harlem, along with the early Latin rhythms of Tito Puente, Tito Rodrigues, and Machito, as well as Count Basie, Lester Young, and a little soul. For more information, contact info@jazz.org or call 212-258-9595.