In a mere two notes or less, any jazz enthusiast will recognize the astonishing, stratospheric register that is the distinct sound of the innovative trumpeter and composer Dizzy Gillespie. As a true beacon of music, he consistently dispelled the concept of jazz parameters. He, along with Charlie Parker, created the revolutionary sound of bebop — crazy chord progressions with daring improvisations based on a combination of harmonic structures, something that couldn’t be duplicated or scribbled down by those in the Apollo Theatre balcony.
With just as much hoopla, the trumpeter ushered in the Afro-Cuban jazz movement with Chano Pozo and Mario Bauza. The quick-witted musician with those pouched cheeks, scat singing with a combination of genius musicianship, should have a 10-foot monument erected in his honor.
While the great Dizzy monument is being contemplated, his legacy lives on with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. Together, members of the ensemble explore the trumpeter’s great repository of musical masterpieces from May 23–25 at the Blue Note jazz club (131 West 3rd Street).
The ensemble features Gillespie’s longtime bassist, musical director John Lee; trumpeter Charlie Porter; saxophonist Erena Terakubo; Brazilian pianist and vocalist Abelita Mateus; percussionist Roger Squitero; and another Dizzy alumnus, drummer Tommy Campbell. Two shows each night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Visit bluenotejazz.com for more info.
As the so-called president and his small-minded minions continue their daily task of demolishing America’s alleged democracy, the sharp, poetic words of Saul Williams will be of some solace and perhaps a call to action. Linger in his words May 27–28 at the Blue Note.
Williams, a singer, musician, writer, and actor, was catapulted into the New York City scene during his memorable appearances on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam. His words are thought-provoking, action-provoked, listen-think-listen-do something, don’t just sit — his words fly with too much truth to sit. His ensemble will include: percussionist Carlos Nino, drummer Malick Koly, cellist Nioka Workman, keyboards Surya Botofasina, and bassoonist Sara Achoenbeck. The ensemble will vary during the engagement.
As a writer, Williams has been published in the New York Times, Esquire, and African Voices. His writings and lesson plans featuring his work have been added to the curricula of schools and universities around the world. As a musician, he has released six albums and toured or collaborated with artists such as Nas, Janelle Monae, Nine Inch Nails, The Roots, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), and Amiri Baraka.
Williams is currently working on his next album, as well as a new film project, and is featured on the latest releases by Shabaka, Kamasi Washington, and Denzel Curry.
Attendance is mandatory for those not afraid of the truth! Two shows each night at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Visit bluenotejazz.com for tickets and more info.
On May 27, the centennial of NEA Jazz Master, saxophonist and composer James Moody gains momentum as the celebration shifts to Sony Hall (235 W. 46th Street) as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival.
The saxophonist and flautist will still be known after infinity for his “Moody’s Mood for Love,” although he did play also bebop with its architect, Dizzy Gillespie. He was a hard bopper with a swinging bluesy tone.
Some of the many musicians who will gather in celebration of Moody’s 100th birthday will include Paquito D’Rivera, Christian McBride, Terri Lyn Carrington, Madeleine Peyroux, and Randy Brecker. For more info, visit bluenotejazz.com/jazz-festival-nyc.
Miles Davis has been written about more than most jazz musicians in history. He’s been praised, demonized, criticized, and called a genius all in the same sentence. He was just a different type of cat. For five decades, he was in the forefront of that next musical movement. He was an integral part of bebop; birth of the cool, hard bop; led the way in jazz fusion; and was recognized for his two great quintets. “Kind of Blue” (Columbia Records 1959) remains the most popular jazz albums of all time.
The Smoke Jazz Club will celebrate the life and music of the iconoclast Miles Davis May 28–June 1 (he would have been 99 on May 26). Some of those Davis standards will be performed by the quintet (all celebrated band leaders) featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist George Cables, bassist Peter Washington, and drummers Billy Hart (Wednesday–Thursday) & Bill Stewart (Friday–Sunday).
Henderson, who was greatly influenced by Davis, noted that “Miles was an ever-evolving artist, always looking to challenge the boundaries of jazz.” Hart, the legendary drummer, is the only member of the quintet who actually recorded with Miles on his album “On the Corner” (Columbia, 1972). “Miles was always about pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas,” said Hart. “Playing with him was an education, a constant reminder of the power of innovation.” Nightly sets are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with additional 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday nights only. For reservations and more info, visit smokejazz.com.