Break out those summer chairs, prepare some potato salad with all the trimmings, it’s summertime in the village of Harlem as it welcomes the sweet roaring sounds of Jazzmobile Summerfest 60, the longest running jazz series in the hustle bustle town of New York City.
On July 11, singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Allan Harris performs at Marcus Garvey Park (5th Avenue at 124th Street), 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Brooklyn native, who was raised in Harlem, brings his soulful sound — that signature honey-toned baritone — home to his many loyal fans. He is a defined crooner whose velvety notes can strike an emotional chord during his ballads or belt out big notes that pull listeners to the edge of their seats, similar to the great jazz vocalist Ernie Andrews.
On July 16, Jazzmobile arrives at its weekly Wednesday location at Grants Tomb (122nd Street & Riverside Drive). The featured artist will be drummer and composer Winard Harper, a longtime Jazzmobile artist. His playing style resembles a summer rainstorm. His melodic roaring sticks hit the skins with a thunderous eruption, his licks cymbals reflect the strong winds of summer; concert at 7-8:30 p.m.
On July 18, Jazzmobile returns to Marcus Garvey Park with trombonist, composer, media artist, and community activist Craig Harris. Harris has been bringing a soulful fire to Jazzmobile for years, returning with a mix of funk, jazz, improvisational romps and all those sounds that make you want to dance on a summer’s night.
For a complete schedule of Marcus Garvey Park and Grants Tomb, visit Jazzmobile.org.
The sounds of riffing improvisation and straight-ahead tradition come together with “The Coltrane Legacy” on July 9-13 at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club (2751 Broadway) for two sets at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Back by popular demand, the Tenor Titans Quintet features two good friends: Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene. The two met while former students and protégés of the great Jackie McLean and have remained close collaborators. Their style embodies the passionate fire of McLean’s, as well as the influence of John Coltrane, whose music they will celebrate with this group. Jazzwise (UK) calls Greene “without doubt one of the most striking young tenors of recent years,” while The New York Times describes Escoffery as “a powerful, passionate player.”
Joining these two powerful saxophonists is an all-star rhythm section trio with pianist Julius Rodriguez, bassist Peter Washington, and the legendary drummer Lenny White.
For more information visit the website smokejazz.org.
On July 10, the weekly Thursday Night Rhythms of Resistance series features trombonist and composer Craig Harris & the Harlem Nightsongs Big Band, at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church (15 Mt. Morris Park West). One performance. 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Harris’ weekly forum is the only source of live creative jazz in Harlem, the only big band in the community playing improvisational music. Still somewhat perplexed why such a progressive music series with such acclaimed artists isn’t sold out each week. At one point Harlem was the home of jazz and all music that was hip!
As Harris noted, “Music has always been at the heart of resistance. It moves us, inspires us, and brings people together to strategize, organize, and mobilize.”
The following evening July 11, the Friday Harlem Jazz Series features saxophonist, flautist, and composer Tk Blue with one performance at 7-8 p.m. From the beginning of his career, Blue was an inventive artist, constructing his own creative path that strayed from the traditional jazz form. He’s fused jazz with his roots of Afro-Caribbean and African rhythms. He was a longtime collaborator with the legendary NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston (in memory of Weston, he and the other original members still perform under the band’s name African Rhythms), Abdullah Ibrahim, and Don Cherry. His latest album, Planet Bluu, reflects his musical diversity and innovation. For more information visit harlemjazzboxx.com.
