In the new Philadelphia Weekly:
Allison Miller Quartet
Fri., Mar. 26, 8pm. $12. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St. 215.545.4302 www.arsnovaworkshop.org
Just after Thanksgiving ’09, drummer Allison Miller played Philly in a trio with saxophonist Ellery Eskelin and organist Erik Deutsch. Her new Boom Tic Boom is a different animal, with fellow Ani DiFranco sideperson Todd Sickafoose on bass and the esteemed Myra Melford on piano. There’s a twist too: violinist Jenny Scheinman guests on one track, and the collab worked well enough for Scheinman to join full-time on the road, making Miller’s project a quartet. The music has rhythmic teeth and quirks but also a decidedly melodic aspect, a sound befitting a leader who’s worked with everyone from progressive reedist Marty Ehrlich to organ groover Dr. Lonnie Smith. — David R. Adler
Chris Potter Underground
Sat., Mar. 27, 8pm. $25. Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St. 215.568.3131 www.chrisjazzcafe.com
Saxophonist Chris Potter is a technical stunner but impeccably musical, with well over a dozen releases to his name and sideman credits that include Dave Holland, Dave Douglas, Paul Motian and countless others. He’s recorded everything from straight combo (Unspoken) to chamber tentet (Song For Anyone), but with Underground, Follow the Red Line and most recently Ultrahang, he’s pursued an offbeat sound with the Doors-ish instrumentation of solidbody guitar, Fender Rhodes electric piano and no bass. Keyboardist Craig Taborn, guitarist Adam Rogers and drummer Nate Smith (a Dave Holland bandmate) handle Potter’s new turns in advanced jazz and hard funk with a fierce attack and a steady hand. — David R. Adler
Comments are closed.