In the new Philadelphia Weekly:
Tigran
Sat., Feb. 25, 8pm. $20. Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St. 215.568.3131 www.chrisjazzcafe.com
A native of Armenia, pianist Tigran Hamasyan has traveled far — literally and musically — in his 24 short years. Since coming to the U.S., he’s won the prestigious Monk Competition (in 2006) and drawn deserved praise for his records World Passion, New Era, Red Hail, the solo piano opus A Fable and most recently the vinyl-and-download-only EP No. 1. Tigran’s muse leads him into dark meditations but also go-for-the-throat modern jazz. He’s got a harder-rocking side as well, and a gift for bringing Armenian folk melodies into new improvised contexts. He’ll arrive in Philly with a quintet featuring saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer Nate Wood, both of Kneebody fame. — David R. Adler
Norman David and the Eleventet
Mon., Feb. 27, 7pm. $8. Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St. 215.735.0630 www.playsandplayers.org
Three things are clear from spinning At This Time, the 2011 release from Norman David’s Eleventet. One, David writes beautifully, with a unique if underexposed voice in the field of modern jazz composition. Two, David knows exactly what ensemble — a “little big band” if you will — can bring out the swing and subtlety in his music. Three, David plays fierce soprano saxophone, holding up strong next to Dick Oatts, George Garzone and other world-class figures. A Montreal native, David’s been at in the Philly area since 1989, and he’s in the midst of a residency playing album cuts and new music with a fine local lineup. — David R. Adler
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