Philly
On Orrin Evans
This review appears in the August 2012 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — Orrin Evans Flip the Script (Posi-Tone) By David R. Adler Pianist Orrin Evans is on a hot streak. For evidence look to his recent Posi-Tone releases Freedom, Faith In Action and Captain Black Big Band, not to mention his sideman turn with Ralph Bowen
On Surface to Air
In the current issue of Philadelphia Weekly: Surface to Air Sun., July 15, 8pm. $7. With Rake, Nick Millevoi. Café Clave, 4305 Locust St. 215.386.3436 www.riprig.com There’s serenity but also a restless spark in the music of Surface to Air. Jonathan Golberger’s acoustic guitar and Jonti Siman’s upright bass give a hint of stripped-down folk and jazz. Rohin Khemani’s tabla
Little Worlds, Furthur in Philly
In the new issue of Philadelphia Weekly… Little Worlds Sat., July 7, 8pm. $5. With The Horrible Department. Highwire Gallery, 2040 Frankford Ave. 215.426.2685 www.museumfire.com/events Guitarist Ryan Mackstaller, trombonist Rick Parker and drummer Tim Kuhl are the Brooklyn-based Little Worlds, and they’re making a series of EPs focusing on Béla Bartók’s Mikrokosmos. (Book Two is out soon.) Composed for piano as
On Erik Deutsch
In the new issue of Philadelphia Weekly: Erik Deutsch Sun., June 3, 9pm. $10. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400 www.worldcafelive.com There’s much to live up to when you title your new album Demonio Teclado, or “demon keyboard.” But Erik Deutsch, on the piano, Rhodes, organ and other teclados, has all the requisite skills. The former Coloradan and current
To Revive a Jazz City
My story on the Center City Jazz Festival in Philadelphia, now online at A Blog Supreme.
Center City Jazz Festival: This Saturday
My Critic’s Pick about the event, in the new Philadelphia Weekly. Plenty more info here.
On Randy Napoleon
In the current issue of Philadelphia Weekly: Randy Napoleon Mon., Apr. 23, 8pm. $10. Chris’ Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St. 215.568.3131 www.chrisjazzcafe.com From Randy Napoleon’s boyish appearance one might think he’s just starting out. In fact, he’s one of the more accomplished and well-rounded jazz guitarists of our day. Most know him as a supremely tasteful accompanist to singers such
On Steve Lehman
In the new issue of Philadelphia Weekly: Steve Lehman Trio Sun., Apr. 15, 8pm. Free. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St. 215.573.3234 www.arsnovaworkshop.org Steve Lehman came to town last year and performed his “Nos Revi Nella” for alto sax and string quartet. That’s backwards for Allen Iverson — a man Lehman sees not just as a point guard but a great