Philly
Center City Jazz Festival
An exciting new development in Philadelphia jazz, scheduled for April 28. My take at JJA News.
On “Cleared”
From the current edition of Philadelphia Weekly: Cleared Tue., Jan. 31, 7:30pm. $6. With Mind Over Mirrors, James Plotkin. Highwire Gallery, 2040 Frankford Ave. 215.426.2685 www.museumfire.com/events There are “indie” artists, and then there are indie artists — the ones who record for micro-niche imprints like Immune, and make their stuff available not only on LP but cassette. Put Steven Hess
On Inzinzac
In the current edition of Philadelphia Weekly: Inzinzac Sat., Jan. 21, 8pm. $6. With Zvoov, Mi Head Ur Head. Angler Movement Arts Center, 1550 E. Montgomery Ave. 215.922.0866 www.museumfire.com It’s not easy to categorize the raw, cerebral music of this trio, but “highbrow garage” is a start. The band name alone offers a kind of onomatopoeic clue. But what, really,
On Helena Espvall/Marcia Bassett
I’m back writing previews for Philadelphia Weekly — this week’s entry below… Helena Espvall/Marcia Bassett Duo Sat., Jan. 7, 8pm. $6. With Fursaxa + Zaïmph. Highwire Gallery, 2040 Frankford Ave. museumfire.com This ongoing series, curated by Fire Museum Records, has become a haven for local and visiting avant-gardists. To kick off 2012, the label welcomes Philly cellist/guitarist/vocalist Helena Espvall, whose music
On Jeff Parker & Mike Reed
Below are some brief comments about this coming Monday, as cross-posted at the Ars Nova Workshop blog: AACM | David R. Adler on Mike Reed and Jeff Parker It’s safe to say that Muhal Richard Abrams, Phil Cohran and other AACM founders weren’t just out for themselves when they launched the organization in the mid-’60s. Rather, they sought to create a
The AACM in Philly
Back to Philly again on Monday, June 13th! I’ll conduct a live interview with guitarist Jeff Parker and drummer Mike Reed, just after their duo set as part of Ars Nova Workshop‘s AACM festival. Great lineup.
Joe Lovano & Chris Potter in Philly
I had a rewarding onstage conversation last night with Joe Lovano, who came to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to premiere “Shimmers of Light,” an extended work inspired by the 1951 Ellsworth Kelly painting Seine (pictured at left). Joe and I recorded a podcast prior to the show as well — it’s downloadable free from iTunes. Joe was joined by
Martial Solal in Philly
In the new Philadelphia Weekly: Martial Solal Sat., Apr. 9, 8pm. $32-$38. Kimmel Center, 260 South Broad St. 215.731.3333 www.kimmelcenter.org There are only three pianists who’ve had the honor of playing solo for a week at the Village Vanguard: Fred Hersch, Cecil Taylor and 83-year-old Algerian-born Frenchman Martial Solal. With a firm attack, dazzling chops and whimsical but unfailingly logical