by Andrew Frisicano

Ben Perowsky's Moodswing Orchestra w/ TK Wonder

Like the year before it, NYC Winter Jazz Fest 2011 was a hit. Capacity crowds filled the venues on both nights (all together 1,400 on Friday and 2,600 on Saturday), and it'd be hard to find two people who came away seeing the same acts, or with the same impression of the fest. From what I've heard and read of Friday night, the music was stellar, but after LPR closed around 9:30pm for another event the numbers overwhelmed the remaining two spaces, with long lines and many disgruntled jazz-heads.

(Le) Poisson Rouge, the largest of the venues, was crammed full on Saturday for a curious lineup of jam-band jazz (Charlie Hunter), noisy guitar improv + painting (Nels Cline and painter Norton Wisdom) and Steve Coleman & Five Elements (high-strung group improv with vocalist Jen Shyu scatting along). I only stayed for those, before heading to Kenny's Castaways for part of its Search and Restore showcase. Aethereal Bace - drummers Nasheet Waits and Eric Mcpherson, and saxist Abraham Burton - improvised as a duo after Mcpherson didn't show (their tight, restrained set mainly served to make me more curious about the two-drummer set up they usually employ). Talibam!, who followed, were something else entirely: spasmotic punk in jazz clothes. Back at LPR, at this point well after 2am, Ben Perowsky's Moodswing Orchestra backed up MC/singer TK Wonder for a criminally underattended set. Then I ended the night with trumpeter David Weiss's band at Bitter End, which, at 3:45am, it was.

Some pictures of the above-mentioned acts (plus Asphalt Orchestra who made an appearance at LPR) are below...

Continue reading "Winter Jazz Fest 2011 in pics & review"

Aloe Blacc

Between Governors Island, Siren, the Pool Party, the African Festival and so many other good show options in NYC this weekend, I almost forgot to highlight the dose of R&B & soul that is coming to town by the name of LA's Aloe Blacc...

"If you didn't already know about Stones Throw's many-talented soul singer/instrumentalist Aloe Blacc, that probably changed back in April when he was revealed as the artist behind the astonishing theme song for HBO's How To Make It in America." [LA Weekly]

Aloe Blacc will headline a show at Southpaw in Brooklyn tonight (7/16). He goes on late if you're still figuring out something to do. Peter Hadar and Kimberly Nichole are also on the bill and tickets are available at the door.

If you miss it, Aloe is also on the bill of Saturday's free show at Central Park Summerstage...

SummerStage Music
A Celebration of Giant Step's 20th Anniversary: Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, with Special Guests TK Wonder and Vikter Duplaix
When: Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
A Celebration of Giant Step's 20th Anniversary: Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, with Special Guests TK Wonder and Vikter Duplaix
Award-winning songwriting/producer/performer Raphael Saadiq brings new meaning to old soul.

Giant Step is back with its annual SummerStage event at New York City's Central Park with headliner Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, TK Wonder and DJ Vikter Duplaix. Giants Step has presented many memorable shows including Femi Kuti, Jamie Lidell, Janelle Monaé, Seu Jorge and Gilles Peterson at SummerStage. Last year was one of the best with live performances by Q-Tip, Little Dragon, Chester French, and DJ Benji B. This year Giant Step will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary year.

Get there early. It's sure to fill up fast. "I Need a Dollar" and other videos below...

Continue reading "Aloe Blacc is here - soul @ Southpaw tonight, Summerstage Saturday (w/ Raphael Saadiq) "