September already? Where did the summer go?

I’ve been Running Around with Todd Clouser, Mixing with Axis Mundi, dancing with a Suave Walrus and the Bill Simenson Big Band, staring at the Skyline with Adam Meckler and his Orchestra, going beyond the Mind’s Eye with Jason Squinobal (U of M Morris)and Kevin Washington, listening to Rush’s Clockwork Angles with my kids in the car, playing duets with Phil Aaron and Chris Olson, mixing and mastering the new Atlantis Quartet cd and the Good Vibes trio album, having a garage sale and a whole bunch of other stuff too! It’s been a whirlwind but I really wouldn’t want it any other way. I get to restless and irritable if I can’t play music regularly. I love playing music for people and this month has some pretty heavy people involved. I’m stoking new fires and reigniting some old ones this month and I certainly hope you can find the time to join me for some music making. Here are the highlights!

 

Wednesday Sept 11th   8:30pm   $5-10 donation   All Ages welcome

Magica Improvisado at Jazz Central www.jazzcentralstudios.com

 

I’ve been leading the charge every 2nd Wednesday of the month down at Jazz Central. I like the adventure of playing with different combinations of musicians. Each person inspires and challenges me to take the music farther than I imagined. I have purposely chosen to collaborate with people outside of the regular bands I play in so that the music can go someplace new every time. I love the steady bands I play in but I also think it’s important for the artistic process to find new paths to tread so when I come back and walk through my old neighborhood I feel like I’m seeing it with fresh eyes. Magica Improvisado aims to harness that initial spontaneous groove that musicians find and ride it to new heights! Come and explore with us in this informal setting.

 

Chris Bates – bass

Casey O’Brien – bass

Cory Healy – drums

Nelson Devereaux – saxophone

 

Friday Sept 13th   7pm   $15-25   All Ages Welcome

IMP ORK at the Ritz Theatre

Special Screening of Black February a film about Butch Morris by Vipal Monga

http://blackfeb.com/

 

I had the honor of working with Butch Morris in the late 1990’s at a residency at the Walker Art Center. It was an eye opening experience learning Butch’s ‘Conduction’ techniques and collaborating with his group Japan Skyscraper. Performing alongside Japan Skyscraper was the Twin Cities own large ensemble IMP ORK. IMP ORK was founded in 1986 by saxophonist John Devine and cellist Michelle Kinney. Tonight marks the reunion of IMP ORK after a decade on hiatus. Once again we will be Conducted by John Devine and tonight’s ensemble will feature a host of collaborators from throughout the history of IMP ORK. This night is sure to be filled with energy and excitement as IMP ORK takes you on a spontaneous and fractured journey into the unknown in a tribute to the spirit and musical vision of Butch Morris.

Click through for info about Imp Ork http://devinesax.com/recordings/imp-ork/

Ticket info here: http://www.ritz-theater.org/event/359587-open-door-music-1-minneapolis/

 

Saturday Sept 14th   12-7pm   FREE ($5 parking fee)

Franconia Sculpture Garden Jazz Festival  http://www.franconia.org/event.html

 

Come and enjoy an exciting day of music at one of the most unique public spaces in Minnesota – Franconia Sculpture Garden. Grab a blanket, bring a picnic, or pick-up a bite to eat from the food vendors and enjoy a relaxing musical afternoon. Participate in an artist-led tour during the band break. I’ll be playing three different sets with Sophia Shorai, Lucia Newell and Atlantis Quartet at this outdoor festival. This could be one of the last great days of the summer so come out and enjoy a ton of fantastic music at Franconia.

 

12:15 – Trio Pika (Bryan Nichols, Adam Linz, Phil Hey)

1:45 – Sophia Shorai
3:00  – Atlantis Quartet

4:15 – Lucia Newell

5:30 – Debbie Duncan

Friday and Saturday Sept 27th and 28th   $12   All Ages welcome

Red Planet at the Artists Quarter   www.artistsquarter.com

 

Red Planet is one of the greatest musical adventures of my life. Dean Magraw and Jay Epstein constantly inspire and energize me when I play with them. Our musical telepathy has taken us all over the musical map and this weekend promises to be no different. Expect to hear many originals and classics from Monk, Coltrane, Duke, Holland and Hendrix.

Our CD ‘Space Dust’ is available here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/deanmagraw

Dean Magraw – gtr

Jay Epstein – drums and cymbals

CB – basso continuo

 

Additional highlights

Sept 6th – Jason Squinobal faculty recital @ U of M Morris

feat. Kevin Washington and Chris Bates

Sept 7th – Phil Aaron / Chris Bates duo at Icehouse 6:30-9:30pm

Sept 8th – Jazz on the Prairie Big Band at the MN Landscape Arboretum 1pm

Sept 15th – Sister Shaw @ NE Palace

Oct 4 & 5 – Atlantis Quartet ‘Expansion’ CD Release Party at the Artists Quarter

 

All the best! Support live music! Hug your kids! Love – cb