In-demand saxophonist Matt Adams takes the reins of the Dick’s Den Wednesday Residency program for the second month of the year. As with many of the installments, Adams is seizing the moment and presenting a variety of his favorite bands, styles, and players over his four shows. Adams was kind enough to provide insight into each week’s performance – keep reading to learn more!
Matt Adams: “I’d like to thank Tim and Aaron at Dick’s Den for the opportunity to be the artist in residence there this February. Dick’s has always been my musical home. It’s my favorite place to play and listen to music. They’ve always been receptive to the music and the musicians alike. It’s a very musically nurturing spot. Long live Dick’s Den!
Here’s what I’ve got in store for the Wednesdays in February (All shows will be from 9pm – 1am and cover is $5):
Wednesday, February 1st:
Matt Adams Quartet: This group has been together for over 10 years now. We play original music mostly in the “post bop” vein with some lesser known jazz standards. It’s been awhile since we’ve played together, so I’m really looking forward to this one.
Joining me will be:
Tony Bonardi – keyboards
Matt Paetsch – bass
Maxwell Button – drums
February 8th:
Madd Atoms: I’ve been toying around with the idea of putting a smaller funk group together for awhile. This residency is giving me the opportunity and kick in the rear to put that group together. The repertoire ranges from Thelonious Monk to Marvin Gaye. We’ll play some second line grooves, some boogaloos, and of course some straight up funk. I’m going to insist on Colin Lazarski singing at least a tune or two as well.
Along for the ride:
Tony Zilincik – sousaphone
Colin Lazarski – guitar
Aaron Bishara – drums
February 15th:
Doug Neel Quintet: Having the opportunity to play this music with this group of musicians over the past year or so has been a true joy and honor. We have just finished recording a studio album. Doug writes beautiful, challenging music, and these musicians bring out the best in all of us. Along with Doug’s music, we’ll play a few of my tunes and maybe a standard or two.
Joining me will be:
Tony Bonardi – keyboards
Doug Neel – guitars
Jeff Bass – bass
Justin Campbell – drums
February 22nd:
Chamber Music: This is going to be a real treat for me. I’m going to use this night to play some music that I rarely (if ever) get the opportunity to play. The evening will start out with a set from the saxophone quartet I play with during the holiday season. We’re officially called the Seasons Sax Quartet, but we refer to ourselves as the Holiday Hobos. We’ll be playing some classical repertoire along with some jazz and Latin flavored music. Playing with Kris, Kevin and Jim is for the past 11 years has had a profound effect on my continued development as a player.
The Hobos are:
Kris Keith – soprano saxophone
Matt Adams – alto saxophone
Kevin O’Neill – tenor saxophone
Jim Seitz – baritone saxophone
The second set will be classical saxophone. I haven’t played most of this music since my days as an undergrad at Capital University. I figured I’d take the chance to work it back up and play it for an audience. I’ll be playing some of the lighter classical saxophone standards and be accompanied by Ellen Wang on piano.
The third set, time permitting, is open. I’m hesitant to call it a jam session, as I’m not sure what instrumentation will be represented. I’d like it to be comprised of mostly duets, but anyone who wants to come up on stage is welcome. Let me know ahead of time and I’ll work something out, or we’ll wing it. Or I’ll play solo if no one is interested. I’m aiming for a totally acoustic night for this last one, with the exception of Ellen’s keyboard.
I’m very excited for this to get started. I’ve done some work organizing the groups, selecting the music, and setting up rehearsals. I’m extremely lucky, honored and blessed to be able to create music with this collection of artists. I hope to see your readers on a Wednesday or all four in February at Dick’s Den!”