One news item this week: local trio Birdshack has added a second weekly gig to their schedule. In addition to their regular Sunday brunch show at The Crest in Clintonville, they are starting a series of Monday happy hour shows at Giuseppe’s Ritrovo, an Italian restaurant at 2268 E. Main Street in Bexley (across from Capital). This weekly event kicks off on Monday, April 28th, and will run from 5 to 7:30pm. Two days later, Birdshack returns to Jazz Wednesday at Brothers Drake.
A Jazz Night Out
On Wednesday the 16th, I went down to Dicks Den to see (a set of) the third installment of Derek DiCenzo’s April Residency. For this show, DiCenzo showcased a special version of one of his going concerns: the Bobby Floyd Trio. Floyd was on keyboards, but DiCenzo played upright bass and Aaron Scott sat in on drums. The first set was a pleasant mix of hard bop grooves and leisurely ballads. As always, Floyd displayed his abilities in dynamics, teasing out a gentle ballad in one moment and tearing into a fiery solo in the next. DiCenzo’s versatility, which has led to the diverse mix of music throughout his residency, enabled him to thump out bass grooves as easily as his guitar parts, and Scott played his role just as well.
Shows To See This Week
Thursday, April 24th: Maxwell Button’s Tribute to Duke Ellington & his Orchestra at Dick’s Den. The drummer’s monthly tribute series turns its focus to Ellington and all the great music he and his orchestra produced. Button will be joined by saxophonist Randy Mather, guitarist Derek DiCenzo, and bassist Nathan Smith. The group will aim to honor the tunes and influence of Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and the collective force of the orchestra in 20th century American music and culture.
Sunday, April 27th (3 – 5:30pm): Mark Flugge: “Rainbow’s End: Music of Henry Mancini” at Columbus Museum of Art. This volume of Flugge’s recurring series at CMA will pay tribute to the legendary songwriter. This two set performance will feature special guests vocalist Jody Mancini and saxophonist Michael Cox, and Flugge’s rhythm section will entail Doug Richeson on bass and Aaron Scott on drums.
Tuesday, April 29th: Tony Monaco Trio at Rumba Cafe. A version of the trio drew rave reviews for their set at Rumba on April 16th, when they opened for (and likely educated) a young national band. This week Monaco brings his group back to their old weekly slot for one night. Expect organ pyrotechnics, passionate standards, and a lively crowd.