Back for another week! Thanks to everyone in frigid Columbus (and beyond!) for reading. Unfortunately, our Comments function is currently out of order. While we work to fix it, please contact us here if you have any thoughts on the column or your jazz experiences in Columbus. Marilyn Coleman, aka the “Jazz Diva” of Columbus’ Jazz 102.1FM jazz radio station, took the time to do just that this week, which was greatly appreciated. Check out her show, Jazz Life, on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm, for some great local and national jazz and jazz information.
Chameleon at Natalie’s, December 5th
Last Thursday evening, I finally “righted a jazz wrong” for myself: I made it to Natalie’s for the first time! It’s unfortunate that it took this long, but I had a great time and can’t wait to go back. On the night in question, local keyboardist Dave DeWitt led a quintet of local all-stars on a special soul jazz/jazz fusion program entitled Chameleon. Backing DeWitt was Randy Mather on tenor sax, Josh Hill on guitar, Jeff Ciampa on bass, and Aaron Scott on drums. Though the night was aimed toward a certain area of the jazz spectrum, the tunes chosen still showed a great range. DeWitt played the first couple tunes on the digital organ, highlighted by his smokin’ solo on the classic tune “Broadway.” He later shifted to the Rhodes for the most unique tune of the night: a reconstructed fusion take on “Silent Night.” Hill’s anthem-like blues solo accented the subtle infusion of seasonal tidings into the proceedings. The band sounded great and I hope to enjoy more jazz evenings in that room soon.
Shows To See This Week
Friday, December 13th: Dan White Sextet at Dick’s Den. Having recently finished recording their new album Your Song, the result of an educational project with Jazz Arts Group, the Sextet roars into Dick’s with a mix of new and old and surely some holiday spice.
Saturday, December 14th: Playhouse at Brothers Drake. Columbus’ skilled jazz-electronic hybrid promises an extravaganza of sorts, with numerous special guests.
Weds. December 18th: Ben Johnson at Brothers Drake. The meadery’s Jazz Wednesday series ends a strong December run with a new band. Johnson, bassist for local live hip-hop band G. Finesse and the N.S., leads a quartet that also includes guitarist Aaron Quinn, keyboardist Dan Shaw, and drummer Ryan Jewell “that will be playing some new takes on old standards, improvised takes on some pop tunes (Nirvana and Radiohead just to name a few), as well as some originals.”
See you next week. Stay warm!