As we wrap up a long January, I hope that February is warmer and a bit friendlier to jazz fans and everyone in the community. In national news, I’d like to congratulate recent Columbus visitors Snarky Puppy for the “Best R&B Performance” Grammy that they won on Sunday for “Something”, their collaboration with singer Lalah Hathaway. Though the Grammys telecast doesn’t have much relevance to modern jazz, it’s nice to see these road warriors get recognition for their efforts.
A Jazz Night Out
Though I was unfortunately unable to see Surf’s Up Hose Down there on Friday night, I did make it to Dicks Den Saturday night to see the DW6. I was happy to be joined by JazzColumbus owner Mark Subel and his brother Matt. The band was playing its last hometown gig before a run of east coast gigs this weekend and definitely seemed ready for adventure. Max Button was sitting in on drums and had no problems keeping pace. The group started out with material from their forthcoming Your Song, with trumpeter Jon Lampley blowing a strong solo on “Drivin’.” Soon the band dug into its bag of tricks, with trombonist Chris Ott beatboxing and Lampley picking up the sousaphone to join Dan White on “Pop Goes The Weasel.” Their version of “Camptown Races” was mind-blowing, but my highlight of the night was likely “Hot Sauce Williams,” which opened with a solo for birthday boy bassist Adam DeAscentis and slid into my favorite kind of open, sprawling, soul jazz blowing session. Between two band members celebrating birthdays (Ott’s birthday was Monday) and a steadily growing crowd shaking off its cabin fever, the show eased everyone’s winter blues for a few hours.
Shows To See This Week
Thursday, January 30th: Dairdre & Stan Music Benefit at Dick’s Den. The local jazz community continues to provide for guitarist Stan Smith and his roommate Dairdre in their recovery from a house fire just before the new year. Local all-star percussionist Ron Hope will lead an open jam session. As noted here, “Bring your instruments and dancing shoes ’cause this is gonna be a party of love!”
Friday, January 31st: MojoFlo Right On! EP Release at Lincoln Theatre. Columbus’ top soul band will be celebrating the release of a new EP. Though their full run of vinyl albums will not be complete in time for the show, their local manufacturer, Musicol, is producing a short run for purchase Friday night for all their record-hungry fans.
Wednesday, February 5th: Jazz Jam Session at Pizza Rustica (1558 North High St, South Campus area). A new weekly jam session has recently kicked off in the OSU Gateway. Run by OSU students Mac Connor, Wes Perry, Brian Rhodus, Richard Wesner and David Swank, this should be a relaxed environment to hear future local jazz in development. Starts at 8pm.
See you next week!
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