For this first column of 2016(!), I’d like to share news of local musicians touring to warmer climes. Taking a small break from his busy weekly schedule, pianist Dave Powers and his Trio, with Dennis Hodges on guitar and Louis Tsamous on drums, will be playing “Pops In The Park” at History Park in Punta Gorda, Florida on Saturday, January 16th. Powers is now a part-time Punta Gorda (near Fort Myers) resident, and has been establishing himself with shows in the area. Powers advises that there are two-hour non-stop flights there on Allegiant Airlines if you need a winter getaway! Here is a recent interview Powers gave to an area newspaper about his ventures south.
Shows To See This Week
Friday, January 8th (10pm – 2am): Tony Monaco/Randy Mather Quartet at Dick’s Den. Apparently a last-minute booking, this gig will bring together a rare combination of four of Columbus’ greatest musicians. Monaco’s burning organ and Mather’s soulful tenor saxophone will be paired with an excellent rhythm section of Derek DiCenzo on guitar and Aaron Scott on drums. This looks to be a world-class cooking session, and with a $4 cover, it’s also an amazing bargain!
Saturday, January 9th (10pm – 12am): Canta Brasil at Natalie’s. Percussionist Danny Aguiar leads his long-running Brazilian fusion project into the new year. With a current lineup that also includes Danny Bauer (keyboards), Taylor DeVault (guitar), Doug Neel (trombone), Jeff Bass (bass), and Tia Harris (vocals), this simmering sextet will be playing selections by Brazilian composers, American composers, and some of Aguiar’s originals. This should be a hot show for a winter night – get your tickets here.
Wednesday, January 13th (8 – 11pm): Zakk Jones Presents: “Ezz-Thetics” – The Music of George Russell at Brothers Drake. Realizing a goal he mentioned in his recent JazzColumbus interview, Jazz Wednesday is the setting for guitarist Jones’ tribute to pianist and composer Russell, a major contributor to jazz theory. Jones has formed a new group for this show, the George Russell Project, and this debut performance will “highlight compositions from [Russell’s] early sextet up to his later recordings with European ECM artists.” The star-studded lineup for this free show includes:
Alex Burgoyne – Alto Saxophone
Jordan Reed – Alto Saxophone
Ryan Folger – Drumset
Danny Bauer – Piano/Keyboards
Zakk Jones – Guitar
John Allen – Bass
Katherine Luikart – Horn
Have a great week! Here’s a video of a different lineup of Canta Brasil in action in 2014: