There is news this week from Jazz Education Connection of Ohio (JECO), a non-profit group of jazz educators and performers dedicated to promoting jazz through performance, education, and workshops. “JECO is proud to present the 2018 Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble (IJE), under the direction of Matt James, Professor of Saxophone at Ohio University. The JECO IJE is a prestigious ensemble consisting of some of the finest collegiate musicians in the state of Ohio. The 2018 JECO IJE will perform at the OMEA Conference on February 9, 2018. Audition information is located here. All Ohio collegiate musicians are welcome to audition!” Zach Compston, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Jazz Arts Group, is serving as the 2018 IJE chair. The deadline to apply for an IJE audition is December 1st!
Shows To See This Week
Friday, November 10th (9pm – 2am): ensemble, et al. and Triangulus at Spacebar, Old North Columbus. This quadruple bill at a bar known for its rock shows (and excellent beer selection) presents some treats for fans of modern experimental music. Brooklyn’s ensemble, et al. is “an instrumental band who makes lush, sprawling songs using vibraphone, keyboards, drums, and percussion.” Expanding from its roots as a percussion quartet, the band’s new album The Slow Reveal, to be released on November 17th, was recorded and produced by John McEntire, known for his work with heavyweights like Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, and Stereolab. This show is the second of a 9 date album release tour through the Midwest and Northeast. ensemble, et al. will be joined by technological explorers (and new Columbus residents) Triangulus, electronic outfit Archer Archer, and a solo set by Lizard McGee, frontman of longtime Columbus rock band Earwig. Cover is only $5 – check out a bevy of intriguing sounds!
Friday, November 10th (10pm – 2am): fo/mo/deep at Dick’s Den. The veteran groove-centered quartet returns to “The One and Only” for the first time since 2015, I believe, to jam the night away. Personally speaking, it was exciting to see this date on the calendar, as it was four years ago this month that I saw fo/mo/deep play Dick’s Den and reviewed the show in my first weekly column! Bassist and leader Ron Holmes will be joined on stage by Andre Scott on drums, Kevin Jones on keyboards, and Dr. Keith Newton on sax and flute. The word is that the band is working on new material, so expect some new grooves alongside the top-notch jazz and funk tunes from their three studio albums to date. A mere $5 cover pays for a funky Friday night party!
Thursday, November 16th (7:30 – 10pm): Jazz at the MAC: Tony Hagood Quintet Plays The Music of Duke Ellington at McConnell Arts Center. Pianist Hagood leads the second concert of his Jazz at the MAC series after the season got off to a rousing start with The Music of Dave Brubeck in October. His quintet for the evening boasts major league star power, with a front line of Anthony Stanco on trumpet and Pete Mills on tenor saxophone plus drummer Zach Compston and bassist Bradley Mellen once again joining Hagood in the rhythm section. The program will “explore the fruitful collaboration of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, which lasted over three decades,” and will delve into both renowned classics and underrated gems. I truly enjoyed the Brubeck show, so I highly recommend attending this concert! Tickets and more info are available here.
Have a great week! Prepare for these featured shows with video: