Happy Halloween jazz fans! There’s plenty of jazz going on around town these days, so continue to keep an eye on our calendar for listings of jazz throughout the area. In that vein, I should mention that we recently updated our calendar with the rest of the year’s jazz dates at Dicks Den. Our website is currently the only place online to find the upcoming schedule for the local jazz intuition, so check out the calendar for details on upcoming shows. In other, semi-related news, the Dan White Sextet announced on Tuesday that they have started a new chapter for the band with a new name, Huntertones. Look out for new website/social media info and get excited for the band’s return to town in December at Dick’s.
A Jazz Night Out
On Wednesday, October 22nd, I saw a set-plus of the fourth installment of bassist Matt Paetsch’s October Residency at Dick’s Den. This show was a simple yet effective collaboration between Paetsch, veteran drummer Wally Mitchel, and guitarist Aaron Quinn. The trio played a high-level assortment of standards in the first set, including a spirited take on Thelonious Monk’s “Epistrophy,” featuring a stately solo from Paetsch and forceful drumming from Mitchel. Another notable tune started as a gentle bossa nova, but eventually gained steam from Mitchel’s subtly propulsive rhythms, leading to a elegantly brisk solo from Quinn before Paetsch took the tune in a funkier direction. The most striking element of what I saw was Paetsch’s authoritative technique on the upright bass. I’ve seen him play a few times, but the simple setting, with two other talented players who valued restraint, allowed Paetsch to shine. This night was another fine example of the great music produced within the relaxed setting of the bar’s Wednesday Residency series.
Shows To See This Week
Thursday, October 30th: Insane Jazz Posse at Brothers Drake. This show will likely be the best combination of live jazz and the Halloween spirit in town this year, and is also a bittersweet occasion. Guitarist Quinn is on the verge of moving to New York City, so this will be his last show with IJP. His shoes will surely be filled by another skilled guitarist, as the band has already played live with Alex Schrock and other possible replacements. For Thursday’s show, the band, led by bassist Ben Johnson, will play their proven renditions of 90s pop hits, as well as some new arrangements.
Saturday, November 1st: Marvin Gaye Tribute at Natalie’s. Local jazz-fusion supergroup FLIPPO is reprising their June performance at Natalie’s of their passionate tribute to the legendary soul singer. They will be led by vocalists Kay Harris and Ron Jenkins and the band will include special guests Kevin O’Neill on saxophones and Dan Rowan on keyboards and additional vocals. This jazzy take on one of the greatest catalogs of American music will be a great place to keep the weekend’s party going.
Monday, November 3rd: Corey Wilcox at Dick’s Den. (UPDATE: Both Wilcox shows have been CANCELED. Wilcox was unable to travel to Columbus.) Jacksonville, FL-based trombonist Wilcox will make his Columbus debut Monday backed by local all-stars Derek DiCenzo on guitar, Nate Smith on bass and Maxwell Button on drums. Wilcox, the son of renowned trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, is a member of pianist Marcus Roberts’ Modern Jazz Generation, and appeared on the band’s newly released debut album Romance, Swing, and the Blues. Wilcox, who studied at the Oberlin College Conservatory, is currently a music performance major at Jacksonville University, and is known for his soulful sound as well as his reverent bebop lines. UPDATE: Wilcox will also lead the same band again on Wednesday, November 5th at Rambling House (310 E. Hudson). So take advantage of your two chances to witness an up-and-coming jazz star in intimate settings.
Here’s a video of Wilcox in action. Have a jazzy Halloween!