Sammy Miller and the Congregation, NYC-based purveyors of feelgood jazz, are coming to Natalie’s for a special show on Tuesday, October 20th, at 8pm (tickets available here), and will also entertain and educate audiences at local schools during their visit to Columbus. A native of Los Angeles, drummer, vocalist, and bandleader Miller leads a band whose members have played individually with an impressive list of bands, but are happy to come together and play joyous, community-focused music “with the intention to spread joy throughout the world.” The band’s lineup includes two members of Columbus favorites the Rad Trads, with Sam Crittenden on trombone and Patrick Sargent on soprano sax, as well as Alphonso Horne (trumpet, vocals), Ben Flocks (tenor sax), Molly Miller (guitar), and David Linard (piano). As Miller told me, “The Congregation is on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. We play joyful jazz — music that feels good. It is a style that entertains, enriches, but most of all uplifts. We are mighty excited to share our music with the good folks of Columbus, both in the public schools as well as in the evening at Natalie’s.” The band’s brand new Say, Say, Say EP is a great sampler of their uplifting spirit. Keep reading for new video of their own twist on an Ellington classic:
2015-10-12