DIZZY GILLESPIE
TM
ALUMNI ALL-STARS
& 96TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
W/ ROY
HARGROVE, CYRUS CHESTNUT
& MORE!
O C T O B E R
OCT 21 - 27
2 0 1 3
P R O G R A M
131 W. 3RD ST. NEW YORK CITY 212. 475. 8592 WWW.BLUENOTEJAZZ.COM
TWO SHOWS NIGHTLY: 8 & 10:30PM LATE NIGHT GROOVE SERIES: FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 12:30AM MIDNIGHT SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH: 12:30 & 2:30 PM
OCTOBER CALENDAR LOU DONALDSON QUARTET OCT 1 - 3 MCCOY TYNER QUINTET OCT 4 - 6 IMANI UZURI OCT 7 STANLEY CLARKE & THE HARLEM QUARTET OCT 8 - 13
LATE NIGHT GROOVE SERIES MARINE FUTIN OCT 4 SANGMIN LEE OCT 5 CAMILA MEZA OCT 11 ROBERT MWAMBA OCT 12
TSP: MARK RAPP & DEREK LEE BRONSTON FEAT. JAMES GENUS OCT 14
MATT GERAGHTY OCT 18
PHIL WOODS OCT 15 & 16
SIMONA PREMAZZI OCT 25
KENNY G OCT 17 - 20
REGGIE WASHINGTON & RAINBOW SHADOW TRIBUTE TO JEF LEE JOHNSON OCT 26
DIZZY GILLESPIE ALUMNI ALL-STARS & 96TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION W/ ROY HARGROVE, CYRUS CHESTNUT & MORE! OCT 21 - 27 JIMMY HEATH BIG BAND W/ GUEST MC BILL COSBY (29TH ONLY) OCT 28 - 31
HOWARD BRITZ OCT 19
SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES COMBO NUVO OCT 6 YOTAM OCT 13 JUILLIARD JAZZ WEST COAST SOUND OCT 20 TSUYOSHI NIWA OCT 27
LOU DONALDSON QUARTET OCTOBER 1-3, 8PM & 10:30PM
Lou Donaldson is very honored to be performing at the Blue Note with his world class Quartet with whom he has been touring the world playing Festivals and club for the past two decades. Named as an NEA JAZZ MASTER in 2013, Lou Donaldson has been termed a “truly unique and absolutely indispensable creative voice in modern jazz whose greatness stretches from being one of sumblime virtuosos of swinging bebop and hard bop to being the creator of his own genre of funky jazz boogaloo that has profoundly influenced
contemporary American music in many ways for several decades.� Lou Donaldson played an absolutely invaluable role in the creation and building of the classic Blue Note Record Label, and the assembly and musical development of the the classic Jazz Messengers bands that originally featured Lou Donaldson, Clifford Brown, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Gene Ramey, Hank Mobley, and many other of the greatest creative virtuosos of the this entire era of modern jazz expression. n
MCCOY TYNER QUINTET FEATURING GARY BARTZ & JOHN BLAKE JR. OCTOBER 4-6, 8PM & 10:30PM Don’t miss this rare chance to see piano legend McCoy Tyner with very special guests. GRAMMY award winning saxophonist Gary Bartz has played with Max Roach and Miles Davis, as well as performed on Tyner’s “Expansions” and “Extensions” albums. McCoy is also reunited with violinist John Blake Jr., whom he played with in the 1980’s. Jazz pianist McCoy Tyner is widely considered one of the most influential pianists in jazz history. His signature booming left-hand and fleeting right created a unique sound that can be heard on his recordings as a sideman with the John Coltrane Quartet in the 1960s and on his 80-plus albums as a leader. Tyner’s blues based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music. His harmonic contributions and dramatic rhythmic devices form the vocabulary of a majority of jazz pianists. Born in 1938 in Philadelphia, he became a part of the fertile jazz and R&B scene of the early ‘50s. His parents imbued him with a love for music from an early age. His mother encouraged him to explore his musical interests through formal training. At 17 he began a career-changing relationship with Miles Davis’ sideman saxophonist John Coltrane. After Coltrane left Davis’ band, Tyner joined
Coltrane for the classic album My Favorite Things (1960), and remained at the core of what became one of the most seminal groups in jazz history, The John Coltrane Quartet. The band, which also included drummer
Elvin Jones and bassist Jimmy Garrison, had an extraordinary chemistry, fostered in part by Tyner’s almost familial relationship with Coltrane. Tyner has always expanded his vision of the musical landscape and incorporated new elements, whether from distant continents or diverse musical influences. More recently he has arranged for big bands, employed string arrangements, and even reinterpreted popular music. Today, Tyner has released nearly 80 albums under his name, earned four Grammys and was awarded Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002. He continues to leave his mark on generations of improvisers, and yet remains a disarmingly modest and spiritually directed man. n
L AT E N I G H T G R O O V E S E R I E S
MARINE FUTIN FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 4 12:30AM
Based in Brooklyn, New York, singersongwriter Marine Futin takes her colored groove from the energy of the City. Her fusion of jazz and blues seamlessly mixes with folk influences. In her writing, Marine re-invents and re-appropriates the chanson française tradition. Surrounded by some of New York’s leading young musicians, she has defined her own style with her melodic compositions and search for new sounds. n
SANGMIN LEE SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 5 12:30AM
Sangmin Lee is one of the most in-demand recorded live session drummers in South Korea. Lee performed with artists such as all time famous Rain, Lena Junghyun Park, Juck Lee, Sora Lee, and many other renowned Korean musicians in various genres. After 10+ years of session experience, Sangmin moved to the states and graduated from Berklee College of Music and New York University. The fresh and vibrant NY music scene lured him to explore and expand his musicality by collaborating with artists such as Grammy-
winning music producer Fran Cathcart, Casey Benjamin, Dave Pietro, Hiram Bullock and several others. n
SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES
COMBO NUVO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
12:30 & 2:30PM $29.50 includes music, brunch & 1 drink
Combo Nuvo, the NYU jazz faculty-inresidence ensemble, is an eclectic improvisational group comprised of some of New York City’s leading jazz artists: David Schroeder (saxophones, woodwinds & harmonica), Rich Shemaria (piano & arrangements), Lenny Pickett (saxophones & woodwinds), Brad Shepik (guitar), Mike Richmond (cello, bass violin, electric bass), & John Hadfield (percussion). The music combines influences ranging from jazz and classical to blues and world music. Individually, these artists have performed with
such music legends as Miles Davis, Ravi Shankar, Elton John, Yo Yo Ma, Paul Simon, Natalie Cole, Dave Douglas, and Tower of Power. These musical experiences combine to create a truly original ensemble. n
HALF NOTE RECORDS NEW RELEASE
FRANCISCO MELA & CUBAN SAFARI TREE OF LIFE
ON HIS SECOND RELEASE FOR HALF NOTE, DRUMMER FRANCISCO MELA CONTINUES TO FUSE THE RHYTHMIC LIFE FORCE OF HIS HOMELAND CUBA, WITH THE HEAT-SEEKING ENERGY OF MODERN JAZZ. HE IS KNOWN AS A MUSICIAN’S FAVORITE - HE IS A MEMBER OF JOE LOVANO’S BAND, US FIVE - BECAUSE HE BOASTS A PASSION AND SPIRIT RARELY HEARD AMONG YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS. MELA’S GROUP IS NAMED CUBAN SAFARI, AND IT FEATURES STERLING PLAY FROM PIANIST ELIO VILLAFRANCA, SAXIST URI GURVICH, GUITARIST BEN MONDER AND SPECIAL GUEST ESPERANZA SPALDING. MELA’S TENDER VOCAL WILL SURPRISE ALL.
MELA CUBAN AD
AVAILABLE UPSTAIRS IN THE BLUE NOTE GIFT SHOP!
IMANI UZURI OCTOBER 7, 8PM & 10:30PM
Recently praised in the New York Times for her “gorgeously chesty ruminations” by music critic Steve Smith, “stunning” (New York Magazine) vocalist and innovative composer Imani Uzuri returns to the Blue Note on April 1 to perform songs from her new acclaimed album, The Gypsy Diaries, which draws on her rural Southern roots as well as influences ranging from Sufi devotionals to Romany laments. Uzuri will be joined by a stellar group of musicians who are all featured on the album, including Marika Hughes (cello), Kaoru Watanabe (Japanese shinobue flute, western flute), Todd Isler (world percussion), album co-producer Christian Ver Halen (acoustic guitar), and Neel Murgai (sitar, daf).
Imani Uzuri’s The Gypsy Diaries has been praised by fans and critics alike, from Ebony to All About Jazz to Time Out New York. Carol Cooper of the Village Voice raves, “With a voice that would sound equally at home on an opera stage or a disco 12-inch, Uzuri is a constant surprise on record, seamlessly combining jazz, classical, country and blues motifs into highly personalized compositions.” Uzuri says “Ultimately, this album is about finding one’s place through the traveling, the communion, the loneliness, victories, sadness, losses, euphorias, revelations, transformations coming to understand that we are always here: home.” n
STANLEY CLARKE & THE HARLEM QUARTET OCTOBER 8-13, 8PM & 10:3PM
Stanley Clarke was among the first bassists in history to double on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity and was the first bassist ever to headline tours, selling out shows worldwide. Exploding into the jazz world in 1971, he soon landed jobs with famous bandleaders like Horace Silver, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Gil Evans, and Chick Corea, with whom he formed the seminal fusion group Return to Forever. In addition to his extensive work with RTF, Clarke’s other notable collaborations have included the Clarke/Duke Project with George Duke, The Superband with Larry Carlton and Billy Cobham, and projects with Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Art Blakey, Paul McCartney, and Keith Richards. Of course, he has also worked with Hiromi, featuring her as a member of his trio in his 2009 release Jazz in the Garden.
Clarke has won literally every major award available to a bass player: Grammys, Emmys, every readers’ poll out there, all the critics’ polls, and numerous Gold and Platinum certifications. He garnered his most recent Grammy Awards for his 2010 album The Stanley Clarke Band and for Return to Forever’s 2011 release Forever. The HARLEM QUARTET, praised for its “panache” by The New York Times, is currently the resident ensemble in the New England Conservatory of Music’s Professional String Quartet Program. Its mission is to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire, highlighting works by minority composers. n
L AT E N I G H T G R O O V E S E R I E S
CAMILA MEZA FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 11 12:30AM
As a vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza belongs to a minority of jazz musicians who have the skills to play an instrument with great dexterity while at the same time maintaining a strong vocal presence. She has recorded two albums under the Chilean record label Vertice Records and has performed in South America, Europe and the United States. At the age of 22, she recorded her first album “Skylark.” In July of 2009, she recorded her most recent album “Retrato,” which exhibits a range of musical
genres Camila has arranged into jazz compositions. Those arrangements, performed in both English and Spanish, convey her exceptional versatility and talent as an artist and musician. n
ROBERT MWAMBA SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 12 12:30AM
Zambian-born guitarist Robert Mwamba comes out of the great jazz guitar tradition of Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino, and Rodney Jones. His playing is also thoroughly modern and contemporary, embracing elements of R&B, latin, blues, and soul. This versatility has enabled Mwamba to perform at events for such diverse people as UN Secretary-Generals - Ban Ki Moon and Kofi Annan, Sir Richard Branson, Mira Sorvino and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Mwamba’s Debut Album Coastin’ comes out soon and features jazz heavyweights Rodney Jones on rhythm and acoustic Guitar, Chip Craw-
ford on keyboards, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Jaz Sawyer on drums. Tenor saxophonist Abraham Burton and trumpeter Fabio Morgera also make guest appearances. n
SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES
YOTAM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
12:30 & 2:30PM $29.50 includes music, brunch & 1 drink
In six years since landing in New York , internationally-acclaimed guitarist Yotam has earned a spot among the jazz elite by collaborating with legends such as James Moody, The Heath Brothers, Paquito D’Rivera, Monty Alexander, Roy Hargrove, and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars. Yotam’s mastery is featured on an array of albums, from his recent releases on the Jazz Legacy Productions label, to Monty Alexander’s Grammy-nominated Harlem-Kingston Express Live! Whether playing straightahead jazz, modern, Brazilian, world music, blues or bebop, Yotam’s performances receive rave reviews from
critics and fans. His stunning showmanship in the Kennedy Center’s 2011 production,”Ella!” featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau, Dr. Billy Taylor and Janice Siegel, was so spectacular that Yotam was invited back for a special appearance at the KC Jazz Club. n
HALF NOTE RECORDS NEW RELEASE
WILD BEAUTY BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA FEATURING JOE LOVANO Following its triumphant partnership with pianist Kenny Werner (Institute of Higher Learning), the award-winning Brussels Jazz Orchestra turns its attention to Joe Lovano, long heralded as a towering soloist among tenor saxophonists. Wild Beauty illuminates the composer side of Lovano’s musicianship, featuring a palette of earthy tunes previously recorded with small groups, but now reimagined for the 17-piece BJO. Gil Goldstein wrote the evocative arrangements.
AVAILABLE UPSTAIRS IN THE BLUE NOTE GIFT SHOP!
THE SONG PROJECT: MARK RAPP & DEREK LEE BRONSTON FEATURING JAMES GENUS OCTOBER 14, 8PM & 10:30PM
They extend jazz into its own genre with interpretations ranging from AC/DC to Rodgers&Hart. With captivating interchanges between guitar and trumpet, lined with raw vocals, The Song Project explores the art of the song both written and improvised. Celebrated by jazz and non-jazz fans alike, Mark Rapp (trumpet, didgeridoo) & Derek Lee Bronston (guitar, vocals) are without a doubt on to something new and very exciting. Be sure to experience their industry first “applum” - a free download on the iTunes App store. Mark Rapp holds a Masters in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans - earning it under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis and continued to live and play in New Orleans for 5 years. Mark then moved to New York where he played for 9 years. He has 3 diverse records as a leader and Disney’s CD (Feb 2011) Everybody Wants to be a Cat
features Mark on it’s closing track. This CD also features Roy Hargrove, Dave Brubeck, Esperanza Spalding, The Bad Plus, Joshua Redman and more. Currently, Mark is finishing his 4th record as a leader, a tribute to Lou Donaldson, and is due to release early 2011. Derek Lee Bronston has 20 years experience as a New York based musician, has 7 records as a leader and co-leader, as well as, appearances as a sideman on many others. He originally came to NYC from Detroit in 1990 and has played with Cecil Taylor, Tom Harrel, Billy Bang, Branford Marsalis, The Hush, Mostley, Jerry Gonzalez and Dave Binney to name a few. Guest bassist JAMES GENUS worked with Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, and others. n
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PHIL WOODS OCTOBER 15 & 16, 8PM & 10:30PM One of the true masters of the bebop vocabulary, Phil Woods has had his own sound since the mid-’50s and stuck to his musical guns throughout a remarkably productive career. There has never been a doubt that he is one of the top alto saxophonists alive, and he has lost neither his enthusiasm nor his creativity through the years. Woods’ started playing seriously when he was 12. He gigged and studied locally until 1948, when he moved to
New York. Woods studied with Lennie Tristano, at the Manhattan School of Music, and at Juilliard, where he majored in clarinet. He worked with Charlie Barnet (1954), Jimmy Raney (1955), George Wallington, the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, Buddy Rich (1958-1959), Quincy Jones (1959-1961), and Benny Goodman (for BG’s famous 1962 tour of the Soviet Union), but has mostly headed his own groups since 1955. Woods popped up in a variety of settings in the 1960s – with Benny Carter, touring Europe with Thelonious Monk,
and appearing on soundtracks like the The Hustler and Blow Up. Discouraged with the jazz scene in the U.S., he moved to France in 1968. For the next few years, Woods led a very advanced group which leaned toward the avant-garde and included pianist George Gruntz. Their recordings still sound fresh and exciting today, although this venture would only be a detour in Woods’ bebop life. In 1972 Woods moved back to the U.S.A. and formed a quintet. Their recording Live at the Showboat officially launched the band, which today, after a few personnel changes, still tours the world. Not just a bebop repertory band, Woods’ ensembles have developed their own repertoire, taken plenty of chances, and stretched themselves while sticking to his straight-ahead path. Woods additionally contributed the famous alto solo to Billy Joel’s hit recording of “Just the Way You Are” and has been one of Michel Legrand’s favorite artists, guesting with Legrand on an occasional basis. Still going strong well into the 21st century, Woods continues recording and performing and recording worldwide. n
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KENNY G OCTOBER 17-20, 8PM & 10:30PM
In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 24 albums, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop, and Latin music to a jazz foundation, solidifying his reputation as the premier artist in contemporary jazz. Since the early ‘80s, his combination of unparalleled instrumental chops and indelible melodies has resulted in sales of more than 75 million records worldwide (45 million in the U.S. alone) and more than a dozen climbs to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart. Inspired by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire and Grover Washington Jr., Kenny was only 17 when he landed a gig with Barry White and his Love Unlimited Orchestra at the Paramount Northwest Theater in 1973. After high school, gigs with R&B and contemporary jazz artists like White and Jeff Lorber kept coming. In 1982, he landed a record deal with Arista and launched a solo career with three critically acclaimed jazz albums – Kenny G (1982), G-Force (1983), and Gravity (1985). By the ‘90s, Kenny was a multi-platinum seller and a frequent collaborator with some of the most iconic figures in American popular music, including
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, and Frank Sinatra. His subsequent studio albums Silhouette (1988) and Breathless (1992), were hugely successful, the latter selling more than 12 million records in the U.S. alone and spawning the Grammy-winning single, “Forever in Love.” Another major career highlight for Kenny was Miracles, a 1994 holiday album that took the saxophonist to the top of the Billboard chart for the first time and has since become the best-selling holiday album of all time. His two holiday albums since then - Faith (1999) and Wishes (2002) - have been similarly successful. After the success of Rhythm and Romance (2008) and Heart and Soul (2010), the second of which was a return to the classic R&B sounds of his Seattle childhood, Kenny has taken a step in a new direction with his latest release, Namaste India (2012). A collaboration with Indian santoor player and vocalist Rahul Sharma, the album captures both the natural meditative sound of Indian classical music and the flamboyant jazz melodies of the saxophone. n
L AT E N I G H T G R O O V E S E R I E S
MATT GERAGHTY FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 18 12:30AM
Matt Geraghty is a bassist without borders, a sonic traveler whose musical pursuits have drawn him to the local music scenes on four continents. He has collaborated with musicians from Brazil, Japan, India, Trinidad, and Africa and has journeyed deep into the musical enclaves of Spain, France, Portugal, Cuba, South America, and the Philippines. Drawing inspiration from Pat Metheny’s melodic clarity and Herbie Hancock’s moody, electric grooves, Geraghty crafts a global sound rooted in the style of contemporary jazz. His composi-
tions are both atmospheric and tuneful, serving as compelling narratives of the journeys that continue to shape his musical style. Critics say that his collaborations have produced some of the most forward-thinking sounds on the scene. n
HOWARD BRITZ SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 19 12:30AM
New York City pianist, bassist, and composer Howard Britz grew up in London England. As a band leader, he has recorded and toured around the US and Europe and has released three CDs as a bassist/leader. As a pianist/composer he released an EP in 2012 and a full CD in May 2013. As a sideman Howard has performed and recorded with a diverse collection of influential musicians including; Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross, Danilo Perez, Paquito de Rivera, Sam Rivers, Julius Hemphill, Kenny Werner, just to name a few. In 2005, Howard received his BFA Summa Cum Laude
in Music and Education. In addition to performing, he teaches classes, workshops and private students. n
SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES
JUILLIARD JAZZ ENSEMBLE WEST COAST SOUNDS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
12:30 & 2:30PM $29.50 includes music, brunch & 1 drink
Join us for Sunday brunch featuring the music of Gerry Mulligan, Shorty Rodgers, Art Pepper, Harold Land and others! The Juilliard music division, renowned the world over for the quality of its performance education and its many celebrated alumni musicians, dancers, and actors, offers bachelor and master of music degrees in jazz, as well as an Artist Diploma via the pre-professional Juilliard Institute for Jazz Studies, a collaboration between Juilliard and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Juilliard’s program features a curriculum designed to maximize profes-
sional opportunities, onstage and academically, with equal opportunity for performance and tailored studio and coursework. The talented young musicians from across the country who are accepted by Juilliard Jazz are taught by some of today’s most active, innovative, and respected jazz musicians. n
ESTEBAN CASTRO OCTOBER 23, 6:30PM
Music found Esteban at an early age. He started playing piano when he was 4, and composing when he was 5. He likes many kinds of music, from classical to pop, and enjoys playing jazz. He is grateful to all his great teachers and influences. Esteban recorded his Debut Album In the Making at age 9. The album won Critical Acclaim, and prestigious ASCAP and Downbeat Awards. He’s won other Honors at local and international competitions, and performed at various venues like Carnegie Hall, DiCapo Opera Theater, Steinway
Hall, and New York City jazz clubs. When not spending time composing, arranging, or playing music, he enjoys reading, science, math, flying kites, swimming, playing soccer, chess, and tennis. n
DIZZY GILLESPIE ALUMNI ALL-STARS
& 96TH BIRTHDAY ROY AYERSCELEBRATION W/ ROY HARGROVE, CYRUS CHESTNUT & MORE! OCTOBER 21-27, 8PM & 10:30PM
History has produced its share of great artists and great people—John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was both. As a performer, he left behind an incredible record of innovation and inspiration. As a composer, a broad repository of musical masterpieces, and as a man, a legion of friends, colleagues and compatriots who remember him with the same degree of love and esteem they reserve for his work. The Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band and Alumni All-Star groups are the direct descendants of his ensembles and happily, the tradition lives on, nurtured by Gillespie alumni and executive director, producer, and bassist John Lee. The Alumni All-Stars has featured some of Dizzy’s closest compatriots: senior statesmen and NEA Jazz Master James Moody and veteran Gillespie alumni Roy Hargrove, Roberta Gambarini, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Davis, Willie Jones III, and musical director John Lee. All of them are band leaders, educators, and recording artists in their own right. The small group debuted in 1996 while the Big Band debuted in 1998. Together they continue to delight audiences around the world with the enduring power and freshness of Dizzy Gillespie’s music. This is the legacy the
master would have wanted—and a living tribute from the many extraordinary musicians in this group who exemplify his style, range, and commitment Together, the Dizzy All-Stars have recorded four critically acclaimed CDs, Dizzy’s 80th Birthday Celebration (Shanachie), Dizzy’s World (Shanachie), and, as a big band,Things to Come (MCG-Jazz), and Dizzy’s Business (MCG-Jazz). Dizzy’s Business features new arrangements by musical director Slide Hampton, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath, drummer Dennis Mackrel, and two vintage Ernie Wilkin’s arrangements originally commissioned by Dizzy himself. Dizzy’s Business also features the band’s newest member, Italian vocalist Roberta Gambarini and trumpet master extraordinaire Roy Hargrove, who appears with the band as a special guest Oct 21-23. The Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars musical home is the Blue Note which was for many years Dizzy’s favorite jazz club not only in New York City, but in the world. The All-Star Big Band performs for a week every spring, and we’re excited to host the Alumni AllStars with special guests during the week that includes October 21st, the master’s birthday. n
L AT E N I G H T G R O O V E S E R I E S
SIMONA PREMAZZI FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 25 12:30AM
New York based pianist Simona Premazzi has developed an impressive body of work as a composer and bandleader. Simona will release her 3rd CD, The Lucid Dreamer, on the Inner Circle Music Label, featuring her latest ensemble comprised of tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, bassist Ameen Saleem, drummer Jochen Rueckert and special guest, the inimitable Greg Osby on Alto and Soprano Saxophone. Since moving to New York in 2004, she has earned recognition for her improvisational work and skillful approach as
a composer; with an unmistakable style and depth that comes across in every one of her compositions. n
REGGIE WASHINGTON & RAINBOW SHADOW A TRIBUTE TO JEF LEE JOHNSON SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 26 12:30AM
The prodigious guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer Jef Lee Johnson AKA Rainbow Crow passed away on January 28, 2013. Bassist Extraordinaire REGGIE WASHINGTON (Steve Coleman, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis, World Saxophone Quartet, Cassandra Wilson)) was a friend/teammate/band member with Jef since 1986. Reggie felt the need to continue spreading his music, lyrics, spirit, surrounded by the musicians Jef had in his heart all these years.
This Late Nite Groove Series, Reggie will be performing with guitarist Marvin Sewell (Lizz Wright, Joe Lovano, George Benson) and drummer Gene Lake (Dave Douglas, Marcus Miller, Davis Sanborn) and other special guests to honor this truly unique artist and his prestigious work. n
SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES
TSUYOSHI NIWA SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
12:30 & 2:30PM $29.50 includes music, brunch & 1 drink
Saxophonist Tsuyoshi Niwa came to New York in 1995 and produced two albums under his name, Sequence X featuring Matt Wilson in 1997 and Internal Dance in 2000, after which he left for Italy, touring 30 different cities. In 2011, Tsuyoshi came back to NY for the second time. Reuniting with old friends and making new friends through them is a unique and exciting element of coming back to his old town. It has been a sheer joy for him to make friends and work with internationally acknowledged
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artists such as the drummer, Billy Kilson and the trumpeter, Randy Brecker, the brother of Michael Brecker, who has also won numerous Grammy’s. n
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JIMMY HEATH BIG BAND
WITH GUEST MC BILL COSBY (29TH ONLY) OCTOBER 28-31 8PM & 10:30PM
Jimmy Heath has long been recognized as a brilliant instrumentalist and a magnificent composer and arranger. The middle brother of the legendary Heath Brothers (bassist Percy and drummer Tootie) and the father of Mtume, he has performed with nearly all the jazz greats of the last 50 years, from Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis. Heath’s career got off to an early start – in 1948 at the age of 21, he performed in the First International Jazz Festival in Paris with McGhee, sharing the stage with Coleman Hawkins, Slam Stewart, and Erroll Garner. One of his earliest big bands (1947-1948) in Philadelphia included John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Specs Wright, Cal Massey, Johnny Coles, Ray Bryant, and Nelson Boyd. Charlie Parker and Max Roach even sat in on one occasion. During his career, Heath has performed on more than 100 albums, including seven with the Heath Brothers and 12 as a leader. He has also written more than 125 compositions, many of which have become jazz standards and have been recorded by other artists, including Art Farmer, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, James Moody, Milt Jackson, Ahmad Jamal, Ray Charles, Dizzy
Gillespie, J.J. Johnson, and Dexter Gordon. Heath has also composed extended works – seven suites and two string quartets – and he premiered his first symphonic work, Three Ears, in 1988 at Queens College (CUNY) with Maurice Peress conducting. Renowned for his work as a Professor of Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Heath maintains an extensive performance and teaching schedule and continues to conduct workshops and clinics throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. He has also taught jazz studies at Jazzmobile, Housatonic College, City College of New York, and The New School for Social Research. In October 1997, two of his former students, trumpeters Darren Barrett and Diego Urcola, placed first and second in the Thelonious Monk Competition. For over 60 years, the legendary Heath Brothers have been synonymous with great jazz. Although Percy passed away in 2005, Jimmy and Tootie have pressed on, continuing to make great music. Jimmy’s latest album with his big band, the aptly-named Turn Up the Heath, came out in 2006. n
BLUE NOTE DRINK MENU MARTINIS $14 MANHATTAN
HENNESSY SIDECAR
Redemption rye whiskey, Carpano Antico sweet vermouth
Hennessy Cognac with Grand Marnier and fresh lemon juice
NEGRONI
BLUE NOTE MARTINI
Bombay Saphire, Campari, Carpano Antico sweet vermouth
citrus vodka, blue curocao, lime juice
VESPER
“MANTECA” MARTINI
Tanqueray gin, Chopin Vodka, and Lillet with a lemon twist
Brinley Gold coconut rum, coconutcream & pineapple juice
FRENCH MARTINI
ITALIAN CHOCOLATE MARTINI
Grey Goose vodka, Chambord & pineapple juice
Meletti Chocolate Liquer Stolivanilla vodka
APPLE MARTINI
Ketel One & apple schnapps
COSMOPOLITAN
Citrus Vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry & lime juice
METROPOLITAN
Absolut Kurant with Triple Sec, cranberry & lime juice
MARGARITA MARTINI
Sauza Conmemorativo tequila, agave, fresh lime & splash orange juice
MIXED DRINKS $12 ELDERFLOWER FIZZ Beefeater, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon
RUBY RYE
Redemption rye whiskey, grapefruit juice, Chambord
CAIPIRINHA
Muddled limes, sugar and Beija Brazilian cachaca
BELLINI
BRANDY ALEXANDER
Prosecco & white peach puree
Brandy, crème de cacao & cream
PCPUNCH
CUBA LIBRE
Grey Goose pear vodka, Brinley coconut rum, pineapple juice
Blackwell rum, Coke & freshly muddled lime
MAI TAI
TOASTED ALMOND
Bacardi light rum, Meyers dark rum, almond liqueur, Triple Sec, Pineapple juice, splash sour mix
Amaretto, coffee liqueur & cream
BRAVE BULL
SPANISH COFFEE
Cuervo Gold, Kahlua & coffee
Tia Maria & coffee
SWISS COFFEE
MOCA ALMOND
WARM DRINKS $12 IRISH COFFEE
Jameson Irish whiskey & coffee
NUTTY IRISHMAN
Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico & coffee
Peppermint Schnapps, crème de cacao & coffee
Meletti chocolate liquer amaretto, coffee
BEER AND TEAS IMPORTED - $9
BELGIAN-STYLE ALE - $15
Sapporo, Amstel Light, Corona, Heineken, Guinness, Stella Artois, Bass Ale
Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale (750 ml)
DOMESTIC - $8
Buckler
Brooklyn Lager, Budweiser, Bud Light
NON-ALCOHOLIC - $7
REPUBLIC OF TEA ICED TEAS - $7 Pomegranate Green Iced Tea Republic Darjeeling Black Iced Tea Ginger Peach Decaf Black Iced Tea
DESSERTS & PAIRINGS SEASONAL FRUIT & SORBET NEW YORK CHEESECAKE RED VELVET CAKE TIRAMISU CINNAMON APPLE STRUDEL WARM LEMON TARTE CHOCOLATE & VANILLA TARTUFO FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE ICE CREAM SORBET OF THE DAY
12 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 9 8
add add add add add add add add add add
Limoncello Meletti Tia Maria Baileys Grand Marnier Amaretto Lazzaroni Drambuie Frangelico Taylor Fladgate 20 year Kahlua Prosecco
11 12 11 12 11 12 11 15 11 11
DIGESTIFS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
Glenlivet 12 year 12 Glenfiddich 12 year 12 15 Macallan 12 year 13 Talisker 10 year Glenmorangie 13 15 Oban 14 year 16 Dahlwinnie 15 year Lagavulin 16 year 18 34 Mackillop’s 1989 Scapa Deanston 30 year 40 Scott’s 1967 Glenlivet 58
SCOTCH BLENDS
Chivas 12 Dewars 12 J & B 12 Johnny Walker Red 12 Johnny Walker Black 13 38 Johnny Walker Blue
LIQUEURS Amaretto Lazzaroni Aperol Baileys Irish Cream B&B Campari Chambord Cointreau Drambuie Dubbonet Fernet Branca Frangelico Grand Marnier Kahlua Lillet Limoncello Meletti Nocino Walnut Liqueur Pernod Poli Miele Honey Liqueur Sambuca Meletti Tia Maria
11 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 12
BRANDY & COGNAC
Courvoisier Hennessy VS Hennessy XO Remy Martin VSOP Remy Martin XO Martell VS Martell Cordon Bleu VSOP Paul Beau XO Poli Grappa Moscato
12 14 36 18 36 14 25 25 15
DESSERT WINES Sherry, Dry Sack Sherry, Harvey’s Bristol Cream Taylor Fladgate 20 year Cab Franc Icewine, Inniskillin
11 12 15 20/125
BOURBON / RYE Redemption Rye 12 Basil Hayden 14 Booker’s 14 Knob Creek 14 Woodford Reserve 15 Whistle Pig 17
RUM
Beija Cachaca 12 Bacardi Silver 12 Bacardi Gold 12 Brinley Gold Coconut 12 Captain Morgan’s 12 Meyer’s 13 Mount Gay 13 Pyrat XO 15
UPCOMING AT THE BLUE NOTE MAKE RESERVATIONS UPSTAIRS IN THE GIFT SHOP
NOV 1 - 3
ARTURO SANDOVAL NOV 5 - 10
MICHEL CAMILO BIG BAND
NOV 14 - 17
THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER NOV 19 - 24
JANE MONHEIT NOV 25 - 27
FRED HERSCH & JULIAN LAGE DUETS NOV 28
GATO BARBIERI BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION