2007 Jazz Concerts

Jazz at Twilight - All concerts start at 6:30 p.m.


SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Mary diPaola-Davis Trio
Mary diPaola-Davis, Piano
Nat Reeves, Bass
Paul Lombardo, Drums
Mary diPaola-Davis, Nat Reeves and Paul Lombardo have collaborated as a working Piano-Bass-Drum trio for over ten years. Formed at the Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, they are a familiar presence throughout the area performing at the Hartt School among other venues. Each of the players is a much in demand artist, traveling and performing with many of today's jazz greats.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

* Note Change from printed brochure *
Chris Casey Trio
The Chris Casey Trio combines gifted originals with compositions and arrangements made famous by the great masters of jazz piano. The ensemble is led by Chris Casey - an accomplished pianist, arranger and composer who is currently on faculty at the Hartt School of Music. Chris received his training from world famous alto saxophonist Jakiec McLean. The trio has been performing throughout New England and New York for over 10 years. Driven by bassist Brian Jenkins and Drummer Ben Bilello the concert features arrangements by the Oscar Peterson, Amad Jamal and Red Garland trios as well as original works and unique arrangements of popular standards.

SATURDAY, JULY 7

Giacomo Gates and Friends
Giacomo Gates is one of today's great jazz vocalists. His enormous appeal is obvious from his many repeat engagements. He has performed at New York's Birdland, The Five Spot, the Jazz Standard and many other clubs and major festivals throughout the country. He is also a major presence at countless universities and jazz societies. Gates latest CD is the critically and widely played Centerpiece (Origin Records). Gates' sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz's most compelling artists.

SATURDAY, JULY 14

The New Black Eagle Jazz Band
Always innovative and eloquent, the Black Eagles rank high among all bands performing New Orleans based jazz. Led by Tony Pringle, cornet, these guardians of traditional jazz will draw from their abundant repertoire in a program featuring compositions ranging from 1920's classics to Preservation Hall standards, all rendered with penetrating rhythm and flawless interplay.

SATURDAY, JULY 21

* Note Date Change from printed brochure *
* Pre-Concert Open Jam Session at 5:30 pm* (Details)
Steve Davis Quintet
Steve Davis is one of today's leading voices on the trombone. A protégé of Jackie McLean, Steve went on to perform in his mentor's sextet from 1992-97. He has played with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Chick Corea & Origin, Wynton Marsalis and many others. Davis is on the faculty at The Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and at the Artists' Collective.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

New Galvanized Jazz Band
Voted a favorite jazz ensemble in the state by readers of Connecticut Magazine, the band performs their special high-energy renditions of traditional New Orleans blues, stomps and spirituals, joined by talented guest artists. The Galvanized Jazz Band will deliver a lively evening of memorable music from a treasured era of jazz.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

* Pre-Concert Open Jam Session at 5:30 pm* (Details)
CT Young Lions Series featuring
The James Burton/Ray McMorrin Quintet
As a jazz educator, Music Mountain Jazz Series Artistic Director Steve Davis has worked with up-and-coming musicians for the past 15 yrs. James Burton (trombone) and Ray McMorrin (tenor sax) are two such musicians. Both are 2002 graduates of the Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (Univ. of Hartford). Burton has performed with the Illinois Jaquet and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Star Big Band at the Kennedy Center. Ray McMorrin has worked with Horace Silver, Steve Davis and recently recorded with the legendary pianist Hank Jones.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25

* Note Date Change from printed brochure *
David Hazeltine, Solo Piano
David Hazeltine is one of today's most in-demand pianists, performing with such luminaries as James Moody, Jon Faddis, Louis Hayes, Marlena Shaw, Eric Alexander & the NYC-based cooperative sextet One For All. Hazeltine's discography is extensive, featuring recordings for Criss Cross, Sharp 9 and Venus Japan. Don't miss this opportunity to hear David in such an intimate setting.

PRE-CONCERT JAZZ MASTER CLASSES/JAM SESSIONS

On two dates, July 21 & August 18, there will be a Jazz Master Class conducted by the artists performing on that day.

Charge: $10 per person for participating in Pre-Concert Master Class Jams. Open to concert ticket-holders only.

Participants will be invited to join the evening's performers for an open jam session/workshop from 5:30-6:15pm prior to the concert (which starts at 6:30pm). Repetoire will be decided by consensus on the spot. We will try to accomodate as many people who wish to participate as possible... all ages and levels are welcome.

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Music Mountain, PO Box 738, Lakeville, CT 06039.