Jay Epstein©Andrea Canter

Of trapset master Jay Epstein, Cadence Magazine’s David Lewis noted that “his dazzling cymbal and snare work extends the lineage of Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette.” For many years, Epstein managed time for the Phil Aaron Trio, with a long-running weekly gig at the Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington and later at Enjoy! Restaurant in Apple Valley. These days, in addition to Framework, Jay keeps busy with Red Planet, Zizik, Meantime, the Mary Louise Knutson Trio, and in support of area vocalists. He released his own acclaimed recording Long Ago on Igmod Records and appears on each of Gordon Johnson’s Trios, among a long list of sideman credits. In his “spare” time, Epstein teaches at Macalester College in St. Paul.

Lee Engele and Rhonda Laurie join Reeves Carey for a night of Cole Porter (photo Don Jackson)

The Jazz Vocalists of Minnesota are gearing up for another great year of song. Already on the horizon is another Singers Showcase, set for the Artists Quarter on Sunday, February 10th (7-10 pm), just in time for Valentine’s Day and a set of love songs. JVM also plans to present a showcase at the Twin Cities Winter Jazz Festival in early March. Meanwhile, many of the singing members have gigs in January! 

Dorothy Doring

• January 18, 8:30-11:30 pm with the Laura Caviani Trio at Crave (Edina Galleria)
• January 25, 7:30-11:30 pm with the Ed Thorp Trio at Jensen’s Supper Club (Eagan)

The Dakota Combo (back): Director Kelly Rossum, Jake Baldwin (trumpet), Corey Grindberg (bass), Geoff LaCrone (guitar). Front: Matt Roberts (drums), Jacob Wittenberg (piano), Stephanie Wieseler (tenor sax), and guest Delfeayo Marsalis. Photo © Andrea Canter

Whenever I interview student musicians, particularly those in high school, they are always quick to cite a teacher, a mentor, often a band director who inspired their journey. Typically the teen artist started out with classical piano lessons or learning their instrument’s part for the school band—marches, popular tunes, and first encountered jazz through the suggestion of a parent or teacher. And, at least in the Twin Cities, the best and most motivated student jazz musicians find additional instruction and support through the selective bands of summer camps and all-state orchestras. Rarely are they exposed to the experience of a small ensemble, the opportunity to learn about creative interaction, soloing, improvisation and composition before enrolling in college music programs. Thus one of the goals of the Dakota Combo was to provide such experiences, including public performance, for some of the most talented teen jazzers in the metro area.

Triplicate©Andrea Canter

“This polished band more than capably covers a lot of hip turf: hard bop, jazz-rock, Monk, Mingus, New Orleans funk, even a snatch of Led Zeppelin." -- Tom Surowicz, Star Tribune 

Good things come in threes, the saying goes, and in jazz that often comes in the form of a trio. Such is the case with Triplicate, a collaboration featuring Joel Shapira on guitar, Bruce “Pooch” Heine on bass, and Dave Stanoch on drums. And there are three opportunities to enjoy their creative repertoire in November, over four consecutive dates, with gigs at The Artists Quarter (November 7th), the pre-concert lobby performance at Orchestra Hall (November 8th), and via the Late Night at the Dakota series (November 9-10). 

Chris Lomheim Trio©Andrea Canter

“When you hear him play, it’s as though there is a direct path from his heart to his hands.” (Paul Winger, liner notes, And You’ve Been Waiting)

One of the foremost piano talents on the Twin Cities jazz scene, Chris Lomheim and his sublime trio will take the autumn nip right out of the air on October 11th at the Artists’ Quarter.  

Chris Lomheim’s first keyboard was the family organ, and as a child he studied both organ and piano in Minneapolis. He focused on R&B in the 1980s, playing with such bands as Big John Dickerson and Down Right Tight. Gaining a reputation as a composer as well as performer, he was featured at the West Bank School of Music Composer’s Forum in 1991.