Nicholas Payton, Photo by Don Berryman

Nicholas Payton has followed a path from acoustic mainstream to electrified hip-hop, garnering Grammy and other recognition along the way. Having set the jazz world on its collective ear with his “Sonic Trance” band, he has returned to his acoustic roots with the Grammy-nominated Dear Louis and his new “Tribute to Miles” quintet. Touring with his quintet, Payton will visit the Dakota in Minneapolis (January 16-17) and Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis (January 18-21).

New Orleans native Nicholas Payton was surrounded by musicians growing up (his mom sang opera, his dad was a respected jazz and classical bassist) and began playing trumpet at age 4. “Discovered” by Wynton Marsalis, young Payton played with Marcus Roberts and later Marsalis’ bands; attended the New Orleans

“…piano trio jazz of the highest order.” --Bob Protzman (Downbeat, WQLN-FM)

CD cover

One of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished jazz pianists, Laura Caviani maintains a busy schedule as performer, composer, and educator. Leading her own small ensembles, keyboarding for Pete Whitman’s Departure Point and X-Tet as well as Soul Café, frequently performing with the Jazz MN Big Band, and accompanying vocalists from local songbirds Prudence Johnson and Lucia Newell to nationally acclaimed Grammy nominee Karrin Allyson--on top of teaching privately and at Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges in Northfield--has not given Laura much time in the recording studio. Her 2001 solo effort, In Your Own Sweet Way, was described in the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “poised right where the salon meets the saloon, with as much spunk as serenity.” Her holiday tribute album, Angels We Haven’t Heard, is a long-standing popular holiday staple in local music. Finally, Laura Caviani has a new recording, a trio effort featuring compatriots from her tours with Karrin Allyson, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Todd Strait. Going There (Caviani Music) was well worth the wait.

Miguel Hurtado, photo by Andrea Canter

One of the “hidden” venues for local musicians is the Marysburg Books Coffee Emporium in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District. Tucked in at 304 Washington Av North, the café hosts poetry readings and jazz, often featuring new and young ensembles. On Sunday, January 15^th, from 6:30-9:30 pm, you can experience the talented vibes of The Bridge, a quintet of young but seasoned performers who give us plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future of jazz in the Twin Cities.

The Bridge includes high school juniors Javier Santiago on piano and Jack Davis on guitar, and seniors Joe Hartnett on sax, Chris Smith on bass, and Miguel Hurtado on drums. Chris and Miguel may be familiar to local festival audiences from their performances with the youth band The Eggz; the Bridge has performed at several venues around town and were featured at the 2005 Freedom Jazz Festival at Minnehaha Park.

Dean Magraw, Photo by Andrea Canter

The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (7 pm unless otherwise noted), www.dakotacooks.com

• January 5, Minnesota Jazz Vocal Coalition Showcase ($5).This monthly event brings three vocalists to the stage with a stellar rhythm section. The January gig features Tommy Bruce, Katie Knudsen, and Connie Dusseau.

• January 6, Jazz Is Now Nonet with Woody Witt ($3, 11:30 pm). Later at the Dakota series’ monthly gig with a really hot guess star on tenor.

• January 7, Kelly Rossum Quartet with Woody Witt ($3, 11:30 pm). Later at the Dakota again, Witt guest stars with one of the most innovative ensembles in town.

• January 10, Dave Graf Quartet ($5). Join the trombone master for a swinging night of “Standards Straight Ahead.”

• January 12, Lucia Newell and the Phil Aaron Trio ($5). A sublime piano trio with one of the most elegant jazz voices here or anywhere.

• January 19, Red Planet (no cover). One of the sharpest trios in Minnesota jazz, featuring guitarist Dean Magraw, bassist Christ Bates, and drummer Jay Epstein.

Woody Witt

A few months ago the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis initiated a new series of performances featuring innovative musicians to attract a late-night audience. Curated by Jeremy Walker (Brilliant Corners, Jazz Is Now!), Later at the Dakota offers sets from 11:30 pm to 2 am with bar and food specials similar to Happy Hour. But the main event is the music, and this weekend will feature back-to-back guest performances by Houston-based tenor saxophonist/composer/educator/club owner Woody Witt. Friday night, catch Witt with the Jazz Is Now! Nonent; on Saturday he returns to share trumpet duties with Kelly Rossum and Rossum’s Quartet.

Woody Witt

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Woody Witt has been committed to music since age eight. Influenced by a wide

Knutson cut her performance teeth with such notables as Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Slide Hampton, Richie Cole, Greg Abate, Von Freeman, and Billy Hart; and toured with Smoky Robinson, the Osmond Brothers, Engelbert Humperdinck, comedians such as Phyllis Diller, and internationally with Synergy (formerly Rupert’s Orchestra). A former jazz instructor at Carlton College, today she conducts master classes and

“The Jazz Vocal Coalition is a fantastic organization of dedicated singers to better the acceptance and reputation of the human voice…” Sheila Jordan

Tommy Bruce, Photo by Andrea Canter

Beginning this fall, fans of vocal jazz have had a monthly opportunity to hear some of the finest voices in the Twin Cities, both well established veterans and up-and-coming newcomers. One of only three chapters nationwide of the Jazz Vocal Coalition, the Minnesota JVOC supports the mission “to create a worldwide community of jazz singers in order to share knowledge and experience, recognize outstanding achievements, and to encourage the highest standards of professionalism, musicianship and artistry.” The monthly MnJZVOC Showcase at the Dakota returns on January 5^th, featuring popular vocalist Connie Dusseau and two new members of the Coalition, Tommy Bruce and Katie Knudsen.

Past showcases have been well attended and indeed have showcased the incredible talent in our area. Typically there are three vocalists each evening, presenting a series of short sets that offer each the opportunity to introduce the audience to his or her unique talents and the general pleasures of vocal jazz. Some sets include duo or trio performances as well, and always the rhythm section includes the finest Twin Cities’ pianists, bassists, and drummers.