 The
Twin Cities boast one of the most active jazz communities in the
nation – far beyond what the metropolitan area population would
predict relative to much larger cities like Boston, Miami, Denver, or
Seattle. With two renowned, full-time jazz clubs on either side of
the river (The Dakota in Minneapolis and the Artists Quarter in St.
Paul), more and more clubs and restaurants are offering jazz, some
nearly nightly like Rossi’s (Minneapolis) or the French Press Jazz
Café (St. Paul) and others at least a few nights per week or
on weekends. Situated in one of the most scenic and historic of local
settings for music, Sophia’s in River Place provides an intimate
environment for jazz every weekend, along with a full bar, dinner
menu, seasonal patio, and dance floor—all the ingredients of a
memorable night out.
With
a great view of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline across
cobblestoned Main Street, Sophia’s has recently changed owners, and
their new directions in music have included Friday and Saturday night
jazz with a piano trio and guest vocalists. Notes “house” bassist
Jim Bierma, “It is an intimate place to hear a grand piano in a
jazz trio context. There is usually a different jazz trio every
night. This leads to some wonderful improvisational moments.”
 Debbie Duncan, photo by Andrea Canter
With
the early spring weather, the patio is now open, expanding the view
of the river and skyline. The first sets on Friday and Saturday
nights start at 7:30 pm. May brings some of the most acclaimed voices
of the Twin Cities to the bandstand, along with several relative
newcomers deserve considerable attention. Note also that the rhythm
sections this month include a who’s who of the top area pianists,
bassists, and drummers.
May
5, Debbie Duncan with Phil Aaron, Jim Bierma and Jay Epstein.
Minnesota’s “First Lady of Song” proved her versatility with
her new recording, I Thought About You, set for national
release this summer. Her passion surrounds every note; her humor and
energy always make for an entertaining evening.
 Tomas Bruce, photo by Andrea Canter May
6, Dennis Spears with Phil Aaron, Jim Bierma, and Jay Epstein.
The baritone corner of Moore by Four, Dennis Spears will heat
up your weekend with a thermal of ballads, blues, soul, and the Great
American songbook.
May
12, Debbie Duncan with Adi Yeshaya, Jim Bierma, and Nathan Norman.
Debbie’s back for another “good” Friday, this time with Adi
Yeshaya, her keyboardist/arranger from I Thought About You.
May
13, Thomas Bruce with Nancy Bierma, Jim Bierma and Nathan Norman.
Thomas Bruce has been performing around the metro for only two years,
but his music roots run way deep. Sister of the late acclaimed
vocalist/teacher Roberta Davis, he released his first recording last
year, Limerence. Those hints of Chet Baker are not your
imagination!
May
19, Lawrence Hutera with Brian Ziemniak, Jim Bierma and Nathan
Norman. Singer/actor Lawrence Hutera is always entertaining.
May
20, Connie Evingson with Tanner Taylor, James Buckley, and Nathan
Norman. Long-time vocalist with Moore by Four, Connie’s
repertoire is mind-boggling, from the songs of Peggy Lee and the
Beatles to the hot club swing of Django Reinhardt. Her two new
projects are equally diverse, from a partnership with the Hot Club of
Sweden to a recording of the songs of David Frishberg. One the most
popular singers in the Twin Cities.
May
26, Paula Lammers with Phil Aaron, Jocko McNelly, and Nathan Norman.
Steeped in classical and opera, Paula Lammers has been cutting her
jazz teeth singing with area big bands and aboard the Minnesota
Zephyr in Stillwater. Last year she released her first recording,
Blanket of Blue, a charming set of standards and not so
standard fare.
May
27, Signe Hensel with Laura Caviani, Tom Lewis, and Nathan Norman.
Former vocalist with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Signe Hensel is
well-known around town for club performances and studio work. Her
debut recording, Invitation, is a combination of jazz classics
and tunes that should be.
Sophia’s
is located at 65 SE Main Street at Riverplace. For dinner
reservations, call 612-379-1111; visit
www.sophiaattheriver.com
|
Twin Cities, MN 
Thursday, 08 January 2009
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