Laura Caviani © Andrea Canter

One of the Twin Cities’ most simpatico jazz ensembles will perform at the Dakota Jazz Club when long-time cohorts Laura Caviani, Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey take the bandstand on Monday, January 29^th. This is not only a great opportunity to hear the best of Midwest musicians, but also a chance to hear Caviani’s original compositions, many featured on her acclaimed 2006 release, Going There.

Raised in the Midwest where she studied trumpet as well as piano through high school, Laura Caviani received a Bachelor’s of Music in Composition from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and a Masters of Music in Improvisation from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. With a grant from the Atlantic Center for the Arts in 1997, she studied with piano virtuoso JoAnne Brackeen, and the following year was one of four American musicians selected to study in Japan at the Akiyoshidai International Art Village. Laura’s teaching credits include St. John's University, the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, the University of St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point, and many middle schools in Minneapolis through the "Harman How to Listen Program," an outreach project co-founded by Wynton Marsalis. Currently she is on the music faculties of both Carelton and St. Olaf Colleges in Northfield.

Gordy Johnson © Andrea Canter

Laura has released a series of excellent recordings, most recently Going There, featuring Bob Bowman and Todd Strait. “Full of warmth and a swinging sense of fun” (Bob Protzman), Going There charted high on jazz radio following its debut.

Bassist Gordy Johnson graduated from the Eastman School of Music where he majored in flute. He toured with Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, and the Paul Winter Consort, has appeared on over 50 recordings, and has kept time for most local and many visiting artists. He has released three albums featuring trios with different combinations of pianists and drummers (Trios, Volumes 1, 2, 3.0). When he is not holding down rhythm sections with his bass lines, Johnson can often be found inside the piano, tuning it up at the top clubs and concert halls in the Twin Cities.

Phil Hey © Andrea Canter

A former student of Ed Blackwell, Phil Hey is one of the busiest drummers in town (he plays with everyone!) and teaches jazz drum at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota. He’s performed with Kenny Barron, Dewey Redman, Charlie Rouse, Benny Carter, and Benny Golson, leads his own acclaimed Quartet, anchors the Out to Lunch Quintet, and is frequently on the bandstand with Laura Caviani, Pete Whitman, and touring national artists. His quartet release, Subduction, topped many “best of the year lists” for 2005.

Sparks fly when the Laura Caviani Trio takes the stage. Don’t miss the action on Monday, January 29^th at the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis; sets begin at 7 pm. It’s the bargain of the month at $5!

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; reservations at 612-332-1010; www.dakotacooks.com. For more information about Laura Caviani and CD ordering information, visit www.lauracaviani.com. For a review of Going There, click here.

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