Jazz Police

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.

Chris Olson courtesy IAJE Resource

Chris Olson is also a dedicated jazz educator. Since earning a master’s degree in jazz studies/performance from the University of North Texas, he’s taught guitar, jazz history and improvisation as well as directing jazz ensembles at UW-Stevens Point, Wausau Conservatory of Music, UW-Marathon County, and Inver Hills Community College. Currently on the guitar faculty at McNally/Smith College in St. Paul, he also teaches guitar lessons and jazz combos at the MacPhail Center for Music and summer programs at the Shell Lake (WI) Arts Center. Chris has performed with Bob Mintzer, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Ira Sullivan, and Bobby Vinton. In addition to Framework, Chris is a regular member of the trio Meantime.

Chris Bates, with his brother, drummer JT, grew up with jazz, sons of trumpeter/bandleader Don Bates. Chris began bass lessons in 4^th grade and progressed to jazz studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before returning to the Twin Cities to study with Anthony Cox. A member of the original Motion Poets, Chris has focused more on composing (he was a 1999 McKnight Composer Fellow) and playing regularly with the Kelly Rossum Quartet, Low Blow, Red Planet, Meantime and How Birds Work in addition to Framework, and is often on the bandstand for local and visiting artists like Mose Allison. He’s also a busy performer during the annual Minnesota Sur Seine Festival.

The opportunities to hear Framework are too few and far between. Don’t miss this gig! The sparks fly at the Artists Quarter in St. Paul on February 6th at 9 pm.

The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul. Sets begin at 9 pm, cover $5. Visit www.artistsquarter.com

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