 Ahmad Jamal with James Commack Downtown Minneapolis will have a soulful, bluesy tinge throughout November with a lineup of legends and legends-in-the-making on the music calendar at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant. Veteran swinger Eddie Higgins starts the month, quickly followed by icons Booker T and the MGs and Boz Scaggs, guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook, and CJ Chenier; jazz titans Ahmad Jamal and Ernestine Anderson bring this genre-bending month to an exciting close. In between, catch CD releases from Todd Clouser, Alison Scott, and Charles Lazarus, as well as the usual array of local talent. And A-Train members, note the annual party on November 16th with special guests.
National Touring Artists (7 and 9:30 pm unless otherwise noted; reservations recommended)  Eddie Higgens©Andrea Canter
November 2-3, Booker T & the MGs with Eddie Floyd. Masters of soul, R&B and blues, Booker T & the MGs reprise their 2007 gig, this time adding singer/songwriter Eddie Floyd for a Stax Record family reunion. One of the first integrated bands in pop music, Booker T and the MGs are perhaps best known as purveyors of 60s and 70s “Memphis Soul” and the big first hit, “Green Onions.” The band is named after keyboardist Booker T. Jones and conflicting stories as to the “MG”—“Memphis Group” or the MG car, take your pick. The band received a 2007 Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, having persisted through more than thirty years of “reunion” tours.  Boz Scaggs
November 10-11, Jesse Cook. Canadian-based guitar wizard Jesse Cook melds many influences into a unique style, informed by his flamenco virtuosity. A Narada recording artist, Cook was born in Paris and lived in southern France where he absorbed the sounds of gypsy and flamenco music. Moving to Canada, Cook studied classical guitar before turning to the oral traditions of gypsy music. Over the years he developed a rumba flamenco style, opened for such stars as B.B. King and Diana Krall, and won the 2001 Juno Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album. He garned two 2008 Juno nominations. November 21-22, CJ Chenier (8 pm). Son of zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, CJ picked up where his dad left off and then some. For 20 years, he’s been praised as one of zydeco’s most accomplished singers, accordionists and performers. Growing up apart from his father, CJ was initially influenced by James Brown, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, but as he became acquainted with his father’s music, it became his major passion. He first studied saxophone, playing with his dad’s Red Hot Louisiana Band, moving on to accordion and band leadership when his father’s health began failing. CJ signed on to Alligator Records in the mid 1990s and continues to tour and record. For a hot taste of real zydeco, this is the master to hear! CJ will also perform as part of the Under the Radar Foundation fundraiser at the Dakota on November 23rd with acclaimed trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. November 24-26, Ahmad Jamal Trio. What better way to usher in the holidays than three nights with three magical musicians! Of the living legends of jazz piano, perhaps none has exerted such wide influence on the genre as Ahmad Jamal. Now in his 70s, Jamal has been cited as a key muse by pianists as diverse as McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, and Mulgrew Miller; trumpet legend Miles Davis was so impressed with Jamal's approach that he repeatedly sought pianists who could incorporate that sound in his early bands. Recently Jamal was awarded the prestigious Officier de L'Ordre Des Arts et Des Lettres of France. Although he has recently experimented with electronics and strings, his full body of work has redefined the acoustic jazz trio. Jamal brings his long-standing trio (with James Commack on bass, Idris Mohammed on drums) back to the Dakota for some pre-holiday finesse.  Ernestine Anderson
Local Talent (7 pm Sunday-Thursday, 8 pm Friday/Saturday unless otherwise noted)
November 4, Election Night Open Mic. No matter what side of the political fence you’re on, go to the polls and vote, then come on down to the Dakota to keep up with returns on closed caption big screens while you listen to some of our local stars. November 7, Todd Clouser CD Release. Todd’s guitar artistry spans rock, pop and jazz. November 8, Alison Scott CD Release. Singer/pianist combines youth with catchy songwriting. November 9, Charles Lazarus CD Release. Trumper with the Minnesota Orchestra, Charles Lazarus celebrates his latest release, Zabava. November 12, Say Lovey. Vocalist Jesse Bryan and guitarist Nick Haas offer fresh takes on classic jazz sounds.  Geroge Avaloz©Andrea Canter
November 14-15, Nachito Herrera. It’s always a party when Nachito is on the bandstand. So what if the piano needs tuning and refurbishing when he’s through? This Cuban dynamo never disappoints. November 16, A-Train Member Party! The loyal patrons of the Dakota’s A-Train program are treated to a special party, featuring the best of local jazzers. November 17, Connie Evingson (6 pm). Alive Arts Media presents the cool sophisticated vocals of Connie Evingson, with proceeds from this evening going to programming for women entering the workforce. ($10 cover) November 18, Tresa Sauer. We don’t hear her often enough—Tresa brings a bluesy, soulful vibe to her vocal tales. November 19, Doris Hines 85th Birthday Party. Jazz singer, collaborator with Percy Hughes and Irv Williams, and mother of Sounds of Blackness Director Gary Hines, Doris Hines turns 85 and we’re all invited to the party! November 20, The Collaboration. Youth takes center stage with drummer Brandon Commodore and cohorts, Blair Krivanek on guitar, Yohannes Tona on bass, Darnell Davis on keyboards, and Jeff Allen on sax. November 28, George Maurer Group. A popular ensemble, just the right vibe for the post-Thanksgiving weekend. November 29, Davina and the Vagabonds. Blues and roots music with a jazz splash, brought to you by popular pianist/vocalist Davina Sowers. Late Night (11:30 pm-1 am)  Bryan Nichols©Andrea Canter - November 1, Loe and the Nastys
- November 7, Bryan Nichols Quartet
- November 8, Rossum Electric Company
- November 14, Nick Haas Trio
- November 15, Desdamona
- November 21, Katie Gearty with organ trio
- November 22, Ingo Bethke
- November 28, John Raymond Project
- November 29, Framework
Coming Soon! Mark your calendars now! - December 8-9, James Carter
- December 14, Marcia Ball
- December 21, Luther Kent
- December 26-29, The Bad Plus
The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall, in downtown Minneapolis. Visit www.dakotacooks.com for information, show reservations, menus and more.
|
Twin Cities, MN 
Thursday, 08 January 2009
Home | Jazz Ed | CD/DVD/Book Reviews | Interviews | SF Bay Area | Chicago | Los Angeles | New York | Twin Cities, MN | More Cities | Festivals | News | Contact | Video | 
