The Dakota has been the scene of some extraordinary shows featuring 3 of the band members—Redman, Penman and Harland—during their appearances as part of the San Francisco Jazz Collective.  Redman has also appeared at the club separate from SFJC with individual projects, while Harland has variously appeared with McCoy Tyner, Charles Lloyd and Dave Holland. 

If you enjoyed any of those shows and the performances by Redman, Penman and Harland, you will be similarly enthralled by this new group.  It is the first visit by Parks and his playing brings to mind the young Keith Jarrett, and you will want to bear witness to a star in the making.

James Farm is what a work of art by Romare Bearden would sound like if one of his jazz collages came to life--lyrical, harmonious, and beautiful.

All of the selections played were original compositions from their eponymous debut album and included “1981,” “If By Air,” “Unravel,” “Chronos,” “Star Crossed” and “I-10.”  Their playing can be described as insouciant where they seem to amaze and entertain the audience and themselves as they talked to each other in simultaneous collaborative improvisations.  The room seemed to levitate from the energetic, propulsive, thunderous displays from all of the musicians, particularly Redman and Harland. 

It was the kind of scintillating performance that, if Thelonius Monk were alive and on stage, he would have been moved to get up and dance around in mid chorus.  

James Farm performs two sets, one more night at the Dakota on September 21 at 7 and 9 pm; call 612-332-1010 for reservations. The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.