Jazz Police - February Jamming at Jazz Central

Jazz Central, the musician-owned studio in Northeast Minneapolis, announces another hot month of unfettered jazz and jams. In addition to the music, Jazz Central now boasts a new piano (courtesy of Wells Pianos) and revamped website. Owners Tanner Taylor and Mac Santiago continue their mission of “jazz by the cats, for the cats.” The cats for February:

February 6, Phil Hey with Dave Brattain, Chris Bates and Tanner Taylor. Maybe the busiest drummer in the Twin Cities, Philadelphian Phil Hey toured with Dewey Redman after studying with Ed Blackwell and Marv Dahlgren. He’s also managed the trapset for Benny Golson, Kenny Barron, Charlie Rouse, Jay McShann and more, and over the past two years has been touring with Stacey Kent. His own quartet is a nearly monthly headliner at the Artists Quarter, and he is often in the company of Pat Moriarty and other free improvisers as well as established local talents like Laura Caviani, Benny Weinbeck, and more. Tonight Phil cuts loose with saxophonist Dave Brattain (Pooches Playhouse, Dave Brattain Quartet), bassist Chris Bates (Atlantis Quarter, Zacc Harris Quartet, How Birds Work, Red Planet) and pianist/ Jazz Central guru Tanner Taylor, hot off a Florida tour with Richie Cole and Five by Design. gARY

Gary Raynor©Andrea Canter

February 12, Chris Bates Quintet, “Open Sessions” (4-6 pm). Think of 2012 as the year bassist Chris Bates joins the ranks of serious and prolific bandleader. A much-in-demand sideman with such hot bands as the Atlantis Quintet, Kelly Rossum Quartet, Red Planet, Zacc Harris Quartet, A Love Electric, How Birds Work, Volcano Insurance and more, Chris has multiple projects as leader coming to fruition this year, including several open rehearsal dates as he and his Quintet prepare for a studio recording in April. This month is the first session, with two scheduled in March. With brother JT, and three horns--Brandon Wozniak, Chris Thomson and Zack Lozier.

February 13, Kent Saunders and Gary Raynor. It will be a swinging stringfest with guitarist Kent Saunders (Wolverines Jazz Orchestra, Twin Cities Seven) and bassist Gary Raynor (Prairie Home Companion). Saunders has also worked with many area vocalists, including Sue Tucker, Maud Hixson and Charmin Michelle, while Raynor has supported such visiting artists as Evan Christopher and local vocalists like Bruce Henry and Debbie Duncan. He’s often in the pit for touring Broadway shows and teaches bass at McNally Smith.

February 20, Jay Epstein, Chris Bates and Chris Olson. This trio has performed together in other contexts, including Framework. Another busy drummer, Jay Epstein toured with the late Christine Rosholt, has performed and recorded with Bill Carrothers, and is a member of Red Planet, Counterclockwise, Firebell and more. Not only known for his work behind the drumkit, Jay is in high demand for his skills and antics as a wildly inventive percussionist. Chris Olson is a master guitarist who teaches at McNally Smith. He’s appeared at the Artists Quarter for “Guitar Hero” weekends, and has worked with Bob Mintzer, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Ira Sullivan, and Bobby Vinton.

February 27, Pete Whitman. Saxophonist, flautist, composer and bandleader Pete Whitman is probably best known locally as the mastermind of the X-Tet, a 10-piece “little big band” that performs nearly monthly at the Artists Quarter. Whitman also leads smaller ensembles and performs with the JazzMN Orchestra, Andres Prado Quartet, and Laura Caviani bands. He heads the Woodwinds Department at McNally Smith College.

Jazz Central is located at 407 Central Avenue NE in Minneapolis. The regular performance series takes place on Mondays at 8:30 pm. No cover but donations to pay the rent and the musicians are strongly encouraged! Visit the website for more information and schedule updates.