At least two nights each week (Monday and Tuesday), you can count on hearing the best jazz talents in the most open setting at Jazz Central, the little underground studio space in Northeast Minneapolis. August is no exception, with guest artists and a small ensemble each Monday night, and cutting edge big bands on Tuesdays. And at Jazz Central, you can hear big band charts as never before—from just a few inches away!
August 6, TYB –The Young Beasts. And they are young and beastly, at least in a musical sense. Hear a new collaboration featuring trumpeter/NEC student Jake Baldwin; pianist/UM student Joe Strachan; saxophonist/recent UW-EC grad Tyler Anderson; saxophonist/UW-EC student Jerod Kaszynski; bassist/Luther College student Ted Olsen; and percussionist/U of M student Andres Crovetti. Tyler has been heard a lot lately with his ensemble, The Coriolis Effect and with the Adam Meckler Orchestra. Jake is also getting more notice with his ensemble on the Dakota Stage for Late Night several times in the past year and leading the Dakota Combo Alumni Band at the 2012 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Joe is often on the bandstand with Jake as well as with U of M Jazz Ensemble I. Already, these “young beasts” are piling up some impressive credentials.
August 13, Dave Hagedorn. The vibes master is seldom heard in a leading role, so this is a very special gig. Dave is seen often with the Phil Hey Quartet and Pete Whitman X-Tet, and now and then in a celestial duo with former student, pianist Dan Cavanagh. You can travel the world, hear the big names like Bobby Hutcherson, Stefon Harris, Gary Burton, Joe Locke…. and you won’t hear a more masterful vibes artist than Dave.
August 14, Cedar Avenue Big Band. One of the Twin Cities most acclaimed Big Bands, the Cedar Ave Big Band has accumulated a great dance library as well as a jazz library over the past 25 years. After 22 years appearing regularly at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill in St Paul, the band began a monthly run at the Shorewood in Fridley, and now is a recurring attraction at Jazz Central. Their Land of 10,000 Licks has received rave reviews. Directed by Steve Devich, the band features a who’s who in Twin Cities jazz.
August 21, Doug Haining/Scott Agster Big Band. New this summer, this ensemble brings together two of the area’s top horn specialists with top big band credentials. Saxophonist Doug Haining leads his popular Twin Cities Seven and is a veteran of the Wolverines Big Band and Classic Jazz Orchestra, and also plays with the Bellagala Big Band; trombonist Scott Agster plays with Jack Brass Band, Pete Whitman’s X-Tet, Salsa del Soul and Bellagala Big Band, among others.
August 28, Adam Meckler Orchestra. Still in his 20s, Adam has proven himself to be one of the most skilled and exciting composers in the region, and now an adroit bandleader. The AMO brings together a high-energy pool of mostly young talents entering the Twin Cities jazz scene and bound for stellar careers. Despite their youth, this ensemble melds and swells like a veteran cast, and the original works will keep your mind and ears on full alert.
All Monday and Tuesday performances start at 8:30 pm, doors at 8:15. No cover but donations appreciated to keep the musicians and the venue in operation! Jazz Central is located at 407 Central Avenue NE in Minneapolis (at 4th and Central); http://jazzcentralstudios.com
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