KJHK Jazz Director Lucas Homer tells us where to find all that jazz.
Thanksgiving break is quickly approaching! Finals lurk in the shadows of our awesome tryptophan-induced comas. Looking for a break from studying? Looking for a break from the typical Lawrence music fair? Being the resident jazz nerd at Kjhk, I thought I’d give you the scoop.
This Saturday, Chicago-based Deep Blue Organ Trio is at the Blue Room. Their most recent album, Wonderful!, is in the Jazz in the Morning rotation. It’s largely blues-oriented, with funky grooves, and just a good time. The organ trio features Bobby Broom on guitar, Chris Foreman on organ, and Greg Rockingham on drums. As trumpeter Nicholas Payton put it, isn’t it all about the blues?
The day after Thanksgiving, also at the Blue Room, west coast trumpeter Dave Scott, and his quintet, roll into town. Scott came to KU several years back and gave a clinic/performance in the School of Music. His music pushes the boundaries of harmony and improvisation. The only conventional part of the music is the traditional, acoustic, horn-and-rhythm-section instrumentation. If you’re in KC over Thanksgiving break and looking for some adventurous jazz, this might be your ticket.
Friday, December 1st, artist Mark Southerland will be in Lawrence at the Replay Lounge. I call him an artist for a reason. He is a saxophone player, technically, but as you can see, he does a lot more than that. Snuff Jazz plays a couple shows a year in Lawrence, usually either at the Replay or the Tap Room. Southerland is the most recent addition to the Tulsa-based acid-jazz group, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. His colorful, energetic, and downright weird ideas are something not to miss, especially when here in our own Lawrence backyard!
Whether you’re into blues, bop, or the bastard stritch (Can’t make this stuff up, folks), this next couple weeks has something for everyone. Take a break from the books and left-over turkey and check out some great live jazz!
As always, check the KJHK calendar for the details!
by lucas homer
Tune in to KC Jazz Connection every Tuesday night from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.