Yes, we realize that the word "legendary" -- especially in jazz and blues circles -- is tossed around to the point where it nearly becomes meaningless, but it sure doesn't apply when it comes to multi-reedist/composer/bandleader Bennie Maupin.
The Maestro
For anyone who wants to see the master in action, Mr. Bennie will celebrate the release of his new recording Early Reflections on Cryptogramophone Records, Friday, April 18th at Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood, CA. There will be two sets, at 8:00 PM and 10:00PM.
As anyone with a modem should know by now, Bennie Maupin's "comeback" (one might argue the man never left) came in a one-two punch with the release of the critically lauded Penumbra in 2006 and the re-release of his classic 1974 album The Jewel in the Lotus last year. Early Reflections is a beautiful recording of Maupin's Polish quartet featuring Michal Tokaj on piano (Tomasz Stanko's pianist), and guest vocalist Hania Rybka on two tracks. Joining Maupin, Tokaj and Rybka for this performance will be bassist Darek Oles, drummer Michael Stephans, and percussionist Munyungo Jackson. The ensemble will also be performing in New York City at the Jazz Standard, April 26-27 as a part of Cryptonights at Jazz Standard. Early Reflections will be released April 22nd.
OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS IN APRIL:
TONIGHT: Friday, April 4, 7pm. For those interested in avant jazz, the Bobby Bradford Mo’tet will be at Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre.
Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, April 5-6. Build An Ark (fronted by vocalist Dwight Trible) will be appearing at the Getty Museum. Check the Getty website for specifics.
Sunday, April 6, 7-9pm. Open Gate Theatre new music series continues, curated by drummer/percussionist Alex Cline. Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Blvd. (just west of Eagle Rock Blvd.), (626) 795-4989 (info. & directions) This is experimental and new music – always unusual & inspiring. Plus you can go across the street to Swork Cafe for espresso and ice cream or down the street to The Coffee Table Bistro for killer eats.
Friday, April 11, 6pm. Pianist Alan Pasqua brings his Antisocial Club to the LACMA's Friday Night Jazz series. And it's free!
Friday, April 11, 8-9:30pm. Author and historian Steven Isoardi is interviewed at the World Stage in Leimert Park by Chet Hanley and Jeffrey Winston, part of their excellent and ongoing World Stage Stories series.
Saturday, April 12, 7pm. The Museum of Neon Art's grand reopening reception will feature the Neon Hunter Collective, featuring Mike-the-PoeT and one of our rez pianists David Witham.
Friday, April 18, 6pm. Horace Tapscott's mighty Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, conducted by saxophonist Michael Session, brings da funk to LACMA's center court.
Also free.
Saturday, April 26, 1pm. Rally in support of freedom for Mumia Abu-jamal, one of America’s foremost political prisoners. Federal Building in Westwood, 11000 Wilshire Blvd.
Sunday, April 27, 2pm. Back in Leimert Park, the formidable bassist/painter John Heard, who has played with everyone from Count Basie to Ahmad Jamal to the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, will be giving a special jazz salon and gallery show at a small "creative space" at 4305 Degnan Boulevard (admission is $20). John has been under the weather lately and we're overjoyed he's feeling better. What's more, he'll be playing two sets with drummer Lorca Hart and pianist Danny Grissett, two young up-and-coming lions who backed John on his terrific Jazz Composer's Songbook record in 2006.
