Gregg Belisle-Chi Trio Barbès Wednesday, May 22
Didn’t really know Belisle-Chi’s work previous to his connection with Tim Berne a few years ago. But after watching the guitarist in action at Lowlands umpteen times, I realize how impressive he is at making the complicated seem breezy, and how he can frame dramatic moments as ordinary turns of events. Nuance is his calling card, whether he’s ripping down brick walls with fuzzy clangs, or tickling a phrase by offering a subtle filigree or gentle counterpoint. Played his new hum (AGS Recordings) a few times over the past several days and was once again impressed that what could be considered labyrinths actually felt like like chutes and ladders. The interplay is fluid; technique is never italicized in order to gain attention. Part of that victory are the sleet motifs rendered by drummer Jeff Davis, beveling curves where right angles could have been. “Church of What” has that kind of slipperiness. Another posi aspect is that saxophonist Sam Decker’s knack for darting around is delivered with poise way out front. But it really does come down to GB-C. His touch on “Sun Cut Flat – Spineless Pisces” is terrifically nimble, whether he’s blowing genteel or throwing his weight around. This record release gig is trio affair, with bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Tom Rainey. The latter and the guitarist have a formidable chemistry.
Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble Birdland Theater Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26
Long story short, there’s just no waiting around in Matt Wilson’s music. The groove, the spark, the chi of his concoctions is there at the jump and never fades. Take, for example, the first 1.3 seconds of “Fireplace” (a wily inversion of Geri Allen’s “Feed The Fire” with momentary Monk and Tristano echoes) from the charismatic drummer’s new Good Trouble. Pianist Dawn Clement throws a three-note phrase into the air and bam!, the quintet is off to the races, Ben Allison’s plunk bass waxing propulsive, Wilson’s brushes sweeping everything along. By everything I mean Jeff Lederer and Tia Fuller’s saxophones making memorable solo statements before swirling together in the firmament (which is the best place to swirl). This is a new ensemble for our guy, who likes to keep 16 or 17 irons in the fire, career-wise. You might’ve guessed that the unit’s moniker comes from civil rights activist John Lewis, a phrase about getting under the hood, speaking truth to power, and fixing some of the shit that’s wrong with this perpetually unlevel playing field we all call the USA. You know, PARTICIPATION. As the program unfurls with nods to Ornette and Gary Bartz, it seems like Wilson has figured out several ways for that to happen within the group as well. That chi is working overtime.
John Zorn’s New Masada Quartet Roulette Friday, May 24
“Masada was meant to celebrate [Jewish culture],” Zorn said a couple years ago…”as much as I can celebrate anything.” Raise a glass to the expressive pith of his longstanding and ever-changing outfits; they make their points quickly and buoyantly, seldom wasting a phrase. Part of that has to do with Zorn the editor merging with Zorn the host. His deep commitment to community always finds him assuring that his cohort has its say. “The music is not the sounds that you’re hearing when you hear these pieces. That is just the platform. The music is the people themselves, their feelings, what they’re putting into it, their energy.” His latest iteration of the Quartet features guitarist Julian Lage, bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Kenny Wollesen. Their interplay invariably stresses the word’s third syllable. “I want to see small groups interact.” At their Roulette hit last fall, the boss bordered on ebullient, fanning the flames of his squad, cackling and patting his pals on the back when they reached zeniths that were just as explosive as they were unforeseen. That’s a product of being tight, tight, tight, and it sounds like celebration to me.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
David Murray Quartet Village Vanguard Tuesday, May 21 – Sunday, May 26
Sun Ra at 110 with Sullivan Fortner’s Galactic Friends Dizzy’s Weds, May 22
Maria Valencia & Friends (Parkins/ Moran/Lopez) iBeam Monday, May 27
Charlotte Jacobs Owl Music Parlor Sunday, May 26
Cyrus Chestnut Dizzy’s Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26
Devon Gates Owl Music Parlor Saturday, May 25
Andrea Wolper Quintet Pangea Wednesday, May 22
MOSS Joe’s Pub Saturday, May 25
Roberta Piket Trio The Django Wednesday, May 22
ContraPuntus (Staaf/McGinnnis/Duvignau/Atwal) Bar Bayeux Saturday, May 25
Cyro Baptista Residency The Stone May 22 – Saturday, May
Marc Copland/Adam Kolker Bar Bayeux Wednesday, May 23
Charlie Balantine Bar Bayeux Wednesday, May 22
Patricia Brennan & Sylvie Courvoisier’s TALAMANTI Jazz Gallery Thursday, May 23
Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project Birdland Wednesday, May 22 – Sat, May 25
Mingus Big Band Drom Wednesday, May 22
The EarRegulars Ear Inn Sunday, May 26
Alex Harding/Lucian Ban Blutopia Barbès Friday, May 24
Michael Blake Quartet Smalls Sunday, May 26
Bill Saxton & the Harlem All-Stars Bill’s Place Friday, May 24 – Saturday, May 25
Oscar Noriega’s Crooked Quartet Barbès Friday, May 24
Russell Malone Smoke Wednesday, May 22 – Sunday, May 26
Sam Weinberg Sisters Tuesday, May 28
Scott Fields & James Ilgentfritz Downtown Music Gallery Tuesday, May 21
Adam Levy vs Rich Hinman LunÀtico Wednesday, May 28
MORE EXAMPLES OF THE RADIO SHOW. TUNE IN WEDS, MAY 22 at 9 PM ET.
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Lament For A Straight Line 