Concert Recap: Aaron Goldberg Trio
February 22, 2011
Ahhh, the joys of LIVE MUSIC! Nothing beats it.
If you were privy to attend this past Sunday concert featuring The Aaron Goldberg Trio, you know that what I’m about to say is absolutely true; if you weren’t: too bad, too sad…because the Goldberg Trio lit up that Hilton Harrisburg like fireworks on Independence Day! They were truly awesome!!!
But that’s not the whole story. Let me give you the Reader’s Digest version:
Goldberg, who performed in Haiti Saturday night (yes, the real Haiti, not…like “little Haiti” that might refer to a small Haitian community in the states…THE HAITIAN ISLAND!). Anyway, in order to make it to CPFJs gig, Goldberg did everything short of bribery to get here. Seriously. And if you were there on Sunday, you would know that this also is true: apparently Goldberg’s second career is stand-up comedy. His deadpan delivery is simply classic. Perfect timing (which comes in handy in music too) and straight face (which could be attributed to jet lag) were spot-on, regardless of the inspiration.
To add to the night’s “are you kidding me?” theme: When renowned bassist Omer (pronounced o-MARE) Avital picked up his instrument to begin the set a string popped. Just like that – POP! But Omer is so gifted that no one could tell the difference. Add to his flair Goldberg’s skills and the rock-solid performance by drummer Eric Harland – and you had yourself one of the best concerts to hit this circuit. Hands down!
So there you have it: the recap from this past Sunday’s concert. It was an “out-of-this-world, Lord-have-mercy!, give-me-some-more” classic jazz performance.
Up next: CPFJ presents The Etienne Charles Quartet LIVE at the Hilton Harrisburg on March 20th at 6pm (with a local jazz ensemble starting us off at 5pm). And on April 17th, CPFJ brings back by popular demand the great Mulgrew Miller – this time LIVE at Hollywood Casino.
Yeah, folks…we’re just gettin’ started…
Jazz: reignited
February 15, 2011
Ok, so WE know that jazz has always been here…and that it’s absolutely the best form of musical expression in the world. (Did we ever doubt that?) Seems though that the rest of the nation is finally catching on.
She's a baddddd girl!
So today we feel pride and dignity and appreciation toward a panel of people (whoever they are) who (obviously) realized that jazz is an important and formidable presence in American society (which WE always knew!).
So glad they finally figured it out.
Press release: CPFJ presents Aaron Goldberg, Sun, Feb 20th
February 1, 2011
CPFJ Presents jazz pianist Aaron Goldberg
The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (CPFJ) rolls into 2011 by announcing the appearance of the Aaron Goldberg Trio on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 5pm at the Hilton Harrisburg, Second Floor Ballroom, One North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA.
Aaron Goldberg was born in Boston in 1974. He began studying piano at seven. By 17 he was at the New School for Jazz. Then he enrolled at Harvard where he won the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship and was a member of Betty Carter’s “Jazz Ahead” Program.
After graduating from Harvard, Aaron went to NYC and quickly became an in-demand sideman for the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman and Madeline Peyroux.
He is faculty member at the New School and a clinician at conservatories and universities around the world.
His most recent release is “Home,” which appeared on both DownBeat’s and JazzTimes’ “Best Releases of 2010” lists.
“He’s versatile and impressive, and he swings hard.” — New York Times
“A talented artist whose calling card is unadorned musicianship.” — Billboard
Joining Goldberg will be noted bassist Omer Avital and equally talented drummer Eric Harland. Avital comes straight from his gig in Italy where he performed with Jason Lindner and featured Jeff Ballard on drums. Harland, who was discovered by Wynton Marsalis during a high school event, went on to the Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship. He comes to CPFJ following the concert event The Development of Eric Harland.
Ticket prices for concerts are: General Adult Admission – $28
General Student Admission – $10
CPFJ Adult Member – $20
CPFJ Student Member – $5
Children under 12 are always admitted free!
CPFJ Sponsor and Corporate Members receive their tickets in the U.S. mail.
Tickets may be purchased at http://www.cpfj.org or at the door after 4:30 pm on the day of the concert or by visiting http://www.cpfj.org.
Aaron Goldberg, the interview
January 26, 2011
Aaron Goldberg will be featured on an upcoming segment of BlogTalkRadio’s “Livin’ the Dream! with JBlair Brown” on Wed, February 9th at 2pm EST.
To hear the show LIVE, simply click here on that date and time, and download the streaming show OR dial in from your phone to (347) 539-5805. If you’d like to ask Aaron a question ON THE AIR, simply follow the operator’s instructions once you dial in.
“Livin’ the Dream! with JBlair Brown” is a weekly broadcast out of Harrisburg, PA. The Goldberg interview is the program’s first to feature upcoming jazz performers who will appear in and around Central PA. To be considered for an upcoming interview, please contact Judith at jbfreelancewriter@yahoo.com.
Kicking off 2011 with a BANG!
January 12, 2011
Seems like just yesterday we were saying, “It’s on to 2010!” but here we are in 2011 already. And what a start we’re having.
In case you haven’t noticed, CPFJ is doing some things a little different. For instance, while the economy has caused us to increase pricing in some areas, we’ve reduced prices in other areas. And then there’s our latest “Say what?” decision: We’re holding our April concert – NOT at the Hilton Harrisburg as we frequently do – but (hold onto your hats!) at the Hollywood Casino. (How’s that for “different”?)
So, yeah, we’re moving forward — but one thing’s for sure: our taste in only the BEST jazz artists available will never be compromised. For instance, at our first concert for 2011, Feb 20th, we’ll present the Aaron Goldberg Trio.
Goldberg’s recently released “Home” appeared on both DownBeat’s and JazzTimes’ “Best Releases of 2010” lists. The New York Times says, “He’s versatile and impressive, and he swings hard.” And Billboard says, “A talented artist whose calling card is unadorned musicianship.”
As is our custom, a local group will start the festivities at 5pm, with Goldberg opening at 6pm. So mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 20th at the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg.
Our March 20th Sunday concert is no less exciting. Featuring the Etienne Charles Quartet, whom the JazzTimes calls “A daring improviser,” who “delivers with heart-wrenching lyricism,” Charles will perform tunes from his “Folklore,” which is a blend of jazz improvisation and folk rhythms of his native islands Trinidad and Tobago.
Charles kicks off at 6pm, with a local jazz group starting at 5pm.
More on our April performance at a later date. For now, plan to see our Feb and Mar shows at the Hilton!
All the best,
Judith
Press release: Warfield to appear at the Bohemian Caverns
December 14, 2010
Back by popular demand, York-based tenor saxophonist Tim Warfield, along with his sextet, will spread goodwill and holiday cheer at the renowned jazz establishment Bohemian Caverns in Washington, DC, on Friday and Saturday, December 17 and 18.
Featuring the sultry Philadelphia vocalist Joanna Pascale and the adroit young trumpet sensation Philip Dizack, the sextet is rounded out by pianist Neil Podgurski, bassist Madison Rast and drummer Chris Beck.
This year’s Christmas event is Warfield’s second consecutive holiday gala for the established jazz venue. Immediately following the success of last year’s performance, the band was again booked for this holiday season.
Warfield, who serves as music committee chair for Central PA Friends of Jazz, also serves as artist-in-residence at Messiah College in Grantham , PA, a position he has held for several years. He has traveled the world sharing his innovative approach to music, and has recently appeared in Europe.
Showtimes for the upcoming event are 8:30pm and 10:30pm on both evenings.
The Bohemian Caverns is located at 2001 Eleventh St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001. For more information, log onto www.bohemiancaverns.com.
The joint was jumpin’
November 15, 2010
Wow!
If you missed Tim Warfield and his Organ Band on November 14th – I don’t know what to tell ya’ – except that you missed the performance of a lifetime.
Those guys were sensational! They rocked from the very start at 6pm until the very last tune, which ended close to 9pm. And you’ve NEVER heard “The Beat Goes On” like this before in your life.
But the true testament of the night was the success of Warfield’s recently released “A Sentimental Journey,” which sold in droves! Folks were lining up to get a glimpse of our own Warfield, who recently returned from a trip abroad to give this concert.
The Organ Band is comprised of Warfield (sax), Terell Stafford (trumpet), Pat Bianchi (organ), Daniel Sadownick (percussion) and Chris Beck (drums). Rumor has it they’ll be playing again in the area real soon. Check out Warfield’s schedule here.
Up next: The Tim Warfield Organ Band – CD Release Party
October 28, 2010
A Sentimental Journey
What more can be said about “our own” Tim Warfield? He is now established as a major star with a string of fine Criss Cross label releases. This concert will highlight one of them, Warfield’s latest “A Sentimental Journey.”
With countless jazz releases to pick from, no less than the New York Times picked it as the jazz album of the month, saying “Mr. Warfield presides with a pretty sound, close to singing and full of organized devices to get his solos rolling … Mr. Warfield and Mr. Stafford have been playing together for more than 20 years, and their combined sound as they harmonize on themes, as well as the way they build solos off of each others’ scattered ideas is where the soul of the record lies. The music feels plush at heat-wave tempos; it takes its time and assumes you’re not going anywhere.”
This basic group really took off with “One for Shirley,” a tribute to the late organist Shirley Scott. Tim has re-united the musicians on that album with the exception of Byron Landham replacing Dana Hall on drums.
Tim returns home now from a highly successful tour of Italy, England and Ireland for this appearance.
Terell Stafford (trumpet) has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by the legendary McCoy Tyner. It is no exaggeration. Our good fortune is his regular visits to Harrisburg like last year’s starring performance at the International Trumpet Guild’s Convention.
Stafford has 5 well-received releases as leader and over 80 sideman recordings. He has appeared on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “You Bet Your Life with Bill Cosby.”
Pat Bianchi (organ) previously appeared for us with his mentor Joey DeFrancesco. His latest release is “Back Home.” He attended The Eastman School of Music and got his degree at The Berklee College of
Music. He of course played a key role on “One for Shirley” as well as “A Sentimental Journey.”
Daniel Sadownick (percussion) has recorded and toured with The Roots, Steely Dan, Al Green, Billy Idol, Christian McBride, Michael Brecker and Nicholas Payton. His newest release is “There Will Be A Day” on In Time Records. He was nominated for a 2010 Jazz Journalist Award as Percussionist of the Year. For the past 4 years he was voted a “Rising Star” in DownBeat’s International Critics Poll.
Byron Landham (drums) “graduated” from being the drummer of choice in the 1990’s in Philadelphia to international recognition playing with vocalist Betty Carter, saxophonist Houston Person and guitarist Lee Ritenour to name a few. He is so in demand that he spends an average of 4-5 months on the road each year. Shortly after our concert, he leaves to play in Barcelona, Spain.
Tickets
Ticket prices for the November 14, 2010 concert are:
* General Adult Admission – $25
* General Student Admission – $12
* CPFJ Adult Member – $19
* CPFJ Student Member – $10
* CPFJ School Member Student with School ID – $5
* Children under 12 are always free!
Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.cpfj.org or at the door after 4.30 pm on the day of the concert.
Tierney Sutton Band – a success!
September 13, 2010
What a great way to start our 31st season! The Tierney Sutton Band mesmerized our audience on Sunday night, following the CPFJ All-Star Youth Band under the direction of Maestro Ronnie Waters.
Simply put, Sutton has the voice of an angel. Her vocal talents, her range, give as indication of why she was acknowledged one of the top five female vocalists in the world by DownBeat International Critics Poll.
The band, completely in sync, work together like bees and honey. Even minus its drummer (due to an incident requiring that he return to the west coast early Sunday morning), the remaining “trio” performed brilliantly. Indeed, it was a night to remember.
PONCHO SANCHEZ 10/17
You don’t want to miss that one!
Final days of summer…
September 3, 2010
Yes, the kids are in school and the summer’s coming to its end…but that doesn’t mean the music ends here. In fact, we’re just getting started, so you simply MUST mark your calendars for the upcoming CPFJ Sunday concert series – now in its 31st season!
As is always the case, CPFJ continues to bring only the finest jazz artists on the scene today – as is evident by our 2010 fall lineup.
Tierney Sutton 9/12
Poncho Sanchez 10/17
Tim Warfield 11/14
December will bring CPFJs Holiday Gala with the Military Big Band on the 5th.
Tickets range from $5 to $25 and can be purchased online and even at the door on the day of the concert.
So…just because summer’s on the way out doesn’t mean the heat isn’t still on. See you soon.
CentralPAFriendsofJazz 