Finding the right notes: 2010’s year in jazz, Twin Cities style

James on Jazz

As we wrap up another year in music, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past year and look ahead a bit.

Two things immediately come to mind. First, all the fabulous concerts held in the Twin Cities: Hats off to those responsible for bringing such fine talent to town. In the year ahead, music lovers can expect more of the same as some of the same artists responsible for rockin’ the house this past year have been booked again. As much as I’d like to see more diversity where the booking is concerned, there have been some improvements when it comes to selecting from the jazz pool of talented acts. Maybe too much of a good thing is good?

Secondly, I’m thinking of jazz legends who are no longer with us. Abbey Lincoln and James Moody passed away this year and will be missed dearly. Their contributions to jazz are unforgettable. Thankfully, we still have songs like “Music is the Magic,” and “Moody’s Mood for Love” to remember them by.

At the same time, I’m thinking of both Clark Terry and Dave Brubeck as they just turned 90 years old. How could we ever forget the songs “Mumbles” or “In Your Own Sweet Way”? Having met and written about them, I must say that both gentlemen are excellent examples of how living legends thrive and survive in the jazz music business. When I think of the good kind of music, versus the other kind, I think of Terry and Brubeck.

File under jazz: I’m happy for all the national exposure New Orleans music has received this past year. HBO’s Treme was a hit. Also, several New Orleans musicians, too many to mention here, enjoyed steady bookings around the country and internationally. They also enjoyed themselves while playing at the Dakota this year. Bassist Reginald Veal graced the stage along with Dianne Reeves for the annual Penumbra Jazz Jam. Drummer Herlin Riley appeared with Ahmad Jamal, which was a rare and much appreciated treat (at least for me, it was!). That New Orleans sound never fails to lift the spirits and get you dancing in the aisles.

As I sit back and recall more of the most exciting shows to come our way, I’m reminded of many of the talented men and women who continue to put themselves out there for this music. You may not see them on television, or learn about them by way of national magazines, or hear their music played continuously on the radio, or see their names listed on a poll, yet they are still here. One thing you’ve got to remember is some stages aren’t for everyone. Ever wonder why you keep seeing the same names in the same places?

As for our local stages, we were fortunate to experience a glorious variety of live jazz from young and veteran musicians during their finest moments:

Rachelle Ferrell: For those who swear jazz is dying, say hello to Ms. Ferrell. She’s soulfully authentic whether she’s singing a jazz standard, R&B, gospel, or a song of her own. Plus, the lady can pack a house. At least, she packed the Dakota for two straight nights. But is she marketable? This summer, Ferrell returns. You figure it out.

Eric Alexander: When you think of mainstream jazz, it’s hard not to think of Alexander. He’s one of the finest tenor sax men alive. Seeing him in action at the Artists’ Quarter, year after year, the HighNote artist and his sound sort of grows on you.

Jeremy Pelt: Who’s got next? He’s got next. Kicking off the year with his CD, Men of Honor, Pelt only offered further proof of this young trumpeter’s remarkable gift of swing. If you like music that swings, he’s your guy. To see him at the Artists’ Quarter is to see jazz history in the making. No gimmicks. No filler. Just pure swing.

Ahmad Jamal: He’s so full of joy. Listening to him play piano with Herlin Riley was even more joyful. Jamal’s velvet touch always aims to please. There’s nothing like seeing him play live, but if you can’t, do what I do and play one of his many CDs in the comfort of your home. Can you say luxury?

Christian McBride: Whether it’s soul music, soul jazz, funk or swing, McBride’s bass lines help to keep up the thrill factor. In the year ahead, look for him and his Inside Straight band to bring it. I said bring it…to the Dakota.

Esperanza Spalding: Still she rises. She can sing. She can play bass. She can write. She speaks two-to-three languages. Prince is one of her biggest fans. Fans and critics agree: Spalding is in it for the long haul. Anyone who can wake up chamber music lovers and excite jazz fans alike has got to be someone to watch.

Charles Lloyd: There’s never a dull moment when it comes to listening to his music. And does he know how to assemble the brightest jazz cast around him with the likes of Eric Harland, Jason Moran and Reuben Rogers? The answer is oh, yes. Check him out every chance you get, and ignore the jazz haters.

Next year, jazz fans have so much to look forward to: a new recording from Ravi Coltrane and a live album featuring bassist Marcus Miller with trumpeter Roy Hargrove (he returns to the Dakota in January). With Alexander, Pelt, Jamal, McBride, and Ferrell expected to return, and with Crescent City natives saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trumpeter Terence Blanchard on their way to Orchestra Hall (double bill scheduled for February), plus other acts to be announced, it looks like the Twin Cities jazz scene continues to move forward. There I go, there I go, there I go…onward to 2011…

Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-record er.com.