Fall jazz in Minnesota: new releases and must-see Dakota shows
Fall jazz in Minnesota brings standout new albums and live dates. Craig Taborn teams with Marcus Gilmore and Nels Cline on “Trio of Bloom,” JD Allen offers “Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions),” and Charles Lloyd unveils “Figure in Blue.” Locally, the Dakota hosts Kenny Garrett, Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap, and Brandee Younger, with Herbie Hancock across the river at the Orpheum.
As we say goodbye to summer, there’s still so much to look forward to this fall, especially in the world of jazz. New albums, live performances, and unforgettable collaborations promise plenty of music to enjoy and share with loved ones. Let the fun begin!
Minnesota native and Golden Valley keyboardist, composer and bandleader Craig Taborn released his latest album, Trio of Bloom (Pyroclastic), this September. Joining him are drummer Marcus Gilmore and guitarist Nels Cline, who even contributes bass on two tracks. The album spans 11 tracks in total. While Gilmore and Taborn are longtime collaborators, this is Cline’s first time joining the duo.
Standout tracks include “Unreal Light,” “Breath,” and “Diana.” The trio’s music defies easy categorization, earning them the label of “hybridizers.” Known for his modern, experimental, electronic approach, Taborn does not hold back on this album.
Free improvisation from this rare piano-guitar-drums combination never sounded so good. Hopefully, Taborn will bring the trio to his hometown soon; stay tuned for performance dates.
Another highly anticipated release is tenor saxophonist and bandleader JD Allen’s September album on Savant Records, “Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions).” Joining Allen are pianist Brandon McCune, bassist Ian Kenselaar, and drummer Nic Cacioppo.
The classic standards “You Are Too Beautiful,” “Don’t Go to Strangers,” and “Stardust” sound like the musicians have been playing together for years, which is true for Kenselaar and Cacioppo. Allen’s warm, introspective sound shines as he expands his usual chordless trio, while McCune’s original track “Tell the Story” is a standout.
Legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd continues to impress at age 87. His latest Blue Note release, “Figure in Blue” (October), features longtime collaborators pianist Jason Moran and guitarist Marvin Sewell. On the album, Lloyd pays homage to the late tabla master Zakir Hussain with the single “Hymn to the Mother.” As a regular at the Dakota, Lloyd will likely be performing this beautiful music live soon.
September also brought celebrations: a happy 85th birthday to master saxophonist Gary Bartz and a happy 52nd to New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton.
Jazz fans have plenty to look forward to at the Dakota this fall:
- Kenny Garrett returns on October 18 at 7 & 9 p.m. Get ready by listening to his 2021 Mack Avenue album, “Sounds from the Ancestors.”
- Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap bring powerhouse vocals and elegant piano on October 22 at 7 & 9 p.m. Their new album “Elemental” was released in June 2025.
- That same night at the Orpheum Theatre (7:30 p.m.), Herbie Hancock performs. His repertoire, from “Watermelon Man” and “Cantaloupe Island” to “Maiden Voyage” and “Dolphin Dance,” is guaranteed to delight
- Outstanding harpist Brandee Younger brings her trio to the Dakota on October 27 at 7 p.m. Her latest Impulse! album, “Gadabout Season” (June 2025), features the standout track “Reckoning.” This may be her Dakota debut, so don’t miss it. For tickets, visit www.dakotacooks.com.
Robin James welcomes reader responses at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.