The crisp, cool air of autumn is here, the fall colors are on full display, and soon some of jazz’s brightest stars will be too. Add to that a host of warm, colorful new recordings perfect for cozying up on chilly days ahead.
Boney James and Kirk Whalum, two of today’s biggest contemporary jazz artists, are coming to Minneapolis for shows at the Dakota. Jazz fans here are anticipating these performances with excitement that doesn’t come around nearly enough in the Twin Cities.
James returns to our stage on November 22 with shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m., while Whalum performs November 24 at 7 and 9 p.m. Both saxophonists are legends in smooth jazz circles, cultivating loyal fan bases who expect, and receive, nothing less than an unforgettable experience.
For those unfamiliar, Boney James is a four-time Grammy nominee, and Kirk Whalum is a Grammy winner. James’ latest album, “Slow Burn” (Concord Records, 2024), features collaborations with Marcus Miller, Cory Henry and Rick Braun. Standout tracks include “A Little Romance” and “The Bounce,” showcasing James’ vigor and boldness. Whalum’s “Epic Cool” (Mack Avenue Records, 2024) highlights his signature warmth with tracks like “You and Sunday Morning” and “Through the Storm.”
Also coming to the Dakota this fall:
- Joshua Redman Quartet, November 9 at 5:30 and 8 p.m. His latest “Words Fall Short” (Blue Note Records) features a bright, powerful tenor sound that will not disappoint.
- John Scofield’s Combo 73, November 12 at 7 and 9 p.m., featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Bill Stewart
Django Festival Allstars with vocalist Veronica Swift, November 16 at 6 and 8 p.m.
Turning to the charts, for the October 20 JazzWeek radio chart:
- No. 1 for a fifth consecutive week: Christian McBride Big Band, “Without Further Ado.”
- Most added, biggest mover, highest debut: “Triune” from New Orleans trumpeter and keyboardist Nicholas Payton (Smoke Sessions Records), features longtime collaborators bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding and drummer Karriem Riggins. The album blends refreshed classics with lively originals, with “Unconditional Love” and “Feed the Fire” (highlighting Spalding) standing out as bookend tracks that make this outing a vibrant, contemporary jazz experience.
In birthday notes, we celebrate:
- Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, born October 16, 1969, in Dallas, Texas. Hargrove’s collaborations with singer-songwriter D’Angelo shine on tracks like “I’ll Stay” from Hard Groove (Verve, 2003) and on D’Angelo’s Black Messiah (RCA, 2014).
- Wynton Marsalis, born October 18, 1961, in New Orleans, LA, now 64. Just back from a tour of Africa, he’ll bring the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, on November 1 with an all-new program. Expect mind-blowing skill and artistry.
For tickets and information, visit Dakotacooks.com and Minnesotaorchestra.org.
Readers are invited to share responses with Robin James at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.