Musician Bios: Saturday, June 23
- PHOTO COURTESY THE XEROX ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
- The Bad Plus
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Saturday, June 23
The Bad Plus (Straight-ahead jazz) The Bad Plus shook up the jazz world two decades ago by covering unlikely pop songs, like "Life on Mars" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit." But everything they played was executed with equal shares of subversion and musical intricacy. These guys have chops! The power trio is Reid Anderson on bass, David King on drums, and a new member — the first personnel change in the group's existence — Orrin Evans on piano. (RN) thebadplus.com
HEADLINER | Boz Scaggs (Rock) There's a lot that goes into being Boz Scaggs, from singing with the Steve Miller Band to trying his hand in the R&B scene in London in the 1960's; from getting caught up in San Francisco's psychedelic scene to recording a record with Duane Allman; and so on. There's more to Scaggs than "Lido Shuffle." (FD) bozscaggs.com
Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot (Rock 'n' roll) See the interview with Brian Setzer here.
Charlie Lindner Trio & Friends (Jazz fusion) Smugtown's own keyboard mastermind Charlie Lindner really got on the radar with the swirling electronica of The Manhattan Project, which was heaped with international praise. His trio shows are not just mere performances but rather sonic experiments put on display. Amazing vocalist Danielle Ponder joins the band for this show. (FD) charlielindner.com
David Hazeltine (Straight-ahead jazz) David Hazeltine began performing at the age of 13. Chet Baker noticed the young pianist when he was playing for the Milwaukee Jazz Gallery and suggested he move to New York. Once there, Hazeltine began stints with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Slide Hampton's big band. With three dozen albums as a leader, he is regarded as one of the most versatile pianists on the scene today. (RN) davidhazeltine.com
Des Sourcils (Gypsy jazz) Not just inspired by Django Reinhardt, as countless bands are, but more specifically by the guitar master's interpretation of the traditional Russian tune, "Dark Eyes." (FD) dessourcils.bandcamp.com
Django Bates Beloved Trio (Straight-ahead jazz) Over a four-decade career British multi-instrumentalist Django Bates has done just about everything in music. He plays keyboards and tenor horn and has arranged for a variety of large and small ensembles. While he is known for orchestral compositions, he also excels when playing straight-ahead jazz piano in his more intimate Beloved Trio, with Petter Eldh on bass and Peter Bruun on drums. (RN) djangobates.co.uk
Doug Stone Quartet feat. Josiah Williams (Jazz and hip-hop fusion) Saxophonist Doug Stone and rapper Josiah Williams meet at the intersection of jazz and hip-hop, but there is no compromise on either end of the equation. On their new album, "The Early Riser," the jazz component— featuring guitarist Chris Potter, bassist John Tate, and drummer Chase Ellison — is hard-bop while Williams's rap is rhythmically intricate and refreshingly positive. (RN) dougstonejazz.com; jdeanwilliams.com
Hip Spanic AllStars (Latin funk) Click here for the bio.
Jack Broadbent (Blues) See a feature on Jack Broadbent by clicking here.
Melissa Aldana (Straight-ahead jazz) Raised in Chile, Melissa Aldana moved to the United States in 2006 to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Aldana was 24 years old when she won first prize in the 2013 Thelonious Monk Institute's Jazz Saxophone Competition. At her last XRIJF performance, she demonstrated a mastery of tone and phrasing that left no doubt about her prowess on the instrument. (RN) melissaaldana.com
Mwenso & The Shakes (World beat) It's as if Muddy Waters and Fats Waller played world beat while maintaining their blues and jazz sensibilities. Big and bold yet sweetly quiet when they want to put on the brakes. Captivating. (FD) michaelmwenso.com
Ron Artis II & The Truth (Rock) Click here for a bio.
Scott Sharrard (Rock) Check out the bio here.
Significant Other (R&B, soul) This Rochester septet blends rocked-up soul and R&B along with a decidedly unique reggae groove plugged in sparingly. They pack a punch with terrific vocals and an unorthodox instrumentation. (FD) significantotherrocks.com
Sigurdur Flosason (Progressive jazz) Growing up in Iceland, Sigurdur Flosason began to play jazz while a teenager. After studying classical saxophone at the Reykjavik College of Music, he came to the United States to earn a master's degree in both jazz and classical sax. With his progressive sound, Flosason has become a leader in the Icelandic jazz scene. (RN) sigurdurflosason.com
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