Feeling the vibe: Master players create new highs
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In today's world, youthful energy grabs all the attention. But nothing beats the experience and extraordinary skills of great players.
MPR News editor David Cazares and bassist Chris Bates say that virtuosity will be on display this weekend across the Twin Cities. Local musicians are buzzing about Friday's show by guitarist Dean Granros at Jazz Central in Minneapolis.
One of the region's most respected players, Granros draws on a variety of influences -- from Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman to Grant Green - and remarkably melds with them with his own musical voice.
With impeccable phasing and fluid playing, he soars on tunes in ways that will contrast brilliantly with guitarist Zacc Harris. Joining them at Jazz Central will be drummer Jay Epstein and Bates.
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On Saturday, the Jazz Central spotlight shines on some of the artists freatures in the Twin Cities Jazz Sampler Vol. 1 release: Atlantis Quartet, Chris Bates Good Vibes Trio and Steve Kenny's Group 47. The recording includes some of the best independent jazz coming out of the Twin Cities in the last few years - on par with what's going on across the nation.
That same night, the Icehouse restaurant in Minneapolis will treat fans to the lush playing of pianist Chris Lomheim and the vibrant swing and old school tone of bassist Jeremy Boettcher.
Jazz guitar fans will have another chance to hear artful playing on Sunday, when Joel Shapira performs a solo guitar set at the Black Dog Cafe in St. Paul. With a warm and melodic style, Shapira can show how a soloist hold an audience with inviting and accessible music.
One of the biggest performances of the next few days occurs Monday, when the extraordinary bassist Anthony Cox performs with drummer J.T. Bates and saxophonist Michael Lewis at the Icehouse restaurant in Minneapolis.
A powerhouse of improvisation, the regional ensemble can deliver sound in ways that would blow others away. Cox in particular plays with such power and energy that he elevates the bandstand and everyone on it.
