by Ken Laster Bassist Dezron Douglas and harpist Brandee Younger released a duet album, Force Majeure, from material excerpted from their Friday morning "brunches" during this pandemic. These live-streamed performances from their apartment were a window into the uncertainty, anxiety, inspiration and spirituality that pushed these artist to overcome adversity and continue creating their music. [...]
by Ken Laster This summer, my wife and I made a life altering decision to move cross-country to be near our granddaughter and family. We sold most of our belongings; home, cars, furniture, etc, packed just a few essentials and moved to San Diego to start anew. Selling my stereo system, all my CD's and [...]
A recently found article from the Hartford Courant, tells the story of the founding the the Hartford Jazz Society. Beautifully written by Herbert J. Stoeckel, this piece of Hartford history recounts the very beginnings of what was to become the jazz scene in our city. Excerpts: It was a balmy, fragrant midsummer night in 1961... [...]
After the success of our virtual Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz (PMMNJ) concert series, we are proud to continue our virtual Monday Night Jazz concerts on a monthly basis through the rest of 2020. Schedule of Events September 14 - Dan Liparini Quartet October 12 - Warren Byrd and Saskia Laroo November 13 - Special [...]
photo by Tré Davis The piano trio is a format with a deep history in jazz music. There is Erroll Garner, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans and countless other historic trios. It's the essence of jazz improvisation; Piano, Bass, Drums. And while the Zaccai Curtis Trio may not yet be enshrined in jazz history, [...]
by Ken Laster It was 5:30 pm August 10; an hour and a half before the live-stream concert was to begin. The HJS and "The Library" staff were setting up lights, cameras, mics and technology (I was fortunate to be part of the production staff). The band had arrived and were getting instruments ready. [...]
by Ken Laster It was Latin Jazz night on August 3, 2020 at the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series, and Nelson Bello brought the heat to this live-streamed concert. He also brought his new purple sparkle finished congas with him, which he played with fire and intensity. With the rhythm section of Damian Curtis [...]
by Ken Laster Matt DeChamplain brought his drummer-less trio project to the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series on July 27. It was a display of magnificent virtuosity from all three musicians. This format was inspired by the classic trios from Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole from the late 50's, early 60's. The band [...]
by Ken Laster The second installment of the 2020 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series live-streamed featured alto saxophonist Dakota Austin and his Quartet. The set featured all but one original composition. The band, schooled in the tradition of the hard-bop masters, had a more modern approach with a heavy dose of Fender Rhodes electric [...]
The year 2020 has been so different on many levels. We are all embroiled in a public health crisis and heightened social and political unrest. These issues have affected all aspects of our lives, even our love of live music and traditional summer jazz festivals. Thus, due to COVID-19, the 53rd Paul Brown Monday Night [...]