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 [...]
For nearly 50 years, Ed Krech owned and operated this record and CD store in Wethersfield, CT. But this was much more than a place to peruse and purchase the latest jazz CD's. Ed Krech provided a venue for young musicians to showcase their craft and gain experience performing in front of dedicated and knowledgeable [...]
The world first learned of the incredible vocal artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant when she won the prestigious 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. In just under the span of a decade she has evolved into a multi-GRAMMY® Award-winner and a prescient and fearless voice in music today. The sound of Salvant’s voice recalls the [...]
by Ken Laster Click to enlarge The 52nd consecutive year of Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz wrapped up with some adventurous free jazz from the OGJB Quartet. The avant garde sounds emanating from the pavillion came from the venerable masters Lake, Haynes, Fonda and Altschul. They thrilled thousands in attendance for this finale [...]
Coming this Spring, jazz returns to The Packing House in Willington Connecticut. If you haven't experienced this unique performance space east of Hartford, this would be a great time to do so. A short drive on I-84 East through the rolling hills of eastern Connecticut will take you to this rural historic mill which once [...]
Matt Chasen is an important figure in Hartford's Jazz community. As a musician, educator and historian of this art-form, Matt has recently been documenting many of the important concerts and activities of our jazz scene. Here, he pays tribute to one of Hartford's continuing and endearing jazz traditions. Black Eyed Sally's 350 Asylum Street, [...]
Most of us hard-core jazz fans are familiar with the ever changing club and concert scene in the Greater Hartford area. However, East of the river often goes unnoticed. One of those venues that deserves greater attention, and has been hosting some great shows for the last four years is The Packing House. Their non-profit [...]
The Sara Hanahan Quintet opened up the finale concert of the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series of 2018. Recorded August 13 from the WWUH radio simulcast on a rainy evening. Harvey Jassem and Ken Laster provide the on-air commentary and post concert interview. Sarah Hanahan Quintet: Sarah Hanahan - Alto Sax Nat Reeves - [...]
by Ken Laster photos by Maurice D. Robertson Make no mistake, there were clouds (and heavy rain) the evening of the 2018 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz (PBMNJ) finale concert. But as I learned as a child, for every cloud there is a silver lining. That "Silver Lining" prevailed the evening of August 13 in [...]
by Ken Laster Complete photo gallery here. Friday at International Tennis Hall of Fame This is the first year I attended the special gala event at the historic International Tennis Hall of Fame; the original site of the Newport Jazz Festival starting in 1954. This affair is part Jazz concert and part "high society" event. [...]