Buffalo Live Jazz: Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XIV, No 37

Tuesday, 5/22 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

Steve Davis & John Hasselback, Jr - trombone Lisa Hasselback - piano Jim Colemon - bass your host - drum set

Steve Davis

We've had some big names appear at our continuing jazz experiment over these last 13 years. And it seldom happens without the help of a friend. Remember Freddy Cole at our curiously lit location? Wayne Moose hooked that up. Gene Bertoncini last fall at the Iris? Cindy Miller. Bill Dobbins two weeks ago? Mike Kaupa. And this week? John Hasselback, Jr is featuring his best friend and college roommate in concert with his high school band at West Seneca West this Monday night, 5/21 at 7:30. And rather than hurry back to his home in Hartford, Connecticut to host his regular Tuesday gig at the Russian Lady, Steve Davis is staying with John & Lisa and doing our gig at the Iris. This is huge! What's the big deal? Only that Steve Davis is one of the top call trombonists on the planet. Literally. He was the very last Messenger hired by Art Blakey. He toured the world with Chick Corea and Origin, and was featured in a Downbeat cover story with Chick. He is on Grammy winning records with Wayne Shorter, the aforementioned Chick Corea, & Christian McBride. He has shared the bandstand with legends Jackie McLean, Benny Golson, Hank Jones, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, and Horace Silver. Steve Davis is the real deal, on a global scale. And were it not for the special friendship shared by John & Steve, we could not offer this world-class musician's talents to our Savvy & Informed audience. You don't want to miss this uniquely singular night. Our sincere gratitude to John Hasselback, Jr for making it happen. Only this week at the Iris Restaurant, in the plaza at the intersection of Maple & Sweet Home Roads in Amherst. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, world class artists, and a great hang.

Wednesday, 5/23 at Williamsville East High School

vocalist Jane Monheit with the Williamsville East Jazz Orchestra

also featuring Wayne Moose, orchestra conductor & bassist Lisa Hasselback, piano your correspondent, drum set

And speaking of big names... Bassist Wayne Moose has a heavy day gig at Williamsville East High School where he conducts the orchestra and the jazz ensemble, and instructs the string players. Among his other responsibilities is the Legends of Jazz Series, offered to the Williamsville School District's music community and the general public every spring. In fact, the very reason we were able to present Freddy Cole at Bobby McGee's back in 2009 was because Wayne featured him in just such a concert event, and persuaded him to do the gig with us on Freddy's night off! This week vocalist Jane Monheit is featured both in a trio setting and with the Williamsville Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are available at the door or by pre-sale: 726-626-8425 or legendsofjazz@gmail.com

Thursday, 5/23 at Dick & Jenny's Bake & Brew

Chris Ziemba, piano Wayne Moose, bass yours truly, drum set

Dick & Jenny's has the best food on Grand Island. I know this for a fact, being a regular customer myself. And now they have the best music. Pianist Chris Ziemba is home from his studies at the Julliard School for a brief visit, so serendipity seemed to smile in both directions on this one. And fresh off our concert with Jane Monheit on Wednesday, Wayne & I get to relive some moments musical in a relaxed and genial setting. Here's a Thursday night idea you haven't tried. The Grand Island bridge from either direction is free and easy at 6:30 on a weeknight.

next Tuesday, 5/29 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30

John Whitney, piano Bruce Johnstone, baritone saxophone Wayne Moose, bass your host, drum set

upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...

Tuesday, 6/5 Fred Stone & Vince Ercolomento

Tuesday, 6/19 Barbara Jean

Tuesday, 7/3 Ron Corsaro & the Upstate Express

Tuesday, 7/17 Laurie Bordonaro

Tuesday, 7/31 Bill Todd

Tuesday, 8/7 Larry Covelli

Tuesday, 8/14 Don Menza

Tuesday, 8/21 Kenny Kuriscak & Tim Clarke

links...