Saturday – Three consummate multi-instrumentalists — Scott Robinson, JD Parran and Vinny Golia — share the spotlight at The Stone. At 8, the trio will take part in what might very well be a first of its kind: each will perform on bass saxophone, the massive, largely obsolete instrument. At 10, the woodwind trio returns with a set of clarinet music. They will be backed during both sets by bassist Julian Thayler and drummer Warren Smith.
Sunday – If your not watching fireworks over the Hudson, head over to The Stone at 8 for Russian pianist Vladimir Tarasov along with violinist Jason Kao Hwang and bassist Mark Dresser. At 10, Dresser will be joined by equally accomplished improvisors, drummer Gerry Hemingway and saxophonist Earl Howard.
Monday – On its website, the downtown bar The Local 269 , proclaims itself “the last bastion of great music in NYC.” Tongue and cheek aside, on a steamy night in early July, the statement just might ring true. The day after the 4th is traditionally dead in NYC, and this year is no exception. Luckily, 269 has booked a multigenerational lineup of downtown stalwarts, among them Ken Filiano, Vinny Golia, Michael TA Thompson, Darius Jones, and Tom Blancarte.
Tuesday – Multi-instrumentalist and general visionary Gunter Hampel makes a rare solo appearance at Rose Live Music, in Williamsburg. At first glance, Rose seems indistinguishable from the countless bars clustered under the BQE, but the intimate venue has developed a reputation in the last five years for presenting a diverse array of left-of-center talent. This is a must-see, in my opinion.
Wednesday – Another stellar line-up at The Stone. At 8, multi-instrumentalist, composer, Andrea Parkins performs solo, and at 10, bassist Mario Pavone leads a powerhouse trio featuring tenorist Tony Malaby and drummer Tyshawn Sorey.
Thursday – I swear, there are other venues in New York besides The Stone, but this had to be my pick. Pianist, vibraphonist, composer Karl Berger makes an infrequent trip to the city from his long-time home-base of Woodstock, New York for two sets. At 8, he’ll join flutist Sylvain Leroux, and at 10, he will be the featured guest in multi-instrumentalist Bohdan Hilash’s sextet.
tuneOUToptIN 