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Faces of the Artists Quarter #12

December 12, 2013, 1:20 pm
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The Phil Hey Quartet at the AQ, November 27, 2013

© Andrea Canter

Phil Hey (2013)
Jazz in one of the few genres of music that places a greater value on collaboration over individual exploits.  Certainly, there are individual stars, prophets, innovators--but even those artists, by and large, emerged at the top as much from their collaborative skills in ensembles as their singular genius as soloists. I could easily justify single entries in this series for drummer Phil Hey, vibraphonist Dave Hagedorn, bassist Tom Lewis and pianist Phil Aaron. But it is the Phil Hey Quartet as a whole that epitomizes both the best of modern jazz and the mission of the Artists Quarter -- showcasing local musicians with global talents. And save a few early gigs at the old Dakota, the PHQ has only performed at the AQ, typically landing on a Thursday night every month and occasionally on a weekend. Hey leads -- and does most of the commentary which is often quite enlightening re the music and more. But it's the long-standing empathy among the foursome that shines on every gig, every tune.

Dave Hagedorn (2013)
Think of the Modern Jazz Quartet on a diet of Ornette, Miles, Coltrane, Dolphy and Monk, with some original compositions as Value Added extras. Think of group conversations among good friends that could easily disintegrate into chaos but never do-- every shift in direction only challenges each musician to create his own means of following along while thinking ahead to another group adventure. 

Tom Lewis (2013)
And watch/listen as the conversation unfolds via subtle eye contact, musical signals, so many ways to veer off and separate yet always there's that tether that maintains the four-way connection. And watch/listen to collective respect and joy. That's what jazz is. 
Phil Aaron (2013)


And that's why the Artists Quarter has kept jazz alive and well across two decades in St. Paul.

Hear the Phil Hey Quartet one more time at the AQ, December 26th. Make it a celebration, not a wake.
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The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, December 13-19

December 12, 2013, 7:40 pm
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The Tuesday Night Band, one last Saturday Night at the AQ, December 14


© Andrea Canter

The holidays are nearly here, and some of our local favorite are celebrating with original music, new arrangements, and gigs this week.



Big Gigs This Week

Laura Caviani
Friday, December 13. No such thing as bad luck on this Friday the 13th. At the Artists Quarter, Laura Caviani joins forces with Gordy Johnson and Joe Pulice to celebrate Holly, Jolly and Jazzy. Laura originally arranged these dozen familiar carols for playback at Target Stores; producer --- soon had the music playing during the holiday season at outlets of Marbles: The Brain Store. Five years later, the trio went back to the studio to record the music again, this time for public distribution.  Imaginative, accessible, and swinging, this is one of the best local recordings of the year, and a sonic highlight of the local holiday season.



Lucia Newell
Saturday, December 14. The Jazz at Studio Z series continues with its first vocalist-- Lucia Newell. After a free open workshop on song and lyric writing, Lucia and her quintet (Zacc Harris, Phil Aaron, Jeff Bailey and Joe Pulice) . Over at the Artists Quarter (starting up about the time Lucia finishes her gig), it may be the last reunion of the Tuesday Night Band, or at least the last at the current edition of the club. Making this extra special is the longevity of the TNB, leading B-3 Organ Night at two AQs for 15 years before ending their weekly run in early 2012. "Downtown" Bill Brown, Billy Franze and Kenny Horst know how to party!



Larry Neumann, CC Septet
Sunday, December 15. The CC Septet doesn't play often, but when they do, it's always worthwhile. All tied to Century College, the septet makes a rare appearance at Jazz Central, and you can count on some holiday fanfare as well as original music. (Note this show starts early, at 7 pm.)   At the Dakota, jazz meets gospel as Ginger Commodore and Robert Robinson hit the stage for their version of a holiday bash. That's two of the most powerful voices in the Twin Cities pooling their amazing resources. Over at the Amsterdam, 12 Days of Christmas Blowout gets underway with the Atlantis Quartet.



Monday, December 16. Principal timpanist for the group formerly known as the Minnesota Orchestra, Peter Kogan has taken advantage of the classical ensemble hiatus to polish his jazz skills and brings to the Dakota tonight an all-star cast: Pete Whitman on saxophones, KeithHilson on trombone, Tanner Tayloron piano, Cory Wongon guitar, andBrian Courageon bass.



Brian Roessler, Fantastic Merlins
Back for an evening of pure mayhem, the Fantastic Merlins take the stage at the Black Dog. As noted on the Black Dog website, "Listening to Fantastic Merlins is like walking down an alley in a film noir: shadowy characters, ambiguous motives, and cliffhanger moments abound." In this case the shadowy characters include saxman Nathan Hanson, bassist Brian Roessler and drummer Pete Hennig.



Steve Kenny's Group 47
At Jazz Central, one of the Artists Quarter regulars comes west for a special evening. Steve Kenny's Group 47 picked up where his earlier band, The Bastids, left off --- high energy bebop-infused covers and originals. Trumpeter Steve plays the old veteran in this ensemble, which includes Bastids' bassist Adam Tucker plus three talented students -- saxophonist Thomas Strommen and drummer Alex Burgess from the U of Wisconsin River Falls , and 17-year-old pianist Will Kjeer, still looking ahead to his college career.



Adding to the tough choices tonight, JT's Jazz Implosion at Jazz Central starts off with Body Omara CD Releaseand concludes with the Bryan Nichols Quintet. That's a hefty portion of area talent for one night.



Bryan Nichols
Tuesday, December 17. It's Explosion time! Doug Haining/Scott Agster's Explosion Big Band wreaks havoc at Jazz Central, while Bryan Nichols and Friends give their all at the Artists Quarter. Meanwhile, the Dakota again presents the edgy innovators of the Atlantis Quartet, no cover for Foodie Night, making this the free pick of the week. Or month.



Wednesday, December 18. For what is likely their last gig at the Artists Quarter, Snowblind makes the most if it, saluting the music of Dave Holland and expanding the quintet to sextet with special guest Dave Hagedorn (in the role of Steve Nelson, Holland's long-time vibes man). The ensemble is brass-heavy, with Adam Meckler now sitting in the trumpet chair along with saxophonist Shilad Sen and trombonist Scott Agster, along with bassist Graydon Peterson and drummer Reid Kennedy.  At Jazz Central, youth wins out with Courageous Endeavors, with basist Brian Courage, drummer Miguel Hurtado, pianist Joe Strachan and one or two of the young guns of brass.



Charles Lazaurs
Thursday, December 19. Two inventive musicians each have a holiday CD party tonight, miles apart. At the Wayzata Community Church, locked out Minnesota Orchestra trumpeter Charles Lazarus exercises his jazz chops again with the release of Merry and Bright, featuring Tommy Barbarella, Jeff Bailey, Dave Schmalenberger and "the Lazarus Brass." Special guests are vocalists Tonia Hughes and Bruce Henry. It's Brassy and Bright, Lazarus blowing his horn with a European elegance and American swing. A couple hours later, at the Artists Quarter (and again next Sunday at the Icehouse), pianist Larry McDonoughcelebrates Angels, Kings, My Favorite Things, deconstructed and rebuilt holiday standards and beyond.



More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Policeand KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:



Friday, December 13. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen; Joann Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Bryan Nichols and Adam Wozniak at the Icehouse; Rhonda Laurie Trio at Parma 8200; St Peter Street Stompers at the Red Stag



Saturday, December 14. Joann Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Erin Schwab at Hell's Kitchen; Rick Carlson and Adam Wozniak at the Icehouse; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Jon Pemberton at Loring Pasta Bar



Sunday, December 15. Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; John Devine/JT Bates at Harriet Brewing Tap Room (3 pm); Butch Thompson Holiday Show, 4 pm at Sundin Hall (Hamline University); Thomasina Petrus, holiday concert at the Southern Theater; Jack Brass Band Birthday Party for leader Mike Olander at the Amsterdam Bar (family friendly night); Doug Little Quartet at Eat Street Social 
Doug Little



Monday, December 16. Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza



Tuesday, December 17. Nick Haas Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Patty and the Buttons at Cafe Maude; Cory Wong Quartet, early set (free) at the Artists Quarter



Wednesday, December 18. Steve Kenny Group 47, early (free) set at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Robert Bell and Naomi Uyama at Barbette



Thursday, December 19. George Maurer Big Band Holiday at the Dakota; Keith Karnes Big Band at Jazz Central



Coming Soon!

. December 20-21, Eric Alexander and David Hazeltine at the Artists Quarter

. December 20, Vicky Mountain Trio at Parma 8200

. December 21, Maud Hixson and the Wolverines Trio, "Let It Snow" at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Schneider Theater

. December 21, Patty Peterson and Friends, holiday jam at the Dakota
. December 21, Jana Nyberg Group at Hell's Kitchen

. December 22-23, Karrin Allyson "Yuletide Hideaway" Show at the Dakota

. December 25, The Steeles at the Dakota

. December 26, Phil Hey Quartet at the Artists Quarter

. December 26-29, The Bad Plus at the Dakota (12/29 Rite of Spring)

. December 27-28, AQ Final Weekend Jam at the Artists Quarter

. December 30, JT's Jazz Implosion with Anthony Cox/Chris Bates' Red 5 at the Icehouse

. December 31, Artists Quarter Final New Year's Eve Party with Carole Martin and Friends

. December 31, Dakota New Year's Eve Party with Davina and the Vagabonds

. January 3-4, Nachito Herrera With Strings at the Dakota

. January 11, Lee Engele, Jazz @ St. Barneys

. January 11, Adam Meckler Orchestra, Jazz at Studio Z

. January 31, Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200

. February 13, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. February15, Koplant No at the Icehouse

. February 19-20, "Guitars of Passion" (Romero Lubambo, Stanley Jordan and Sharon Isbin) at the Dakota

. February 22, Connie Evingson, Jazz @ St. Barneys

. February 25-26, Terence Blanchard Quintet at the Dakota

. March 9, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. March 16, JazzMN Orchestra with New York Voices (matinee) at Hopkins High School Auditorium

. March 16, Pat Metheny Unity Group at the Fitzgerald Theater

. April 8, Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau at the Walker

. April 9, Brad Mehldau Trio at the Walker

. April 10, Delfeayo Marsalis at the Dakota

. May 15-17, Ragamala Dance Company and Rudresh Mahanthappa at the Walker

. June 26-28, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park (St Paul)

















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Faces of the Artists Quarter #13

December 13, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Cory Wong (2012)

© Andrea Canter

For a while, the Cory Wong Quartet opened every Tuesday Night at the Artists Quarter for B-3 Organ Night (featuring the Tuesday Night Band). When TNB ended its 15-year run, Tuesday nights featured rotating ensembles headed by local standouts like Brandon Wozniak, Dean Magraw, Zacc Harris and Bryan Nichols. But the Cory Wong Quartet continued as the early evening band, a run that will end next week (December 17)-- the club is closed Christmas Eve, and the final New Year's Eve Party comes on the last Tuesday.

Cory Wong, Andy Schuster with Pena (2011)
Cory has studied with the best --Pat Martino, Christopher Parkening, Andres Prado, and Charlie Banacos. Nevertheless, holding down a weekly gig is no small feat for such a young bandleader -- the guitarist was just in his early-mid 20s when he began bringing his band of like-minded young lions into the AQ. There's been some personnel changes over the years, with the current band featuring pianist Dan Musselman, bassist Andy Schuster, and drummer Zach Schmidt. Variants of the quartet and quintet recorded Quartet/Quintet in 2012; Cory has led and recorded with an Afro-Peruvian ensemble (Peña), and more recently initiated Foreign Motion with another cadre of musicians, holding the CD release at, of course, the Artists Quarter. Cory also participated in an all-star Guitar Heroes weekend at the AQ -- seems his six strings are tightly wrapped around the Artists Quarter. 
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #14

December 14, 2013, 11:24 am
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Eric Alexander (2012)
© Andrea Canter

I'll always thing of the Artists Quarter when I hear Eric Alexander. Although an Illinois native now based in New York, Eric has a long history of gigs at the St. Paul club, an almost-yearly booking that often coincides with Memorial Day Weekend. On the East Coast he might be best known as  a member of the hard-swinging One for All sextet that performs regularly at Smoke. He's otherwise performed and recorded often with pianist Harold Mabern as well as with his own ensembles, appearing as leader on about two dozen recordings.



Bandaged left hand and all (2011)
I don't think he ever recorded live at the Artists Quarter, which is a shame. Seems he always gives 110% here. Like two years ago when he showed up for his gig with a bloody wrap of gauze around one hand. He had been jogging earlier in the day and was attacked by a dog (a dog on a leash!) and spent the rest of his down time in the ER. You could tell it hurt to push the keys on his saxophone, but save the bandage, you would never know it by the way he made his tenor soar and roar. Fortunately there was no long-term damage.



Eric Alexander joins pianist David Hazeltine for one last gig at the Artists Quarter on December 20-21. Figure it will be 110% x 2.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #15

December 15, 2013, 10:10 pm
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Billy Peterson (2013)

© Andrea Canter

Even during his long stint with the Steve Miller Band, bassist Billy Peterson was a jazzman. If he was in town,  you could most likely find him at the Artists Quarter, on stage with visiting big names or local favorites, or just hanging out at the bar. If it was mom Jeanne or sister Patty's birthday, Billy would be on stage in a supporting role that often involved emcee duties. And now that he's an Miller alum, he's been keeping those jazz chops highly polished.

Billy Peterson (2013)
I've heard Billy for years, mostly at the AQ, but I remember a moment about a year ago when I suddenly recognized what I was hearing--one of the best jazz bassists in the business, here or anywhere. Billy was on stage with Kenny backing pianist Chris Lomheim, a giant in his own right. Chris called "I Hear a Rhapsody," and soon piano and bass were locked into a back-and-forth conversation, followed by a bass solo that was as engaging, inventive and songful as any I've heard.  Two decades on the road with a rock band did not derail Billy's jazz genius. And he brings it to every gig.  And to anyone who regards him as a "straight-ahead" artist -- listen to Billy with the Dave King or Bill Carrothers Trio.


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Faces of the Artists Quarter #16

December 16, 2013, 9:54 pm
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Bryan Nichols, 2013
© Andrea Canter


At some point in relatively recent history, the world lost a potential Mendel. Perhaps even a potential Mendelssohn. Instead, the world of music, specifically the world of jazz, gained Bryan Nichols. Bryan studied genetics at Iowa State University but his own DNA seemed programmed in another direction, and he ended up gigging in Chicago with the likes of Ari Brown and Von Freeman, and spending time in Washington, DC as pianist with Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program.

Bryan has been at the forefront of modern jazz in the Twin Cities, and particularly at the Artists Quarter, since relocating here in the mid-00s. But his association with the AQ goes back to high school, when he first met fellow young jazzers JT Bates and Adam Linz at a club jam session. His first gig at the AQ came at age 19, and when he returned to the Twin Cities, he became a regular, often as a leader of his trio and quintet, often in the company of those former high school musicians JT Bates, Adam Linz, Mike Lewis, Dave King. The AQ hosted Bryan's first CD release, a tribute to the Keith Jarrett "American Quartets" in 2012, nights of new compositions, and most recently some Tuesday Nights with "Bryan Nichols and Friends."


Bryan has been a Face of the Artists Quarter in the 21st century, and is a face of jazz to come....wherever it finds a home.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #17

December 17, 2013, 11:03 pm
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Gary Berg (2006)

 © Andrea Canter
As Pamela Espeland continues her series of commentaries from the musicians and friends of the Artists Quarter, one name pops up over and over -- Gary Berg. Swinging for decades on tenor, alto and soprano sax as well as the chromatic harmonica, nearly everyone who frequented the Artists Quarter over the past 30 years recalls Gary as one of the club's icons, a source of inspiration to young musicians and awe to fans of all ages. He was a standing member of the Tuesday Night Band when organist Billly Holloman headed B-3 Organ Night; he was a sought-after sideman to vocalists like Prudence Johnson, Lucia Newell and Carole Martin, partnered with Clay Moore at Fireside Pizza, and was frequently on the bandstand for such celebrations as New Year's Eve and AQ Birthday gigs-- including his own 70th birthday bash about 5 years ago.

Soulful and hard-bopping, Berg has brought his magic touch to local recordings--Pieces of Dreams by Carole Maritn, This is Organ Night by Billy Holloman, Blanket of Blue by Paula Lammers, Deja Vu by Francine Roche, and The Highest Mountain by George Avaloz.   Notes Jazz Police Chief Don Berryman, “He lets the bop riffs ride on the groove in a way that’s true to the music and the feeling.” 
Gary's still around but we seldom hear that he's playing. His last gigs at the Artists Quarter were 2-3 years ago, but we can still hear his horns echoing across the stage.



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Faces of the Artists Quarter - #18

December 18, 2013, 10:04 pm
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Eric Alexander and Dog Bite, 2011


© Andrea Canter

One of the most frequent out-of-town visitors to the Artists Quarter, at least over the past decade, has been tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander. A native of Galesburg, IL who launched his career in Chicago, Eric was at home in the Midwest. And he kept coming into the Artists Quarter long after he relocated to New York, where he has been a steady presence on that scene for 20 years. Eric is a prolific recording artist, with his own quartet and the long-running sextet One for All, which pretty much owns Smoke in New York.

Eric Alexander, 2012
We can always count on Eric to give every set, every tune his full attention and every ounce of heart. Perhaps his passion was never more obvious than his spring 2011 weekend at the AQ. Everything went well on his first night. On Saturday he was jogging in a nearby St Paul park when he met up with an angry canine who clearly had no interest in preserving jazz. After a few hours in the Emergency Room, the wounded hand yet unstitched to prevent infection (as I recall), Eric came into the Artists Quarter, his left hand heavily bandaged, only his fingers free. It had to hurt with every note! But that night, there was no stopping him, he played with the same abandon that always characterized his brawny tenor. He played two long sets as always.

Maybe the AQ should have framed that bloody bandage to honor that night. Jazz will survive, and then some, as long as we have the Eric Alexanders who refuse to put down their horns.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #19

December 19, 2013, 9:47 pm
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David Hazeltine (2008)
© Andrea Canter


Aaron Steinberg summed up pianist David Hazeltine's talents in Jazz Times as "A player and writer with great respect for the melody, Hazeltine can be surprisingly inventive with the harmonic and rhythmic possibilities in a tune… his approach makes well-known tunes sound fresh." A Milwaukee native, David probably played his first AQ gig in the 80s on Nicollet while based in the Midwest. Even when he settled in New York, the continued to return now and then to the AQ, on Jackson and then on St. Peter Streets where he has long been an AQ audience favorite. This weekend he joins one of his New York-based cohorts from the ensemble One for All, saxophonist Eric Alexander, for total blowout at the AQ. It's one of the great partnerships in jazz, playing for a "home crowd" one more time.
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The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, December 20-26

December 20, 2013, 12:43 am
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© Andrea Canter


The Artists Quarter Countdown continues, with two of its long-time favorite national artists joining together this weekend and one of its longest-running local bands closing out the week. Meanwhile the holidays bring heroines of song to concert and club stages, and the annual Bad Plus residency begins at the Dakota. The weather outside might be frightful, but the jazz inside is bountiful.


Big Gigs This Week

Todd Clouser
Friday, December 20. Last month, Jazz Central launched a monthly series of Friday night jams led by students dubbed the Young Beasts. On the stage tonight -- The Farmington Quintessential Quintet; The Eau Claire Ice Bergh Combo; and The Will Kjeer Combo, followed by an open jam. Over in St Paul, guitarist/composer Todd Clouser comes back to town to celebrate his latest recording,  The Naked Beat, which does have more of a rock bent than much of his earlier work. He brings his national touring edition of A Love Electric (bassist Aaron Cruz and drummer Hernan Hecht) to the Amsterdam Bar, part of a rockish triple bill.



Eric Alexander
Friday-Saturday, December 20-21.On their own, both Eric Alexander and David Hazeltine are worthy of SRO in any club, and over time they have found strong support for their gigs at the Artists Quarter. But this weekend they perform together as the countdown to the AQ's closing continues as the final note draws ever closer. With Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst filling out the rhythm section, tenor sax titan Alexander and piano virtuoso Hazeltine make this one of jazz's top "going out of business" gigs.



Maud Hixson
Saturday, December 21. No one celebrates the holidays with more flair than songbird Maud Hixson. At Bloomington's Schneider Theater, Maude and the Wolverines Trio (Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal and Jendeen Forberg) "Let It Snow" with vintage film clips and carols. Adding to Maud's journey through the holiday songbooks of the 1930-w-50s are rare films from the famed collection of Bob DeFlores.




Patty Peterson
With a family that knows how to hold a holiday party on stage, singer Patty Peterson finds plenty of support from more Petersons and friends for a "Jam Before Christmas" show at the Dakota. Patty will be joined by sister Linda, brothers Ricky and Paul, and nephew Jason DeLaire, along with usual cohorts Billy Franze, Bobby Vandell, Cory Wong and more.



Sunday, December 22. A few days after his St Paul celebration of Angels, Kings, My Favorite Things, pianist/vocalist/composer Larry McDonough comes to Minneapolis for a reprise at the Icehouse. The new recording is trademark McDonough, with new compositions and arrangements that highlight quirky time signatures, off-beat harmonies and fine ensemble interplay.



Karrin Allyson
Sunday-Monday, December 22-23.Enroute to international acclaim, vocalist/pianist Karrin Allyson stopped in the Twin Cities for a few years to hone her chops.  Recently voted Top Rising Star Female Vocalist by Downbeat, the honor seems a bit late given the acclaim from critics for her dozen or so albums and her four Grammy nominations to date. Well, perhaps you are a rising star until you release a holiday album? Karrin is in town at the Dakota to celebrate her new Yuletide Hideaway, which should confirm her rightful place among the "stars." Joining her will be long-time friend Laura Caviani, who will be on the piano bench --except for those songs on which Karrin chooses to accompany herself. Some all-time favorites will be interspersed with original and seldom-heard tunes.



Jake Baldwin
Monday, December 23. Jazz Central continues its series of interesting artist combinations with "Jake Vs B-3" night. Young trumpeter Jake Baldwin goes head-to-bridge with Tanner Taylor, who tonight shows off his organ chops with some help from drummer Mac Santiago.  Meanwhile, the Icehouse as always on Mondays hosts JT's Jazz Implosion, tonight featuring house favorites, Fat Kid Wednesdays with Mike Lewis, Adam Linz and JT himself. If these two venues seem to have competing agendas tonight, remember Jazz Central begins at least an hour earlier..... and they are not that far apart.



The Bad Plus
Thursday, December 26. It's the first night of the Bad Plus residency at the Dakota, with the trio's "usual" nights of mayhem offered Thursday through Saturday.  But they will stay around an extra day this visit to reprise their 2012 Rite of Spring next Sunday.



Phil Hey
At the Artists Quarter, the Phil Hey Quartetends a run that began on Jackson Street and continued in the Hamm Building, as they have one last gig at the AQ. For Phil, the November gig was a comeback after illness kept him off the band stand for a couple months this fall, and wow--did he come back! Now it's one more blast for Phil and pals Phil Aaron, Tom Lewis and Dave Hagedorn before the AQ shuts down, and this gig promises to be the most incendiary of the PHQ's long tenure.



More Jazz Every Night

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Policeand KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:



Friday, December 20. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, happy hour at the Dakota; Joann Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Vicky Mountain at Parma 8200; Bryan Nichols and Brian Courage, dinner sets at the Icehouse; The Brad Bellows/Donald Washington Quartet at the Black Dog; Vic Volare at Hell's Kitchen; James Wallace at the Red Stag



Saturday, December 21. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Zacc Harris Trio at Merlin's Rest; Joann Funk and Jeff Brueske with Gary Schulte and Steven Marking at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Chris Lomheim and Jeremy Boettcher, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Jana Nyberg Group followed by Jason Weisman at Hell's Kitchen; Debbie Duncan Christmas Benefit for We Care Performing Arts at Jazz Central  
Jana Nyberg Group



Sunday, December 22. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Larry McDonough CD Release at the Icehouse; Zacc Harris Trio at Eat Street Social; Nova Jazz Orchestra at St. James Lutheran Church (West St Paul); George Winston at the Fitzgerald Theater; Charmin Michelle with Vic Volare, Swinging Holiday at Jax Café



Monday, December 23. Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Triosé at Barbette



Tuesday, December 24. Joel Shapira, brunch at Hell's Kitchen



Wednesday, December 25. The Steeles at the Dakota



Thursday, December 26. Maurice Jacox, brunch at Hell's Kitchen; Connie and Herb at The Bean (Andover)



Coming Soon!

. December 26-29, The Bad Plus at the Dakota (12/29 Rite of Spring)

. December 27-28, AQ Final Weekend Jam at the Artists Quarter

. December 29, Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar

. December 30, JT's Jazz Implosion with Anthony Cox/Chris Bates' Red 5 at the Icehouse

. December 30, New Year's Eve Eve Jam and Party at Jazz Central

. December 30, New Standards at the Dakota

. December 31, Maud Hixson and the Wolverines Trio at Parma 8200

. December 31, Joann Funk Trio at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel)

. December 31, Artists Quarter Final New Year's Eve Party with Carole Martin and Friends

. December 31, Dakota New Year's Eve Party with Davina and the Vagabonds

. January 3-4, Nachito Herrera With Strings at the Dakota

. January 5, Larry Coryell Trio at the Dakota

. January 6-7, Roberta Gambarini at the Dakota

. January 7, Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog

. January 10, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200

. January 11, Lee Engele, Jazz @ St. Barneys

. January 11, Adam Meckler Orchestra, Jazz at Studio Z

. January 13, David Grisman Folk Jazz Trio at the Dakota

. January 14, Chris Olson Project at the Black Dog

. January 16, Michelle Weir and Phil Mattson at Jazz Central

. January 17, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. January 20, Fantastic Merlins at the Black Dog

. January 24, Katie Gearty at Parma 8200

. January 31, Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200

. February 13, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. February15, Koplant No at the Icehouse

. February 19-20, "Guitars of Passion" (Romero Lubambo, Stanley Jordan and Sharon Isbin) at the Dakota

. February 22, Connie Evingson, Jazz @ St. Barneys

. February 25-26, Terence Blanchard Quintet at the Dakota

. March 9, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. March 16, JazzMN Orchestra with New York Voices (matinee) at Hopkins High School Auditorium

. March 16, Pat Metheny Unity Group at the Fitzgerald Theater

. April 8, Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau at the Walker

. April 9, Brad Mehldau Trio at the Walker

. April 10, Delfeayo Marsalis at the Dakota

. May 15-17, Ragamala Dance Company and Rudresh Mahanthappa at the Walker

. June 26-28, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park (St Paul)


Final Ten Days

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Faces of the Artists Quarter #19

December 21, 2013, 12:31 am
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Brian Courage (2013)

© Andrea Canter

The Artists Quarter has long been a launching pad for new artists and new ensembles, often the venue where we remember first hearing an artist who became a favorite locally or beyond. The Bad Plus first came together at the Artists Quarter. Bryan Nichols, Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris and JT Bates, Adam Linz, The Phil Hey Quartet, Red Planet -- all grew their reputations through gigs at the Artists Quarter.

Bassist Brian Courage is on that list. He's only a couple years out of college, coming to the Twin Cities after graduation from Lawrence Conservatory. He was hardly unpacked when he made his first visit to the AQ as a listener, and within a few weeks was on stage with Laura Caviani. And within a few months, Brian was an AQ regular -- on stage and in the audience. Any band needing a bassist? Call Brian Courage. He seemed to be as at-home with a straight-ahead trio as a big band, backing a vocalist or improvising more freely with one of the area's more outside ensembles. And if he wasn't playing, he was listening.  It didn't matter what club or theater I visited, nine times out of ten, there was Brian.

Mountain King, debut at the AQ (2013)
Brian still covers much of the Twin Cities jazz scene, but most often I see him at the Artists Quarter. He co-leads a band of young upstarts dubbed Courageous Endeavors; and recently he joined forces with two somewhat older bassists-- Graydon Peterson and Jeremy Boettcher-- to form the trio Mountain King. Mountain King-- another band that launched at the Artists Quarter. Hard to imagine 30 people listening intently to a bass solo, let alone a three-bass trio!  And perhaps more significant to Brian's career, he got the call to back New York pianist David Hazeltine at the AQ this past spring, and the great Lew Tabackin when the saxophonist paid his last visit to the AQ in November.

I know that we will still hear Brian Courage playing with a long list of ensembles and visiting musicians after the AQ closes -- he's made the connections with venues and fellow artists. And he's heard them all from the other side of the bandstand.

I know that 20 years from now, we'll all recall, "Brian Courage -- yeah, I used to hear him at the Artists Quarter. He played with everybody!"

Note: This is the second #19 in this series. Brian Courage, who apparently reads everything as well as attending everything, pointed out to me that I had posted two different entries re Eric Alexander a few days apart. I need Brian's nimble brain!

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Faces of the Artists Quarter - #20

December 23, 2013, 10:30 am
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Gordy Johnson (2010)

© Andrea Canter

For an Eastman School of Music flute graduate, Gordy Johnsonis one heckuva bassist. Just watch the audience when Gordy is on the bandstand -- mostly, folks listen even during the bass solos! And if you just watch Gordy's face, you know he's hearing every note, every chord, every idea and responding... which is why we see Gordy on the band stand so often, with so many different musicians, from pianists like Laura Caviani and Chris Lomheim to large ensembles like the Pete Whitman X-Tet.  But we also see him alone on the bandstand before and between sets, making sure the piano is in tune. He knows every inch, every bolt, every string on the AQ's Yahama. And give or take a key that needs an overhaul, he makes sure that the sounds coming from that piano are the ones the pianist really intends! 

It's not enough that Gordy is the pulse of the band......if there's a piano, he's the keeper of the sound. From his ears to ours.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #21

December 24, 2013, 2:30 pm
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Jay Epstein, with an airborne missle, with Bryan Nichols' ensemble's tribute to Keith Jarrett (2012)


© Andrea Canter

I don't recall when or in what context I first saw drummer Jay Esptein, but I am sure it was at the Artists Quarter. Maybe with Red Planet, or Bill Carrothers or perhaps backing a vocalist.  Aside from hearing his talents behind the trapset, I have always enjoyed watching Jay -- arms flailing with a certain symmetry, sticks and often other objects cutting arcs through the air, those sudden jabs at the cymbals that catch you by surprise at just the right moment. At a recent Red Planet gig, it looked like he had raided the kitchen cupboard, finding spoons and egg beaters as more than adequate substitutes for brushes and mallets. One of my favorite Jay-enhanced gigs at the AQ was as part of Bill Carrothers "Armistice 1918" project -- his percussion arsenal included gongs and shakers. A few years later he added percussion to Bryan Nichols' usual quintet in a salute to Keith Jarrett's American Quartets--more shakers, more hand-held objects.

Jay and eggbeaters
Red Planet, the trio with Dean Magraw and Chris Bates, is perhaps the most popular of Jay's ongoing projects, but he's also managed time for Easy Company with Anthony Cox and Bill Carrothers and Framework with Chris Olson and Chris Bates. Away from the AQ, he's been heard on tour with Five by Design and with pianist Mary Louise Knutson. But the AQ seems to be his musical home --even on recent nights when he has played in the house band for the adjacent Park Square Theater, Jay heads down to the AQ after the final curtain. Just to hang out and listen. Another face in the crowd -- until he gets behind the trapset. Then he's part of the heartbeat of the AQ.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #22

December 25, 2013, 11:28 am
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Pete Whitman (2011)


© Andrea Canter

Pete Whitman's X-Tet
Just how can you put a band with ten musicians on the Artists Quarter stage-- along with a Yamaha grand? Easy - just take out the first two rows of tables. And for years, nearly every month (usually the last Thursday), the Pete Whitman X-Tet proved that the AQ had enough room for a large ensemble - and without killing the ears of patrons sitting only a few feet away.  Month after month, we heard fresh arrangements and original compositions from the best "little big band" around, a band that would easily garner raves in the Big Apple, sporting the very best of Twin Cities' musicians and what seemed to be an ideal configuration-- rhythm section, horns, and vibes. Veterans dominated the line-up (Dave Karr, Phil Hey, Laura Caviani, Dave Graf, Dave Hagedorn), which in the last couple years has also included some hot young talents like Adam Meckler and Adam Rossmiller.

Pete Whitman with "Mississippi"
But Pete Whitman is no one-trick saxman. There was his quintet, Departure Point, and most recently a collaborative ensemble dubbed Mississippi that debuted on the AQ stage. A few years ago, we were privileged to have Peruvian guitairst Andres Prado in our midst, and his gigs at the AQ always featured Pete on sax. And there's Pete's partner, pianist Laura Caviani, who often teams up with Pete to add some more harmonic depth to her small combos. Pete headed AQ tributes to the late Dewey Redman and in the past year or so was often featured on the Tuesday night "And Friends" series.

And performing is only part of Pete Whitman, who heads the Brass and Woodwinds department at McNally Smith College of Music. In keeping with the AQ's focus on supporting young musicians, Pete often brought the college edition of the X-Tet into the AQ, along with periodic student/faculty "McNally Smith Venue Nights."

Pete Whitman blows a mighty fine horn (and flute), but he also helps ensure the Twin Cities' jazz legacy, on and off the stage.



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Faces of the Artists Quarter #23

December 26, 2013, 12:03 am
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Snowblind (2013)

© Andrea Canter

Snowblind (2006) with Tom Lewis filling in on bass
Starting out back in 2005, appearing at the 2006 Twin Cities Jazz Festival and often over the next few years at the Dakota, the brass quintet Snowblind has more recently found a comfortable "home stage" at the Artists Quarter. Each of the current members of Snowblind has other affiliations with the AQ: Saxophonist Shilad Sen has played with the Adam Meckler Big Band; both trombonist Scott Agster and trumpeter Adam Rossmiller have been frequent participants in the Pete Whitman X-Tet; drummer Reid Anderson has performed with his own trio; and bassist Graydon Peterson performs often with his own quartet, with Mountain King, and with a long list of pianists, horn players and visiting artists as a first-call sideman.

Together as Snowblind, these musicians have developed a rather quirky coherence via original arrangements of such classics as "Night in Tunisia" and a raft of original compositions from each band member, yielding two recordings to date. Their AQ finale (December 18th) added yet another voice, the vibes of Dave Hagedorn, as the guys paid homage to the compositions of Dave Holland. Noted Dave's wife Gwen re the his invitation to join this still-young ensemble, "He was really excited, like he had an invitation to join the kids in the sandbox." Says a lot when a veteran like Dave finds such excitement as a guest artist for a new generation band.

Whatever the fate of the AQ, we'll surely hear more from Snowblind, and more from each of these individual musicians.

Snowblind finale at the AQ, with Dave Hagedorn on vibes and Adam Meckler filling in on trumpet


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Faces of the Artists Quarter #24

December 26, 2013, 2:03 pm
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Dave Graf (2012)

 © Andrea Canter



We're accustomed to seeing the trombone in large ensembles, butDave Graf has helped elevate the brass bone to chamber contexts, most notably with Brad Bellows in the popular quintet, Valve [Brad] Meets Slide [Dave],  often on stage at the Artists Quarter.  Of course we also hear Dave with a long list of other bands, from Dave Karr's Mulligan Stew to the JazzMN Orchestra, Pete Whitman X-Tet, Salsa Del Soul, Explosion Big Band and more. But when Valve Meets Slide, we get to hear the melodic side of the trombone in all its growling glory, as a leading solo voice, as the entire rhythm section coiled into one bad ax.

Brad Bellows and Dave Graf, "Valve and Slide"

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The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, December 27 - January 2

December 26, 2013, 3:19 pm
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Pleased and Flipped - Artists Quarter Final Jam, December 27-28

© Andrea Canter

Year-end celebrations dominate jazz this week, but one is certainly bittersweet as the Artists Quarter closes out its St. Paul run, at least for now. But the AQ will exit on a chorus of high notes, with a weekend "Jam" of surprise guests and a sold-out New Year's Eve finale. Add in a four-night residency with the Bad Plus at the Dakota, some former Minnesotans in solo sets at Jazz Central, and a list of jazzy New Year's Eve gigs and 2013 will go out like a lion.

Big Gigs This Week
Friday, December 27. Last Happy Hour of the year with Irv Williams typically joined by pianist Peter Schimke and sometimes another artist; tonight young saxophonist Joshua Jones makes it a multi-generational gig. Stay for an hour and then come down the block to Hell's Kitchen another no-cover gig, tonight with sassy songbird Nichola Miller. In Bloomington, the vocal night at Parma 8200 presents favorite crooner Arne Fogel. Enjoy with a hot toddy or a flatbread and wine. The Parma lounge and bar provides a relaxing atmosphere, and always a top voice with backing duo or trio.

The Bad Plus
Friday-Sunday, December 27-29.After their Thursday night start, The Bad Plus fill out their schedule at the Dakota, playing two sets each night. Thursday- Saturday is the usual holiday homecoming series of gigs, playing unique arrangements of popular (and sometimes classical) fare and original compositions; Sunday is a special reprise of their 2011 performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Still honoring Stravinsky's original and controversial score, The Bad Plus also gives it a makeover that would make Igor blush.

Adjacent to the Artists Quarter, Park Square Theatre's Words By...Ira Gershwin and the Great American Songwriters puts T. Mychal Rambo, Jennifer Grimm and Ari Hoptman to work on over 2 dozen tunes with Ira's lyrics, backed by the outstanding rhythm team of Chris Olson, Chris Bates, Jay Epstein and music director Joseph Vass. Last chance to see it this weekend... and on Friday and Saturday, the show is over in plenty of time for the latter part of the AQ Jam.

Kenny Horst
Friday-Saturday, December 27-28.The long-awaited long goodbye at the Artists Quarter starts with two nights of gala jamming. Phil Aaron (Friday) and Bryan Nichols (Saturday) lead the rhythm section (which surely includes drummer Kenny Horst) along with a parade of AQ favorites. May the music never end.

Saturday, December 28. Yet another homecoming featuring Twin Cities natives who are now based in New York. At Jazz Central, this rare Saturday night gig offers exciting solo piano back-to-back. Classically trained, Mary Prescott undertook a year-long improvisation project in 2012, recording an improvised work each day. She's debuting some these pieces in public tonight. Following Mary is a solo jazz recital by UW-EC grad Jesse Stacken, who has impressed critics and fellow musicians over his decade in the Big Apple, leading his own trio and now recording and touring with saxophonist Tony Malaby among others.

Andrew Foreman
Sunday, December 29. Andrew Foreman's final Off the Cuff for 2013 offers a bass-heavy double header at the Aster Cafe. Start the evening with double bass/double drum (double sibling?) set with Chris Bates and Casey O'Brien on bass matching wits with JT Bates and Graham O'Brien on drums. Second set features two drums again -- Zach Schmidt and Alex Young, joining Foreman on bass, Trent Jacob on guitar and Dan Musselman on keyboards. The focus as always is on improvisation, in the moment, off the cuff.

Anthony Cox
Monday, December 30. Countdown to New Year's with JT's Jazz Implosion, filling the Icehouse tonight with The Mother of Masks (Anthony Cox, Davu Seru, Mankwe Ndosi and more) for the first set, followed by Chris Bates'Red 5 (Chris and JT Bates, Chris Thomson, Brandon Wozniak and Zack Lozier) for the late set. So we're talking 8+ of the most creative artists in town, one stage, one cover.

Over at Jazz Central, they're hosting a New Year's Eve Eve Musicians' Hang, with a jam featuring many of Jazz Central's performers and anyone who wants to join in.

Al Iverson will be back for the AQ NY Eve Party
Tuesday, December 31, New Year's Eve!Every tradition has its end game. Tonight, Carole Martin and Friends take the stage at the Artists Quarter for the final downbeat. The party is sold out, although perhaps if you come by in the wee hours you will be able to pay your respects to Kenny and Dawn Horst, Davis, Carole, and the AQ crew who have served our jazz community so well, and for so little, for so long. You can be sure the joint will be rockin' til last call. And maybe for a while after that. For a list of jazzy New Year's Eve gigs, see below.

Denny and Charmin at Fireside Pizza
Wednesday, January 1. A special night at Fireside Pizza -- welcome the New Year or take a break from the umpteenth bowl game with Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg. They guarantee a swinging start to 2014 and some of the area's best flat crust.

More Jazz Every Night
Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Policeand KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, December 27. Todd Harper, solo piano at the Black Dog (5 pm); JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel)

Saturday, December 28. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Lee Engele with Uptown Maxx at Sawatdee (Eden Prairie); Ticket to Brasil at Loring Pasta Bar; James Wallace at the Red Stag

Sunday, December 29. Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar; Doug Little Quartet at Eat Street Social Club; Charmin Michelle and Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra at Cinema Ballroom; New Standards at the Dakota

Monday, December 30. Bookhouse Trio at Barbette

Joann Funk and Jeff Brueske
Tuesday, December 31, New Year's Eve Gigs: Maud Hixson at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk Trio at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel);  Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyed Band at the Shakopee Ballroom; Charmin Michelle and Vic Volare at the Crooked Pint; Davina and the Vagabonds at the Dakota; Open Season, early NY Eve at thje Black Dog (Todd Harper, Nathan Hanson, Brian Roessler, Pete Hennig); Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar

Wednesday, January 1. Debbie Duncan at Hell's Kitchen

Thursday, January 2. Moonlight Serenaders at Wabasha Street Caves; vocal night at Jazz Central

Coming Soon!
. January 3-4, Nachito Herrera With Strings at the Dakota
. January 5, Larry Coryell Trio at the Dakota
. January 6-7, Roberta Gambarini at the Dakota
. January 7, Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog
. January 10, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200
. January 11, Lee Engele, Jazz @ St. Barneys
. January 11, Adam Meckler Orchestra, Jazz at Studio Z
. January 13, David Grisman Folk Jazz Trio at the Dakota
. January 14, Chris Olson Project at the Black Dog
. January 16, Michelle Weir and Phil Mattson at Jazz Central
. January 17, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200
. January 20, Fantastic Merlins at the Black Dog
. January 24, Katie Gearty at Parma 8200
. January 31, Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200
. February 13, Kurt Elling at the Dakota
. February15, Koplant No at the Icehouse
. February 19-20, "Guitars of Passion" (Romero Lubambo, Stanley Jordan and Sharon Isbin) at the Dakota
. February 22, Connie Evingson, Jazz @ St. Barneys
. February 25-26, Terence Blanchard Quintet at the Dakota
. March 9, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota
. March 16, JazzMN Orchestra with New York Voices (matinee) at Hopkins High School Auditorium
. March 16, Pat Metheny Unity Group at the Fitzgerald Theater
. April 8, Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau at the Walker
. April 9, Brad Mehldau Trio at the Walker
. April 10, Delfeayo Marsalis at the Dakota
. May 15-17, Ragamala Dance Company and Rudresh Mahanthappa at the Walker
. June 26-28, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park (St Paul)

Larry Coryell -- Back at the Dakota on January 5












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Faces of the Artists Quarter #25

December 27, 2013, 2:36 pm
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Chris (top) and JT Bates, adding color to the Artists Quarter (2013)
© Andrea Canter

Brothers in jazz, brothers in improvisation, Chris and JT Bates are brothers, period. And over the past 20 years or so, the Artists Quarter has been their primary artistic playground, sometimes together (with the Motion Poets, Kelly Rossum, Bryan Nichols, Zacc Harris, Chris's Red Five) and sometimes separately. Individually they are at the top of the jazz scene-- Chris on bass for a long list of ensembles, including the Atlantis Quartet, Red Planet, Framework, How Birds Work, his Good Vibes Trio, sometimes Adam Meckler Orchestra, Todd  Clouser's A Love Electric; JT on drums for Fat Kids Wednesdays, Bryan Nichols Quintet and Trio, Zacc Harris Quartet, Todd Clouser.

Red Five at the Artists Quarter (2013)
Red Five, which Chris put together about 2 years ago, was a fresh opportunity for the brothers to work together, and has become one of the most highly regarded of a crop of new bands. The band's CD release was held at the Artists Quarter. It was Bates Night. Any time either Chris or JT hit the stage, it's Bates Night. When they find themelves on the same bandstand... it's Magic Night. 




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Faces of the Artists Quarter #26

December 28, 2013, 1:56 pm
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Dean Granros at the AQ (2013)


© Andrea Canter

I first saw/heard Dean Granros with How Birds Work, a terrific quartet that used to play weekly at the AQ in its early years in the Hamm Building. By then he was one of the Twin Cities' grand veterans of jazz, serving an apprenticeship back in the 60s at such old local jazz and blues haunts as the Blue Note, Extraordinaire and Downtowner. I didn't even live here then. In the 70s Dean was leader or co-leader of experimental jazz groups --The Whole Earth Rainbow Band and Lapis. For nearly a decade from the mid-80s, he played with Eric Kamau Gravatt in Kamanari, then joined Scott Fultz and Dave King as FKG. In the new millennium, Dean joined George Cartwright's Curlew, and then of course How Birds Work with Peter Schimke, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst. HBW still plays now and then (with Chris Bates usually on bass) at the AQ, but we miss their frequent explorations. Occasionally FKG comes together, and Dean has performed more recently with Starry Eyed Lovelies (with King, Mike Lewis and Anthony Cox) and with his own AntiGravity improvisation ensemble.

Dean Granros and Chris Bates (2013)
In the last month, we've gotten a booster shot of Dean Granros, as he came into the AQ with his own trio (Chris Bates and Kenny Horst); just last night (December 27), Dean sat in with fellow musicians as part of the AQ Final Weekend Jam, particularly grooving back and forth with Chris Bates on a couple tunes. His is an art that is far too rare and too little appreciated. Yet we do have an audience for experimental improvisation in the Twin Cities. Hopefully there will soon be another venue to give it a good hearing. 

I like to quote Don Berryman's summary of Dean:“Dean Granros is a musical Jekyll and Hyde, mild mannered when he takes the stage and settles into the groove but eventually he will play like a madman, taking the music where no sane person would and then makes it beautiful when he gets there.”

Sanity is over-rated.
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Faces of the Artists Quarter #27

December 29, 2013, 8:43 am
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Dave King (with the Trio, CD release 2012)

© Andrea Canter

Dave King (2012)
Even if you only consider the bands he brings into the Artists Quarter, it's hard to keep track of Dave King and his ensembles. A regular face since the mid-90s, Dave has been instrumental (pun intended) in birthing some of the area's most exciting bands, and the AQ has served as the delivery room. No, the Bad Plus did not begin at the Dakota, where they have played an annual holiday gig for many years - the world renowned trio (with King, Ethan Iverson and Reid Anderson) first performed at the Artists Quarter in 2000. Happy Apple (King, Mike Lewis, Erik Fratzke) found its audience in 1996 "when Kenny Horst took a chance on some young attitude-laden doofs named Happy Apple and gave us the holy grail at the time – a Wednesday night at the AQ!!!" as King related in his commentary for Bebopified.

The Bad Plus and Happy Apple might be Dave's highest profile (and longest-running) gigs, but there's lots more. On hiatus now, another AQ-spawned trio, dubbed FKG after its members (Scott Fultz, Dave King, Dean Granros), garned a faithful following over the past decade-plus; the rising star ensemble Dave King Trucking Company debuted at the Walker Art Center about four years ago but has performed steadily at the AQ ever since with King, Fratzke, Brandon Wozniak and Adam Linz on local gigs (adding New Yorker Chris Speed on tour and recordings). More recently, Dave pulled together pals Bill Carrothers and Billy Peterson for a sublime recording session focusing on - aaagh! - standards! The Dave King Trio hit the AQ over the past year. And each time Dave is on stage, it's not just a music performance  - it's a stand-up comedy act, Dave's often stream-of-conscious commentary filling (sometimes large) spaces between tunes and leaving most of us scratching our heads between laughs. The AQ version of Saturday Night Live.

Dave was part of one of my most memorable weekends at the Artists Quarter, in late 2003. Siamese Fighting Fish (a trio led by Dean Granros with Dave and Anthony Cox) was booked but Dean had a family emergency. Cox quickly contacted pianist Craig Taborn, in town for the holidays, and a new trio emerged, dubbed Garcia. It turned out to be a one-off, unfortunate given the soar of the music and the roar of the crowd. I wrote my first-ever music review that weekend, which became my first contribution to Jazz Police. And of the drummer, I wrote:

"Dave King has no boundaries in either the percussive elements he uses (including toddler toys) or the gymnastics with which he assembles and dismantles those elements in creating an endless palette of sound.  His cymbals are not crash and ride, but crash and burn."

A decade later, I wouldn't change a single word.

Sometimes Dave's monologues became duo-tones - as with Erik Fratzke (2010)

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