Duke’s the word by George: Christian McBride and Ursa Major new album and Ronnie’s shows
Entering the Mothers of Invention icon George Duke’s universe, the “Young Lions Epoch” bass don brings his kick ass band to Ronnie’s
The what’s on: Euro jazz fests
Viersen Jazz Festival VIERSEN, GERMANY 25-27 Sept
The 38th International Jazzfestival Viersen features Momi Maiga, WDR Big Band featuring Chris Potter and Bob Mintzer, Sebastian Gahler Electric Project, Simin Tander, Hanno Busch Quartet, Till Brönner Trio, Norlyz, Athina Kontou’s Mother, Arne Jansen & Stephan Braun and Fatcat, among others. The WDR Big Band and Chris Potter will present John Coltrane 100, with arrangements featured spots and direction by Bob Mintzer, marking what would have been Coltrane’s 100th birthday.
Jazz Madrid MADRID, SPAIN late-Sept-November
Ledisi, Al Di Meola Acoustic Trio, Kenny Garrett, Stacey Kent, Bill Evans and the Vans Band All Stars, Hiromi, Adrian Younge, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Nate Smith, Avishai Cohen Quartet, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hamilton de Holanda, Theo Croker, Bilal, Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Immanuel Wilkins 4tet, Arturo O’Farrill Trio, Jasmine Myra 5tet, Bria Skonberg, Mammal Hands, Shai Maestro, Stanley Jordan, João Bosco/Guto Wirtti, Kariem Riggins, Emma-Jean Thackray, Joscho Stephan Transatlantic Guitar Trio, Joe Armon Jones, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Ife Ogunyobi 6Tet, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Yellowjackets, The Head Hunters, Alabaster Deplume, Michael Mayo and more. Larger concerts take place at the Teatro Fernán Gómez, CentroCentro and Condeduque. More intimate, late-night club sets are centred on Sala Villanos and Café Central.
Like a Jazz Machine DUDELANGE, LUXEMBOURG 8-11 Oct
James Carter, Mammal Hands, Rymden, Daniel Migliosi and more
Roma Jazz Festival, ROME, ITALY 1–24 Nov
Themed as “Rileggere Miles, ripensare il jazz” (“Re-reading Miles, rethinking jazz”) the festival marks the Miles Davis centennial. The main line-up includes Paolo Fresu, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets, Steve Coleman & Five Elements, Hamilton De Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Erik Truffaz & Antonio Lizana, Gregory Hutchinson, Jeremy Pelt Quintet and Jason Miles among others.
Kurt Elling, pictured, plays in Rome this autumn with the Yellowjackets whose new Weather Report themed album recorded live at a festival in Slovakia is a must
NEW FROM MARLBANK
The right kind of mindset
If it seems wise to put your idols jazz or otherwise on a pedestal, what if they go on to disappoint?
Jalen Baker, RePaved, Cellar Music ****
A love letter to Houston – strong chamber jazz arrangements figure on an album that is full of character and warmth
Julian Joseph to play Rhapsody in Blue with the Ulster Orchestra
A rare appearance in Belfast by Julian Joseph is a highlight this autumn.
Terje Gewelt, The Old Tree, Resonant Music **** recommended
A magisterial sweep to the Nordic poise and mood throughout is instantly convincing and rewarding
