This is getting complex...
By Jeremy Tsuei
Saturday: Astghik Martirosyan
This one came to me after a lesson with Matt Penman, who told me that that the venue, Bar Bayeux, was the "Village Vanguard of Brooklyn". Well, they certainly had the curtains in common - as well as a good sound and a good vibe. This was a killer group - including Julian Shore (piano), Rogérico Boccato (percussion), Vinicius Gomes (guitar), and the aforementioned Matt Penman (bass) - playing some really twisty arrangements and tunes. Martirosyan's voice was powerful, and she blended modern sounds, generational jazz influences, and Armenian folk sensibilities with aplomb. Particular highlights included the original tune "Lavender" (I hope the love story which inspired this goes well), as well as the Fred Hersch tune, "Song of Life". Martirosyan's debut album, "Distance", came out last year - she's definitely one to watch.
Sunday: Basik jam and Aaron Johnson Boplicity
Another Basik jam, this time led by Matt La Von. Maybe I'm biased as a bassist, but I've got to give it up for house bassist Paul Torres - this guy was just shredding it on his instrument, and knew every tune that was called inside and out. Some really amazing bebop lines and real fluency and creativity for every solo - just an example of a player who really knows their stuff, and how to use it. I also had the chance to play a few tunes - fun was had all around.
Following this up, I went to Smalls for the late night jam hosted by Aaron Johnson's group. These guys dressed and played like they stepped straight out of the '60s (in a good way, of course) - it was a bit of a double-take moment seeing them pulling out iPhones here and there! The band was tight - real straight-ahead stuff, that knows exactly what it is and what it wants to be. For the late night jam I once again played a tune I wasn't familiar with. Learn your lesson, Tsuei!!
To be continued today...
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