Concerts

2014-15 Concert Series

(All concerts begin at 8pm)

New Orleans Jazz – Eli’s All-Stars

September 13, 2014
If you think Dos Equis’ fictional Most Interesting Man in the World is the cat’s meow, chances are you’ve never met band leader Eli Newberger, let alone heard him play. Through a rich, storied career in which he has blended music and medicine for half a century, the New York-born pediatrician and tuba virtuoso has brought joy – and jazz – to audiences around the world. Newberger kicks off our 32nd Star ensemble featuring Boston Pops pianist Bob Winter, Bo Winiker (trumpet), Herb Gardner (trombone), Ted Casher clarinet/tenor sax, Jimmy Mazzy (banjo/vocals) and Jeff Guthery (drums). Eli’s All Stars are not only professional musicians, but friends sharing their favorite tunes. The group will bring to life Louis Armstrong rarities, side by side with great jazz and pop hits, from “Black and Blue” to “Hello Dolly” and “It’s a Wonderful World.” In the decades since co-founding the New Black Eagle Jazz Band in 1970, Newberger has made more than 40 recordings and hundreds of concert and festival appearances across the U.S. and Europe.

JP Plays the ABCs (Arlen, Berlin and Cole) – The Jason Palmer Quintet

Saturday, December 6, 2014
The Jason Palmer Quintet combines modern-improvisational music with traditional jazz. Palmer was named one of the “Top 25 trumpeters of the future” by Downbeat. His debut recording, “Songbook” features guest saxophonists Ravi Coltrane and Greg Osby. The record garnered rave reviews upon its release and appeared on several “Best of 2008” lists including All Music Guide’s list for best jazz album. Palmer won first place in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition in 2009, and was selected as an Artist Fellow in Music Composition by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2011. He has toured extensively, performed on more than 30 albums as a sideman and recorded five discs of his own. His April 2014 CD, Places (SteepleChase), is a compilation of original compositions. A North Carolina native, Palmer studied at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Palmer also performs regularly at the famed Boston club Wally’s Cafe, where he first sat in on jam sessions and later led the house band. Palmer’s sidemen are Luke Marantz (piano), Dan Carpel (bass), Lee Fish (drums) along with Colleen Palmer (vocals).

The Other Yoko – The Yoko Miwa Trio

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Following her spectacular spring debut at New York’s famed Blue Note jazz club, pianist Yoko Miwa is on a roll. A native of Kobe, Japan, Miwa won a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where she was appointed assistant professor in 2011. A year later, her trio released its major label debut, “Act Naturally,” on JVC Victor Entertainment, one of six albums she has released on Japanese labels. Miwa, who is classically trained, studied jazz in Japan with Minoru Ozone, the father of pianist Makoto Ozone. His advice: learn everything by ear. Now, Miwa’s elegant, simple, straight-ahead style has the ear of critics and jazz audiences around the world. Released in 2011, her trio’s most accomplished CD “Live at Scullers Jazz Club” has been described as “picture perfect” by Marc Myers on JazzWax. Myers also notes Miwa’s originals, Mr. B.G. and Silent Promise, “which build with passion and grace.” The album was chosen as among the Best CDs of 2011 by JazzTimes. Rounding out the trio are acoustic bassist Will Slater and drummer Scott Goulding.

Jazz Meets Broadway! – The Bill and Bo Winiker Quintet

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Through presidential inaugurations, major orchestra dates and a regular gig at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, brothers Bill and Bo Winiker have delighted fans of American popular music and jazz for more than 50 years. Bill, a renowned drummer known for his light touch and swinging beat, graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music. Bo, a graduate of the New England Conservatory, plays trumpet, flugelhorn and vibraphone. He has conducted and soloed with the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra at Symphony Hall at the opening of the 2013-2014 BSO season. Bo also conducted at Symphony Hall on New Year’s Eve. The Winikers’ HJ performance will celebrate the great jazz musicians who have adopted the music of Broadway and made it their own by adding the rhythms of jazz and the excitement of improvisation to the great body of Broadway songs. From swing style to contemporary rock rhythms, the Winikers’ jazz combo, featuring Tom Petrakes (bass), pianist Neil Green, and Cyndy Gayle (vocals), will explore how jazz artists from every decade put their own stamp on the music.