From left: Kara Baldus, Tom Kennedy and
Miles Vandiver of the Tom Kennedy Quartet
Activity by touring artists is still pretty much nonexistent in St. Louis this week, but there's still enough action on local jazz stages to satisfy the hungry ear.
Drummer Montez Coleman headlines at the Jazz at the Bistro on Friday and Saturday night as part of their "Spotlight Series" featuring local and regional musicians.. The East St. Louis native has worked with Rufus Reid, Wynton Marsalis and other national artists, as well as St. Louis musicians such as Russell Gunn, Erin Bode, Mardra and Reggie Thomas and Willie Akins.
On Friday night, Farshid Etniko will present two sets of their Latin-jazz-world music at Mad Art Gallery, and bassist Tom Kennedy brings his (relatively) new Quartet to Cookie's Jazz and More. Kennedy, of course, also has some serious major-artist cred, having worked with Steps Ahead, Dave Weckl and others. I haven't heard this band yet myself, but a musician friend whose judgement I trust has, and tells me they're definitely worth the trip.
And while we're on the subject of sidemen to well-known artists, it should be noted that guitarist Peter Mayer, who's been a key part of singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band for over a decade now, will bring his own group to Finale for two sets tonight. A superb guitar technician and able vocalist, Mayer has done lots of different things in his career, from jazz-fusion to Beatles covers to original pop-rock to Christian music. No telling exactly what he'll have in store for this gig, but perhaps playing in this setting will bring out the improvisational side of his musical personality.
As always, there are also numerous recurring weekly gigs and jam sessions going on, too; you can check the St. Louis Jazz Notes calendar for a more detailed listing. And if you're a musician, venue or presenter who would like to get your upcoming event listed in said calendar, please email the info on who, what, where, when and how much to stljazznotes at yahoo dot com.
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