Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic kicks off its 2009-10 season this Saturday November 14th.  The evening starts with an opening pre-concert gala reception at 5:00 pm and the performance, entitled "Strings and Things That Swing" begins at 7:30 pm.  The evening will be the premiere of the CJP's chamber group of 10-15 musicians.  Music will include works by the CJP's artistic director, Orbert Davis, and by Bill Russo, Gunther Schuller, and Daniel Schnieder.

The CJP will then travel to Poland and perform "Collective Creativity"  for one week.

Pick of the Week

Sorry for the delay, I thought I had swine flu! Anyway, this week my pick for an afterwork jazz escape is The Jazz Showcase in their new location with a quartet of Dave Schumacher on baritone sax, Eric Hochberg on bass, Kevin O'Connell on piano, and Y.L. Douglas on drums.  Sets are at 8 and 10 pm (sorry, nothing earlier but you can always start drinking right after work and by the time 8 rolls around....)

After Work Pick of the Week

This week's pick for an after work jazz treat is Katerina's on West Irving Park Road.  Nicole Kestler and pianist Brian Ohern are scheduled for Friday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.  No cover.

I plan to make the After Work Pick of the Week a regular feature.  Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Best New Jazz Artists

Check out NPR's selection of best new jazz recordings.  Gretchen Parlato, Ben Allison, Stefon Harris, and Miguel Zenon, among others, are featured.  Another of my favorites not listed is Peter Fish with The Silver Apple

Countdown to Chicago Jazz Festival

With the arrival of September it is now only a few more days until the Chicago Jazz Festival.  One of my personal favorites, William Parker, will be performing Saturday - afternoon on the Jazz & Heritage stage and evening at the Petrillo music shell.