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.

Chicago Jazz!

I am here in Chicago and enjoying what the Windy City has to offer. I have already visited Andy's Jazz Club and will be exploring other options in the weeks to come. Please note the new jazz events listings for Chicago.