RVANews

Stablemates: A new record label brings Richmond’s jazz players together

David Tenenholtz — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:18:35 +0000

Over the course of the summer, two long-time members of Richmond’s music scene have worked closely to build an independent record label. Bassist Jason Jenkins and guitarist Alan Parker present 32 Bar Records, which as they describe, “…looks to champion unsigned musical talent, assisting in both album production and visual promotion of their art, as well as distribution. Along with jazz and non-jazz releases from its co-founders, the label’s early roster will include some of Richmond’s finest, with albums from these artists coming soon.”

The roster they speak of includes some of the finest musicians in the Richmond and Charlottesville areas:

Jason Jenkins
aP Connection
Larri Branch Agenda – pianist Larri Branch’s engaging leader project
Charles Owens, a masterful jazz saxophonist with serious street cred having held court at Small’s Jazz Club in New York City for many years.
Vocalist Sharon Rae North, who sings a flavorsome mix of R&B and jazz

In an association of this caliber, there are going to be some exciting releases coming at you very soon.

On Friday, October 19th, there will be a CD release for The Larri Branch Agenda at The Camel, they’ll go on at 9:30 PM, and will be followed by the NO BS! Brass Band. The door charge is $7.00.

32 Bar’s new holiday album A Season to Remember will be out soon, with a CD release at Capital Ale House Downtown on November 13th. The night is scheduled by The Richmond Jazz Society. The proceeds from A Season to Remember will go to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Advance tickets are $15, and $20 on the day of the show.

Current releases

aP Connection – Juke

Alan Parker, who’s been one of Richmond’s leading voices on guitar for some years despite his youth, has a unique confidence and maturity in his playing. This trio outing features a mix of bop-inflected jazz, with hints of rock and backbeat driven funkiness at times. The sounds that Parker achieves even from a clean tone can range from silky smooth to brittle and almost brass-horn like. His skills as an improviser are abundantly present on each track, as are those of his grooving bandmates, Matt Hall (bass) and Billy Williams, Jr. (drums).

Jason Jenkins Quartet – Cole Porter Songbook

Bassist Jason Jenkins leads a band that features Alan Parker (guitar), Devonne Harris (drums), and Kevin Simpson (saxophones). They are joined by Newport News vocalist Charles Darden on two tracks that interpret Cole Porter’s most treasured songs. The band’s comfort level in swinging these standards makes this album cozy and relaxed.

The Larri Branch Agenda – Vol. 2

Labragenda (the short form for pianist Branch’s group) is a “working band,” meaning that the same musicians play each gig, and appear on each release. So it’s a close-knit unit, its own brand, and they offer a contrasting approach to standards and originals that is idiosyncratic in tone and texture. The interconnectedness among the members of the band, since they’ve been together for a decent gestation period of a couple years already, is what makes Labragenda such a kick.

Vol. 1, along with a CD of holiday music, have both worked to bring this group into their own. Chris Ryan’s guitar provides the urbanity, and the visceral statements of many melodies on the tracks. The hook-up of the bass and drums, by Brian Cruse and C.J. Wolfe respectively, has been something of a Richmond gem. They frequently work as a pair in other projects, and continue to develop as a rhythmic unit that emphasizes taste. Branch’s playing, from the first track, shows his wit and roots in gospel and the blues (I’m thinking of Otis Spann, Wynton Kelly, Joe Sample, and Vince Guaraldi in one tasty blend). The arrangement of Bud Powell’s “Tempus Fugit” is one that appears regularly in their live gigs. The short Salsa montuno that emerges as a part of the arrangement and gets brought into the solos is a delightfully clever and adventurous touch.

Charles Owens Trio – A Wealth in Common

A master saxophonist who relocated to Charlottesville after many years as a veteran of the New York jazz scene, Charles Owens leads a trio on this album of jazz favorites from the Great American Songbook as well as works by saxophone greats Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane among others. The trio comprised of sax, bass, and drums has an audacious spirit with no chordal backing instrument to supply instructive pathways for the improvising by Owens. He is free to phrase and explore harmony according to his own methods, and his interplay with drummer Devonne Harris and bassist Andrew Randazzo make this record daring and high-spirited.

Looking to the future

In the spring, the marvelous up-and-coming trumpeter Victor Haskins and his working band will record an album for the label, and other artists will be added, with hopes to bring classical artists as well as other non-jazz groups into the mix.

— ∮∮∮ —

Recording, mixing, and mastering on all of these releases have been completed here in Richmond by Lance Koehler at his studio, Minimum Wage Recording. CDs are for sale at the upcoming gigs, and also available online on iTunes and Spotify.

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Jason Jenkins Group – Scenic Roots

Dean Christesen — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:01:58 +0000

Bassist Jason Jenkins has released a new album less than a year after his last. Scenic Roots features some of his favorite Virginian musicians, like saxophonist Kevin Simpson, guitarist Alan Parker, drummer Billy Williams, and trumpeter Marcus Tenney. The first prominent voice the listener hears, though, is of tenor saxophonist Charles Owens, the longtime leader of a weekly jam session at Smalls Jazz Club in New York and a current resident of Charlottesville.

Owens takes the longest solos of the group, but he is by no means the star. Through compositions like Jenkins's "Hypotenuse," the Chico Buarque tune "Essa Moça 'Ta Diferente" featuring Bossa Brava vocalist Bernadette Stephens, and Wayne Shorter's "JuJu," the group's fiery energy -- and especially that of the rhythm section -- sets the tone. One of three compositions by Jenkins, "Cross the Pettus Bridge (1965)" is inspired by the Bloody Sunday civil rights era march and features the bassist like no other track does.

Listen to "Cross the Pettus Bridge (1965)":
[audio: http://media.rvanews.com/04%20Cross%20the%20Pettus%20Bridge%20(1965).mp3|titles=Cross the Pettus Bridge (1965)|artists=Jason Jenkins Group]

Track listing: Scenic Roots; Hypotenuse; Essa Moça ‘Ta Diferente; Cross the Pettus Bridge (1965); JuJu; I Got It Bad; Whisper Campaign.

Personnel: Jason Jenkins, bass; Alan Parker, guitar; Billy Williams, drums; Charles Owens, tenor sax (1,2,5&6); Kevin Simpson, tenor and soprano sax (4&7); Marcus Tenney, trumpet (4&7); Bernadette Stephens, vocals (3).

Purchase Scenic Roots on CDBaby or visit Jason Jenkins online at jenkinsmusik.com

Disclaimer: The writer participated in creating separate promotional material for this album. This post serves to act as news of the album's release rather than criticism of its content.

Guitar summit (but everyone’s invited)

Dean Christesen — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:42:34 +0000

Looking into an audience of mostly musicians between tunes on a Monday night in December, guitarist Alan Parker quipped something to the effect of "Welcome to the RVA jazz musician's summit." It was a pretty accurate assessment: like that one, some shows just turn out to be musician hangs with nary a casual non-musician observer in the house.

On Tuesday night at The Camel, Alan will hold a "guitar summit," and it's happening on the stage this time instead of among the audience.

In addition to his own group, Alan has invited two other guitarists -- Karl Morse and Adam Larrabee -- to lead their bands. The jazz diplomacy begins around 8:30 with Karl Morse Quartet, featuring saxophonist Jonathan Gibson, bassist Andrew Randazzo, and drummer Devonne Harris. Alan's AP Connection, which includes bassist Cameron Ralston and drummer Billy Williams, hits next. Adam Larrabee Trio featuring bassist Randall Pharr and drummer Brian Jones (the same group that was originally slated to perform at RVAJazzfest before the snow kicked in) will close the night out, beginning around 11. That group recently put out their album Money Jungle (a re-imagining of the Ellington/Mingus/Roach classic), so we might expect to hear some of those cuts.

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Model for a Monday

Dean Christesen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:11:41 +0000

There's something special about jazz on Monday nights around here. The evening is often left blank on the calendars, reserved for people to stay home and lament the return of the working week. Not all of us are lamenters, though, and some people can really get behind a solid night of Monday music. In this case, solid it was last night at The Camel with three bands: two brand new quintets and a trio with a new name.

The evening began with Trio of Justice, the sousaphone-trombone-drums trio formerly known as R2Dtoo (named for its members Reggie Chapman, Reggie Pace, and Devonne Harris). Low brass and percussion -- perhaps the two instrument families capable of the loudest volumes and heaviest weights -- are their tools, and their only ones. Their sound is deep: aside from the snare drum's crack and the cymbals's pings and washes, very few tones from the band register as anything but bass or baritone. The upper registers that people are used to hearing in music are not as present, but the three seem to realize this and use their inventive abilities to accommodate for the missing frequencies. They are experts in natural-sounding grooves in the oddest of meter combinations (that are guided by melody, not contrived logic) and loose time feels that speed and slow to radical extremes.

Like most Richmond musicians, the men of the Jason Scott 5 are no strangers to playing together, but it's new to see them collaborating in a group like this one. Guitarist Scott Burton augments the small group of Fight the Big Bull members: tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Scott, trumpeter Bob Miller, bassist Cameron Ralston, and drummer Pinson Chanselle. Despite the personnel, a FTBB microcosm is the last thing that the Jason Scott 5 is.

With an affection for the music of Lennie Tristano, Warne Marsh, and Lee Konitz (his gig last week featured the music of all three), some of Jason's original compositions are melodically quick, complex, and thrilling. "Department of Ed." was glorious and constantly evolved to new sections, each one related to the last but still different. The Ornette Coleman-ish "E.M.T." began with a Blackwell/Haden drum and bass vamp before a staggering melody entered, diving in and out of three-part harmony. "Character 2052" told the tale of Jason's essay-writing frustrations and difficulties with the Richmond Department of Education in a klezmer-rock and, again, evolving style. "ANA" was simply beautiful.

Many of the tunes were composed by Jason for his graduate recital at NYU seven years ago. With a strong group giving the music life once again, this group would make a brilliant album. And hopefully they do, soon.

The lights dimmed for the Alan Parker 5, another new combination of familiar musicians. This time, the guitarist has added bassist Andrew Randazzo and tenor saxophonist Kevin Simpson along with his former AP Connect 4 members Billy Williams on drums and tenor saxophonist Marcus Tenney. Marcus is still a relatively new convert from the trumpet to tenor sax, but he more than just holds his own on the new instrument. His and Kevin's playing offset each other nicely: Marcus's tone is bright with Coltrane-like flurries and arpeggios, while Kevin has more of a weathered sound. Billy's drumming is similar to other contemporary and "urban" jazz drummers like Chris Dave and Jamire Williams: explosive, pulling from modern sources of rhythm, and heavily syncopated.

Alan's compositions are Jazz Now material, exciting and challenging, but extremely accessible thanks to fat beats and funky melodies.

Third Tuesdays belong to Brian Jones

Dean Christesen — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:58:31 +0000

Tomorrow night, drummer Brian Jones's monthly series returns to The Camel. This time, it features his New Trio, which includes JC Kuhl on tenor saxophone and Alan Parker on guitar, and his duo with experimental musician and keyboardist Marty McCavitt.

The first round of the series -- which has so far celebrated the releases of new albums by his (Guitar) Quartet in September and his quartet with trumpeter John D'earth in October -- concludes next month on December 15 with performances by his Wurlitzer Trio (with keyboardist Daniel Clarke) and his Double Quartet. The series will pick back up in 2010 with one of Jones's quartets, which is booked at the club monthly from January to May.

I still can't get enough of the (Guitar) Quartet's new album Wool and the Jones/D'earth quartet's Redhead. Do yourself a favor and pick up a CD at the show, whether it's a new release or it's from back in the day.

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Second Street Jazz Wrap-Up

Dean Christesen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:00:40 +0000

Standing at the intersection of 2nd and Clay Streets, sounds and smells from all sides inhabit your awareness. No less than two blocks in each cardinal direction stands a stage occupied by musicians or dancers. Countless food and merchandise vendors highlight the cuisine, art, and clothing of the Jackson Ward neighborhood's African American heritage. In its 21st year, the Second Street Festival stands strong as a celebration of the neighborhood's deep history. A highlight each year for jazz fans is the Richmond Jazz Society's Joe Kennedy Jr. Jazz Stage, which does its part in bringing the audience back to the heyday of jazz and swing in the vibrant community. Each 50-minute set on the stage is one facet of Richmond's diverse jazz palette.

The Billy Williams Quartet featured Williams on drums, trumpeter-cum-saxophonist Marcus Tenney, bassist Mike Hawkins, and guitarist Alan Parker. Playing tunes by Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane, as well as a funky swinging version of Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood," the band kicked off the weekend at the jazz stage with a thrilling set.

Doc Branch & The Key Notes brought their familiar brand of energetic and crowd-riling takes on jazz standards and classics. With help from vocalist Lady E, the always dapper Doc fronted the band of guitarist Gene Pendleton, bassist Matt Harris, drummer Mike Hoggard, and pianist Dr. Sheresse Ford-Dudley.

The festival's second day on Two Street brought a cloudless sky, men and women in their Sunday best, and passionate performances on stage. First on the jazz stage was Mike Hawkins and the Jazz-Pel Choir singing spirituals with pianist Dr. Weldon Hill and saxophonist Kevin Simpson contributing tones of gospel jazz.

Desiree Roots has a dynamic voice, a rich low register tone with a gorgeous vibrato. Singing tunes that showed the influence of Dionne Warwick and Etta James, Roots and her Rosetta Stone quartet was a perfect package.

Drummer Van Lighty and QED Jazz performed for a huge audience that overflowed from the tent into the sunlight. Trumpeter Rolando Jordan and Doc Branch blew over bebop and standard jazz tunes with pianist Matt Lee, Hawkins, and Lighty in the back line.

For the complete photo albums:
2009 2nd Street Festival - Saturday
2009 2nd Street Festival - Sunday

University Jazz and More Tonight

Dean Christesen — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:21:00 +0000

A quick look at the RVAjazz calendar will reveal week after week of uneventful Monday nights. With the exception of Alan Parker's occasional aP Connect 4 gig at The Camel, the chance to see live jazz on Mondays seems to be rare in this city. aP Connect 4, University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University will all be alleviating the Monday blues tonight. With most Mondays passing without remedy, take advantage of this opportunity to start your work week off right.

UR's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, under the direction of Dr. Mike Davison, will perform "classic swing and contemporary jazz standards" at the Modlin Center at 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.

VCU's Small Jazz Ensembles, under direction of various jazz faculty, hit the stage at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts at 8pm to showcase several small groups, also free and open to the public.

Parker brings his group back to The Camel at 9pm. The quartet usually consists of Parker (guitar), Matt Hall (bass), Billy Williams (drums), and Marcus Tenney (trumpet). The four amazing musicians create daring and exciting performances of originals and thoughtful re-arrangements of standards.

Jason Arce – Simplicity (2008)

Dean Christesen — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:06:00 +0000

by Dean Christesen

Simplicity is a modest title for an album that has exciting complexities around every corner. Wild melodies, blazing solos, and unique interplay often mask any simplicity that is to be found in the music. But still, there is a certain welcomed basic-ness at the heart of saxophonist Jason Arce's debut release. Penned solely by Arce, the compositions are borne of a talented band full of life and energy.

The album firmly opens with the title track, featuring a sharp-edged wandering melody, but there is some titular truth to the very next piece, "Break the Wall." After a balladic intro with piano and sax, the band storms in. Trumpeter Bob Miller takes off running while propellants drummer Kelli Strawbridge and bassist Matt Hall surge with him. In the album's second instance of chivalrous behavior from the leader, Arce takes second solo to a band mate, but still manages to throw good manners out the window with his aggressive and adventurous playing. His varied use of space and fervent heat sets his band's course with democratic leadership and an open ear. The solo, like many on the disc, arcs beautifully and comes together at just the right moment.

Hall's strength on the backline is impeccable, and his ability to react to any situation and see and hear is quite omniscient. Fellow accompanists, guitarist Alan Parker and piano and wurlitzer player Devonne Harris, are equally extrospective, looking outwards before looking in, especially on "Time To Leave."

Strawbridge, insightful with often-explosive bursts of drums and cymbals, also looks outward to inspire each soloist. Even the calmer pieces are laced with a sense of vigor in his drumming, as on "57th Sunset." Harris's first trip to the drum throne on "New Relationship" brings ultra funky drumming with a fist full of a hip-hop vibe, and with the absence of keys, the music breathes a little better than the pieces before it.

The musicians often nod to Miles Davis's legendary second quintet (Strawbridge displays Tony Williams-like fire in his drum solo on "Happy Blues," and Harris immediately quotes the melody of "E.S.P." on the first track), although that doesn't stop Arce from exploring his own inspirations, life experiences, and the beginning of his journey as a leader.

Track listing: Simplicity; Break the Wall; End of the Night; Time to Leave; 57th Sunset; New Relationship; Forward Progress; Patiently Waiting; Happy Blues; Break the Wall (alt. take).

Personnel: Jason Arce: tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, piano (2,7); Devonne Harris: piano, wurlitzer, drums (6,7); Alan Parker: guitar; Matt Hall: bass; Bob Miller: trumpet (1-3,10); Sam Savage: trombone (8,9); Kelli Strawbridge: drums (1-5,8-10).

The album will be made available for purchase at the CD release party this Friday at The Camel.

Friday, August 1, 2008, 9 pm
Jason Arce Quintet w/ NO BS! Brass
The Camel
$6, all ages
Purchase Simplicity, $6 at the show ($10 after that)
[where: 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220]