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  • Tasty Lettuce at The Lincoln Theater

    Tasty Lettuce at The Lincoln Theater

  • Ibibio Sound Machine at Motorco

    Ibibio Sound Machine at Motorco

  • The Hu Brings A Taste Of Mongolia To The Ritz

    The Hu Brings A Taste Of Mongolia To The Ritz

  • Eric Johnson shreds it up at the Paramount!

    Eric Johnson shreds it up at the Paramount!

  • Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe!

    Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe!

  • Steel Pulse rastafies Jazzfest

    Steel Pulse rastafies Jazzfest

  • The Original Dixie Dregs at H.O.B.

    The Original Dixie Dregs at H.O.B.

  • Jammin’ with the Chris Hawley Rollers

    Jammin’ with the Chris Hawley Rollers

  • Steve Vai rocks Generation Axe!

    Steve Vai rocks Generation Axe!

  • Yngwie F-ing Malmsteen!

    Yngwie F-ing Malmsteen!

  • Jane’s Addiction at VooDoo Fest

    Jane’s Addiction at VooDoo Fest

  • Roy Hargrove at Telluride Jazzfest

    Roy Hargrove at Telluride Jazzfest

  • Trombone Shorty at Tipitina’s

    Trombone Shorty at Tipitina’s

  • Fina Dupa at The Fox Theatre

    Fina Dupa at The Fox Theatre

Christian McBride At UNC Memorial Hall

While I continually try to see each and every one of my favorite players over the years, it just happens that some fall through the cracks. It’s inevitable. This was the case with Christian McBride. One of my favorite upright players (and bassists in general) had always managed to escape my attention when he came to town. In my defense, I only have so much time to go out to see live shows; however, Mr. McBride was definitely on my musician “bucket list” so I had to make an effort sooner or later. I’m now happy to report that his box has been checked!

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Nate Smith & Friends

It’s been bitter cold here lately. Suffice to say, going out late to a show takes a little extra effort. However, as a musician, I feel obligated to go see good live music–always. It’s even better when you get to hang with a few musician buddies, because let’s be honest–your girlfriend doesn’t care about odd time signatures, syncopated rhythms and cool glitch fills. Glad to hear from a newer acquaintance (and terrific vibe player in his own right) about this particular show, otherwise I would have missed it. Called up another musician friend (fantastic drummer) and we were off to see Nate Smith!

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Lettuce Rages At Lincoln Theater!

This was a fun show. I’ve always had a special fondness for shows in and around the Halloween time frame–there just seems to be something in the air that gives off an extra fun vibe. The Lincoln Theater certainly provided. I hadn’t seen Lettuce in quite some time, so when a drummer friend mentioned the show to me, I was in like Flynn. Even though the show was on a Sunday night, it was packed and Lettuce sounded great. Full funk flavor and tight rhythms. What more could you ask for?

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Doh Canada!

I’ve been thinking about writing about this for quite a few months now. The problem has been that, post Covid I wanted to concentrate on music instead of politics as this is a music website. However, as noted then (and now) there are times when the politics of the issue tend to supersede the importance of music for brief periods and these times demand our full attention–not only as musicians but as conscious, moral and ethical earth dwellers. What’s happening in Oh Canada! is a proxy for what is attempting to manifest across the entire world. It’s a trial balloon for an Orwellian future, if it can even be that optimistic. I bring attention to it, not to make fun of Canada in particular but rather to use our leaf brothers and sisters as an example of how good countries can go bad and how little time it takes.

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Viva Eddie Palmieri Y Sheila E.!

This was an interesting show and quite a bit of fun. I happened to stumble across a live music listing with Eddie Palmieri a few weeks ago. Since Gran Combo backed out of their date last year, I’ve felt robbed of being able to hear some decent salsa music. When I saw that Eddie was performing, needless to say I jumped at the chance to see the show. Eddie is a legend and was sure to bring the fire needed to quell my salsa craving. I also noticed that Sheila E. was on the playbill, so I was curious how that was going to play out. Let’s just say much better than expected and I ended up getting two quality shows for the price of one!

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Whitaker & Atlantic Jazz Nights Debuts With Algorhythm Trio!

This is going to be a cool event. Hip new lounge space, Whitaker & Atlantic is hosting semi-monthly live jazz music nights starting Wednesday, April 12th, 2023. They will feature some of the finest jazz, blues and R&B in the Raleigh-Durham area, along with signature cocktails and a New Orleans speak-easy vibe. They will also take advantage of opening up their indoor/outdoor facade, ushering in the beautiful spring nights of the south. The best part–our hometown heroes, Algorhythm Trio, will be kicking off the inaugural night, bringing their own signature blend of jazz, world & funk to the table. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Come support the jazz community in Raleigh-Durham. Doors open @ 6pm; live music plays from 7-10pm. For more info, please visit: https://www.whitakerandatlantic.com/wa-lounge/

RIP Wayne Shorter

There aren’t many players alive today that surpass the collective works and prowess of saxophonist Wayne Shorter. A brilliant writer, arranger and performer, he is one of the jazz legends that will be remembered as long as jazz music is celebrated. Whether you know his work from the Miles Quintet years, Weather Report, his many solo albums or even Steely Dan’s AJA album, the saxophone of Wayne shorter cuts through the mix with the smooth sound and easy phrasing he is known for. There just isn’t enough to say about how great of a jazz musician Wayne Shorter was. I’ll try and hit the highlights as I see them…

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