A true jazz legend has recently passed…tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins has finally made it to the greenest of heavenly pastures at age 95. Imagine what kind of musical life this guy had experienced over that time period. Virtually all the various styles and decades of jazz music were available to him and his composite reflects a deep understanding and knowledge of the jazz spectrum. A seven decade career is just incredible; Sonny Rollins recorded over 60 albums as a band leader! Often called “the greatest living improviser” and/or the “saxophone colossus”, he was a defining figure of both the jazz genre AND the saxophone. Perhaps now, Mr. Rollins and Mr. Coltrane can duel in the heavens to see who can play the longer solo! RIP Sonny, you will be missed!

A great throwback performance from one of reggae’s legendary artists…because…it’s Summertime!! Enjoy!

This little bar on the west side of Chapel Hill is a true gem in the Triangle music scene. Holding the moniker of a “jazz bar with hockey problem“, Lapin Bleu comes correct and features some of the best jazz musicians and groups in the area. These guys offer music 7 days a week all year long so there is always something happening at the blue bunny. Oh, and did I mention they show all the Carolina Hurricanes games as well? What else could one possibly want?

Hometown favorites Algorhythm Trio perform there every 3rd Friday of the month (8-10pm) right after the infamous Danny Grewen Band. Other notable performers include: Scott Sawyer, Mark Roman, Onyx Club Boys, TJ & Brad Maiani, Holland Majors and Geoffrey Ammons, just to name a few. If you’re looking for some authentic organ jazz, check out The Organization (Grant Osborne, Devon Kurzweil, Jeff Crouse) who debuts at Lapin Bleu on Thursday, May 28th (5-6:30pm). You really can’t go wrong here and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch some great hockey too!

Lapin Bleu is located at: 106A N Graham St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Posted without comment. Well, one comment…This is like really bad Primus with a loop machine. If this is the future of music, heaven help us all.

It’s always a great time seeing one of my favorite bands, Snarky Puppy. This time they brought some great new material from the new album Somni. I’ve been itching to hear these tunes live and in living color. While I would have loved to hear the Metropole Orkest as well, I was very curious to hear how the compositions would sound with just the core band. I was very satisfied with what I heard…

Big Yay! Jazzfest time is soon approaching. Notable headliners this year: David Byrne, Widespread Panic, Burning Spear, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind & Fire and the Isley Brothers. Admittedly, I’m leaving out some headliners that are questionable (at best) with regard to the “jazz” element. Guess they gotta sell tickets somehow, right? Also of note on the bill: Lettuce, Ron Carter, Monty Alexander and Cory Henry. Looks overall to be a great festival once again. Hope the weather cooperates!

More schedule information at:

Music – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Ok, the cats out of the bag….yes, I’m a huge Snarky Puppy fan. That said (if I’m honest) the last few releases were cool, but a little lackluster, imo. It’s hard to call anything Snarky Puppy does “lackluster” and perhaps that isn’t a fair critique; however, in comparison to previous works I felt that some of their newer releases (Immigrance, Empire Central) were a bit subdued. Maybe I just haven’t had enough time to digest them.

And then recently I heard Somni and WOW. I love the addition of an orchestra (where it makes sense) and Michael League is just such an incredible composer that he is able to utilize the Metropole Orkest to Snarky’s full advantage. As I mentioned in the last blog, I feel that this material is a little more “Snarky” and less “orchestral”–which I like. I think it has advantages for the listener, whether an avid Snarky fan or perhaps the more casual variety. It feels a little more accessible. Anyhoo…if you haven’t yet taken a peek at this incredible work, set an hour aside this week and watch Somni. And as always, ENJOY!