NYS Music 202​1

Tag: Charlie Hunter

  • BRIC JazzFest 2021 Announces In Person Festival featuring Nick Hakim, Adi Meyerson, and Adam O’Farrill

    BRIC has announced its annual JazzFest for the Fall of 2021, one that will be in person this year. The festival lineup features big names like Nick Hakim, Adi Meyerson, And Adam O’Farrill and will take place October 21-23, 2021 at the BRIC House located in Brooklyn. 

    BRIC is an arts and media institution anchored in Brooklyn which focuses on contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. BRIC’s JazzFest is one of the institution’s premiere performing arts programs. The festivities last for three days and feature Jazz music which focuses on legendary figures, groundbreaking artists and newcomers from across the genre.

    sun ra arkestra
    photo by Joseph Buscarello

    BRIC JazzFest 2020 ended up being rescheduled for spring 2021 and was made an online, virtual-only event due to COVID-19. BRIC JazzFest 2021 though will be in person. The festival will require proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours in order to attend.

    BRIC JazzFest 2021

    The lineup includes Cecile McLorin Salvant, SuperBlue: Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter, Yasser Tejeda, and Adam O’Farrill Stranger Day on Thursday, October 21. Sun Ra Arkestra, Thana Alexa & ONA, Roy Nathanson & Nick Hakim, and Adi Meyerson on Friday, October 22. Madison McFerrin, L’Rain, ç’est tois (branch/stewart/holmes), and Fred Wesley & The New JBs on Saturday, October 23. 

    BRIC JazzFest 2021

    “During these uncertain times, I couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re able to bring our communities safely together through the healing power of music,” said Lia Camille Crocket, Director of Performing Arts at BRIC. “In the spirit of Jazz music and improvisation, we’re going to have a few surprises for our BRIC family this year throughout the Festival weekend. We can’t wait to safely welcome you back to BRIC House — we’ve missed you!”

    For more information and to purchase tickets to BRIC JazzFest 2021 visit their website.

  • Hearing Aide: Garage A Trois ‘Calm Down Cologne’

    Chances are high that you haven’t had your usual dose of funk over the last year. The global pandemic has slowed the release schedule of many bands and while we have gotten some great releases over the last few months, it’s nothing compared to past years. That all changes today with Garage A Trois’ newest offering, Calm Down Cologne.

    This sensational release from the band’s original lineup of prolific drummer Stanton Moore, master guitarist Charlie Hunter and multi-instrumentalist Skerik marks 22 years since their debut album, MysteryFunk. The band still delivers the same energy and excitement that they first showed over two decades ago.

    garage a trois

    The new album was recorded in 2019, across the street from Nectar’s Lounge in Seattle where the band was playing a 3-night, sold out run in Skerik’s hometown. Most of this offering is an improvisational documentation of what the trio was able to elicit together in that studio session, save for one pre-composed track. The resulting five songs are a testament to the prowess and musical moxie that each member possesses and is able to showcase as a group.

    “No Zone” is the perfect choice to start the album and illustrates how sync’d up the members of GAT are. Guitar and Organ blend seamlessly as Moore’s drumming drives the trio through nine minutes of head-bobbing, in-your-face funk. The aptly named “The Epic” is a spooky and funky carnival ride, as if a funhouse had its own effects-pedal laden jam session with it’s driving funk and electro-cacophony.

    The title track is the only non-improvised song on the album, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself listening to on repeat. Skerik’s ability to play horns and organ blend magically with Hunter’s bass as Moore provides hints of New Orleans throughout the short, but sweet ditty.

    “In-A-Pro-Pro” is the longest track on the album and is a jam that’ll get you to stand up and dance. This song is nothing short of incredible as each instrument bubbles to the surface to play their perfect part. “In-A-Pro-Pro” is like a good seltzer… effervescent with the perfect amount of flavor. Hunter has the chops and energy of at least two guitar masters as he lays out a flurry of sounds from the guitar and bass that comprise his Hybrid Big6. The album closes with the laid-back fuzzy funk of “Numinous,” a track that is reminiscent of walking off into the sunset. The drums, bass and keys paint a canvas that allows the horns and guitar to really pop in and shine.

    It might only be April, but this release will certainly be in the running for Best Album of 2021. Stream on various platforms here, and purchase the LP from Royal Potato Family or on GAT’s Bandcamp, where you can also purchase the digital album as well.

    Key Tracks: Calm Down Cologne, The Epic, In-A-Pro-Pro