RVANews - Richmond News, Local Sports, Entertainment & Richmond Virginia Events » Jazz

Listening back: UTVchamber

Aaron Williams — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:45 +0000

In Listening Back, we chronicle the happenings at The Camel’s free weekly jazz series on Tuesday nights.

Jason Ajemian and High Life

Aaron Williams — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:57:58 +0000

In September, Scott Burton explained how Jason Ajemian uses architecture software called AUTOCAD to build “groove mansions” for his group High Life. Wednesday night, Jason Ajemian and The High Life took the stage at Balliceaux. Jason Ajemian’s music is not quite like anything you might have ever heard. Trumpet player Jaimie Branch and alto saxophonist [...]

2011 in (RVA) Jazz

Aaron Williams — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:00:28 +0000

We look back at 2011.

Old Soul – sounds before the silence

Aaron Williams — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:45:34 +0000

Old Soul Sounds Before the Silence (self released, 2011) Paul Willson graduated from the VCU jazz program last spring and he hasn’t wasted a minute since then. Sounds Before the Silence is Old Soul’s first release and while it isn’t under Willson’s name, his vision is clear. Mixing the ubiquitous sound of Kurt Rosenwinkle, the [...]

Gretchen Parlato didn’t swing (and that’s OK)

Aaron Williams — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:11:57 +0000

University of Richmond's Modlin Center hosted Gretchen Parlato, a Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competion winner, on Thursday night December 1st.

Drop the Needle #3: Toby Whitaker edition

Aaron Williams — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:00:47 +0000

After an extended wait and much anticipation, Drop the Needle by Toby Whitaker has been released!

Crossroads – Brian Jones “Redhead”

Aaron Williams — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:04 +0000

Crossroad's has been hosting live music for a long time, but recently their lineup has had some of the best jazz in Richmond.

part two: Bryan Hooten – Richmond Love Call

Aaron Williams — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:00:12 +0000

Click here to read part one of this article. Bryan Hooten is a trombonist, composer and educator who performs with a variety of ensembles from across the musical spectrum including Fight the Big Bull, No BS! Brass and Ombak. Bryan Hooten’s solo trombone record “Richmond Love Call” is available now on itunes or find him [...]

part one: Bryan Hooten – Richmond Love Call

Aaron Williams — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:00:03 +0000

Wednesday afternoon I sat down with trombonist Bryan Hooten to talk about his new album "Richmond Love Call."

Selba – more jazz than anywhere else in Richmond

Aaron Williams — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:34 +0000

Bogart's moved, Cous Cous no longer has music and The Camel is hosting fewer jazz events than in the past. Opened in July, Selba is quickly turning into the most consistent jazz venue in Richmond.

Esperanza Spalding – showmanship without the fluff

Aaron Williams — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:57:28 +0000

Wednesday night, Grammy Award winning bassist Esperanza Spalding performed with her group "Chamber Music Society" at The University of Richmond.

Looking back at a crazy week

Aaron Williams — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:00:52 +0000

Over the past week, Richmond has experienced, the through composed masterpieces of The Claudia Quintet, original compositions performed by the talented front line of Rex Richardson and Steve Wilson, the unique sound of violinist Zach Brock and a whole host of local musicians killing it across town.

On the horizon

Aaron Williams — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:18 +0000

There is always good music happening in Richmond, but sometimes the stars align and there is an insane amount of awesome jazz.

Snarky Puppy

Aaron Williams — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 06:56:33 +0000

Thursday night, Snarky Puppy brought the funk to Balliceaux as part of their 31 day tour of North America. Here are some thoughts, recordings and photos.

Brian Jones’ Musicircus

Aaron Williams — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:27:59 +0000

Last Thursday night, the annual Brian Jones' Musicircus took place at the Visual Arts Center.

Megafaun featuring RVA

Aaron Williams — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:00:20 +0000

Somewhere between Bon Iver’s newest record, their sold out show at The National and trombonist Reggie Pace joining the band, Richmond discovered and fell in love with Justin Vernon’s music. While many in Richmond are familiar with Bon Iver, fewer are familiar with Megafaun. That is about to change. Now based in Durham, North Carolina, [...]

Northside teen wins full scholarship to Berklee College of Music

Susan Howson — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:00:45 +0000

Myrish Spell is not so much super lucky as she is super talented. One of 16 winners nationwide (only six of which were chosen from outside the Boston area), this Richmond Community High alumna worked hard to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Berklee C...

Building groove mansions

Scott Burton — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:00:38 +0000

Recently, bassist Jason Ajemian and his group High Life released a new record on Jason’s Sundmagi label called “Riding the Light into the Bird’s Eye.” I’m always interested in a band’s approach to composition and improvising, and thought it’d be cool to give everyone a peek into the truly unique approach that Ajemian has taken [...]

Brian Jones – two nights, five sets

Aaron Williams — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:26:42 +0000

Brian Jones is one of the most prolific and original musicians in Richmond, VA. This week, he played five sets with two different bands.

Titans of the Tough Toned Texas Tenor

John Lilley — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:01:01 +0000

In the 1920′s, before New York City was the bona fide epicenter of the American jazz scene, the community of musician’s creating this still very young music was spread throughout the Southern and Midwestern parts of the country. Dance bands consisting of 8 to 12 musicians were able to maintain semi-stable professional employment playing regional [...]

DROP THE NEEDLE! Round 3!

Aaron Williams — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:25:00 +0000

Its back, and for a little longer than originally intended! The original DROP THE NEEDLE! deadline was August 18th at 11:59pm. In true August back to school fashion, many musicians in Richmond who want to participate are trying to turn in their homework late. The new deadline is August 26th at 11:59 pm. We look [...]

The Claudia Quintet (+1) is coming to RVA

Aaron Williams — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:16:00 +0000

The New York based Claudia Quintet will perform at The Camel on October 2nd at 9pm. They will be joined by The Scott Clark Quartet. It is their first performance since they played at Rumors Boutique in October of 2007. Reduced priced tickets can be bought for $7 here. The Claudia Quintet is: Drew Gress: [...]

Richmond jazz festival preview

Aaron Williams — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:53:05 +0000

The second annual Richmond Jazz Festival will take over Maymont this weekend. Will you be ready?

Toby Whitaker Big Band at Balliceaux

Aaron Williams — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:00:18 +0000

Wednesday night, a large crowd gathered at Balliceaux to see the Toby Whitaker Big Band and Smalltown as part of the Spacebomb concert series. The bands did not disappoint.

DROP THE NEEDLE! Round 3!

Aaron Williams — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:00:19 +0000

It's back! For the first time in more than a year, Drop the Needle is back to RVAjazz. We invited Toby Whitaker to judge and we asked him a few questions along the way!

Lou Hoff Quartet at VMFA Jazz Cafe

Aaron Williams — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:45 +0000

Lou Hoff's appearances have been limited since he moved to Richmond 18 months ago, but that is going to change when he retires from his job in December. Until December, we have some recordings to keep you entertained.

Listening back: Glows in the Dark

Aaron Williams — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:00:37 +0000

Listen Glows in the Dark's 75 minute set in its entirety. The band was in top form on the night of the release of their second album "Beach of the War Gods.

The list: five essential non jazz records for the jazz listener/musician

Aaron Williams — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:06 +0000

At any given jazz show, the chances of seeing a pop tune covered are almost the same as seeing traditional jazz standards performed. Here are five albums worth knowing before you head to the club.

Patois – Patois

Aaron Williams — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:00:40 +0000

After working for more than a year Patois, a duo consisting of guitarist Karl Morse and dummer Grant Bauley, is releasing its first record: Patois. While the two no loner live in Richmond, the record features a host of familiar musicians.

Cutting contest, part 2

Aaron Williams — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:00:15 +0000

Mum is the world when it comes to the illegal distribution of music. So many people do it and so few people talk about it. Trombonist and regular porch sitter Bryan Hooten and saxophonist and regular rival John Lilley have each contributed 500 more words discussing both sides of this topic.