Report by Paula Antolini, April 16, 2014, 1:40PM EDT
This recent extra-special event in Bethel was not to be missed! What could be better than cool jazz by renowned musicians and conductor, delicious food and great company, all here in Bethel on a Sunday evening? It was simply the best.
Jazz lovers enjoyed an outstanding nine-piece jazz ensemble, “Birth of the Cool Nonet,” who performed to a standing-room-only packed house in Bethel, CT, at Pizzeria Lauretano on Sunday, April 6, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.. This was their fourth annual performance there, and a special night indeed.
See a VIDEO of the performance here.
Music for this event was a recreation of the landmark 1957 album, Birth of the Cool, by Miles Davis with arranger Gil Evans. It is a compilation album consisting of twelve tracks recorded by the Davis nonet for Capitol Records in three sessions during 1949 and 1950. The original album included well known musicians from the post-World War II jazz world, including Max Roach, Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, John Lewis, and Gunther Schuller.
The performers were some of the top Connecticut musicians, lead by New Haven Jazz Orchestra leader Drake Smith. Musicians were: Peter Roe on trumpet, Michael Leventhal on alto sax, Joe Meo on baritone sax, Barb Reineke on French horn, Kurt Eckhardt on trombone, Andy Rodgers on tuba, Dave Childs on piano, Steve Bulmer on bass and Roger Post on drums. Smith also conducts the Nonet in concert in CT.
Included on this night were numerous pieces recreated from the album, such as “Boplicity” and “Rocker” and “Israel,” to name a few. The audience was also treated to musician solos that had the audience mesmerized. The talent was stellar.
Smith explained each selection carefully as he introduced each piece. He later mentioned to me how he liked to talk about each piece before performing it so the audience would have a better grasp of each creation.
The group was originally formed in 2011 for this unique music project, after a conversation between bassist Rich Zurkowski and drummer Roger Post. The rest is history as they say, as the nine musicians came together via emails and phone calls, and the project enthusiastically moved forward.
Thank you to owner Michael Lauretano for bringing this wonderful music to Bethel, and more great music every week, contributing greatly to the art and culture scene in our town. It was a real treat for the senses.
*****
For more information: http://www.pizzerialauretano.com/
Pizzeria Lauretano
291 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT 06801
(203) 792-1500
michael@pizzerialauretano.com
Live Jazz on the Menu each Sunday!
Reservations Recommended
This Sunday, April 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The JEFF McGILL GROUP featuring KEN GIOFFRE
$15 music charge, $10 minimum, call 203 792 1500 for reservations
UPCOMING:
Sunday, April 20
(Closed for Easter)
Sunday, April 27
Billy Cofrances Quartet
Sunday, May 4
Andrew Beals Quartet
Sunday, May 11
Maydie Myles and the Tom Devino Trio
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