Westchester Jazz Orchestra kicks off seventh season
with world-renowned jazz guitarist John Scofield, Saturday, September 26
September 25, 2009
by Emily Tabin
World-renowned and multi-Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano calls the Westchester Jazz Orchestra “one of the hippest bands on the scene today.” This extraordinary group will begin their 2009-10 season with a special guest, world-renowned guitarist John Scofield, at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington, N.Y. A pre-concert talk with Mr. Scofield will begin at 7:15. Gary Walker, music director and morning show host at WBGO-FM, will host the concert.
Guitarist John Scofield has been an important force in jazz since playing with Miles Davis during the 1980s. Since then he has led his own groups nationally and abroad, recording over 30 albums as a leader and collaborating with contemporary favorites Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood and Bill Frisell. He has played and recorded with Tony Bennett, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock and many other luminaries. Throughout his career, Mr. Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music.
Commenting on his upcoming performance with WJO, Mr. Scofield said, “I’m very excited to play with this excellent band. WJO is a world-class ensemble, as good as it gets.”
WJO’s 2009-10 season continues with Sax Masters: The Music of Coltrane, Cannonball, Bird and More on December 5; From Bossa to Tango: Sounds of South America on January 30; and Americana on April 10.
Led by Artistic Director Mike Holober, WJO musicians include trumpeters Craig Johnson, Tony Kadleck, Jim Rotondi and Marvin Stamm; saxophonists Jay Brandford, David Brandom, Ralph Lalama, Jason Rigby and Ed Xiques; trombonists Bruce Eidem, Larry Farrell, George Flynn, and Keith O’Quinn; pianist Ted Rosenthal; bassist Harvie S and drummer Andy Watson.
WJO’s concerts are partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, Arts Westchester, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music and numerous individuals.
Reserved seating tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and only $5 for students. Subscription and group discounts are available. Tickets: www.westjazzorch.org, 914-861-9100. Irvington Theater box office, 914-591-6602.
Emily Tabin is the executive director of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra.
There are no comments for this article yet.
