
PREVIOUS CONCERTS
2010
"The original idea for the Buena Vista Social Club"
AfroCubism November 9 at New York's Town HallAfroCubism was record producer Nick Gold's original idea for the Buena Vista Social Club: a stellar collaboration of musicians from Mali and Cuba. 13 years ago, a tale of lost passports meant that the Africans never arrived and so instead, a rather fine but different record was made.
Original invitees Cuban singer/guitarist Eliades Ochoa and the Malians Bassekou Kouyate (ngoni) and Djelimady Tounkara (electric guitar) are joined by Eliades' Grupo Patria, Toumani Diabate (kora), Kasse Mady Diabate (vocals) and Lasana Diabate (balafon).
This extraordinary band came together to record an album, to be released by Nonesuch/World Circuit in October, and in the process have created a wonderful new sound.
Line up :
Eliades Ochoa - Lead Guitar & Lead Vocal
Toumani Diabaté - Kora
Bassekou Kouyate - Ngoni
Djelimady Tounkara - Guitar
Kasse Mady Diabaté - Vocal
Lassana Diabaté - Balafon
Osnel Odit - Guitar
Jose A. Martinez - Double bass
Jorge Maturell - Congas & Bongos
Eglis Ochoa - Maracas
Lennis Lara - Trumpet
Alain A. Dragonit - Trumpet
Baba Sissoko - Tamani
JOHN McLAUGHLIN AND THE 4th DIMENSION
November 13 at New York's Town Hall.
John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension includes:
Gary Husband on keyboards, Mark Mondesir on drums and Etienne M'Bappe on bass.From Al DiMeola, Pat Metheny and Mike Stern to John Scofield, Bill Connors and Scott Henderson, John McLaughlin has been a strong influence on many of the top jazz/fusion guitarists of the last thirty years. McLaughlin's classic recordings of the 1970s have long been regarded as essential listening for anyone with even a casual interest in fusion. If the British improviser had decided to retire in 1980, he still would have gone down in history as one of jazz-rock's most influential axe men.
2009
Joaquín Cortés
May 14, 2009
the "King of Flamenco,"
Beacon Theatre
Whipping his hair from his face, flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés throws his arms in the air, stomps a fiery tattoo with his feet and propels himself to center stage, his bare chest dripping with sweat. Defiant and every inch the star, he lifts his face to the lights as applause envelops him. From Barcelona to Tokyo, the man Newsweek magazine crowned "The King of Flamenco" wins over audiences with his talent, theatrics and movie-star good looks. In an art form where passion is all, he gives his all, winning comparison to Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger with his electrifying fusion of flamenco, classical ballet and contemporary dance.New Audiences and Absolutely Live present
Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban All Stars
Saturday March 28,2009 at 8pm
Town Hall 123 West 43 Street
Prepare for a night of hot Cuban rhythms! Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban All Stars brilliantly capture the fiery spirit of Cuba's popular music. Their electrifying performances pay tribute to the wealth, diversity and vitality of Cuban music, marrying the past and present with the grandeur and polish of the world's greatest orchestras.
2008
LEE RITENOUR & DAVE GRUSIN
The Orchestral Night
An evening of classical and jazz with chamber orchestra
On Thursday evening November 20, 2008 - jazz guitarist/composer Lee Ritenour and composer/pianist Dave Grusin make their only east coast appearance at Town Hall, 123 West 43 Street in New York City. The duo will be joined in concert by a chamber orchestra; and John Patitucci (bass) and Will Kennedy (drums) will round out the jazz quartet. The concert will feature selections from their new Decca album "Amparo."The evening will feature a blend of classical and jazz infused with Latin and Brazilian rhythms. Compositions will include works by Bach, Ravel, Faure, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Manuel De Falla. Grusin and Ritenour will also perform their own compositions with the chamber orchestra and jazz quartet.
Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin have been performing together since their first Grammy award-winning collaboration, "Harlequin," in 1986. In 2000 the two released their first jazz/classical crossover album, "Two Worlds" (Decca). That Grammy-nominated CD remained on the Billboard classical chart for 51 weeks.
Dave Grusin, in addition to being a highly successful performer, producer, composer, arranger and bandleader, is the "G" in GRP records. With his partner Larry Rosen he developed the top jazz and fusion record labels of the 70s and 80s. Best known for his film scores, Dave received an Oscar for Best Original Score for The Milagro Beanfield War, as well as Oscar nominations for The Champ, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Firm, Havana, Heaven Can Wait, and On Golden Pond. He also received a Best Original Song nomination for "It Might Be You " from the film Tootsie. Grusin has performed and recorded with such jazz greats as Benny Goodman, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae and Gerry Mulligan.
Lee Ritenour, a founding member of Fourplay, is one of the world's leading jazz guitarists. Influenced by the style of the legendary Wes Montgomery, Lee has recorded with Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins and Pink Floyd. His best-selling albums include "Wes Bound "(1993), "This is Love" (1997),) "Overtime"(2005) and "Smoke N' Mirrors" (2006). With his distinctive sound and fluid style, Lee has received 17 Grammy award nominations and earned several gold albums.
2007
JOHN McLAUGHLIN AND THE 4th DIMENSION
September 27 Town Hall, 8:00 pm John Mclaughlin returns to New York's Town Hall (123 West 43 St). In his first fusion band concert in ten years, John Mclaughlin and the 4th Dimension with Gary Husband on keyboards, Mark Mondesir on drums and Hadrien Feraud on bass.From Al DiMeola, Pat Metheny, and Mike Stern to John Scofield, Bill Connors, and Scott Henderson, John McLaughlin has been a strong influence on many of the top jazz/fusion guitarists of the last 30 years. McLaughlin's classic recordings of the 1970s have long been regarded as essential listening for anyone with even a casual interest in fusion, and if the British improviser had decided to retire in 1980, he still would have gone down in history as one of jazz-rock's most influential axemen.
Tickets on sale now at TICKET MASTER
FOLK-ROCK LEGEND DAVID BROMBERG TO PERFORM AT
THE TOWN HALL WITH SPECIAL GUEST ANGEL BAND
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2On FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 at 8 PM , David Bromberg returns to New York with his "big band" and special guests, The Angel Band for a rare concert appearance at The Town Hall, presented by New Audiences. Reserved seating tickets are $60, $50, and $35, available at ticketmaster.com on September 7 and at The Town Hall box office on October 7. Listen to WFUV or WFDU for the presale password.
Referred to as "a musician's musician," David Bromberg came onto the music scene in the late Sixties as a session musician with such artists as Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Mississippi John Hurt, George Harrison and Chubby Checker. The Seventies found Bromberg on his own, releasing a series of solo albums starting with a self-titled album for Columbia in 1971. His next two albums, DEMONS IN DISGUISE and WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, included guest appearances by members of the Grateful Dead. MIDNIGHT ON THE WATER featured appearances by Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt and others. For Fantasy Records, Bromberg released five albums, including the highly regarded, HOW LATE'LL YA PLAY'TIL? He has recorded with many other musicians, including Vassar Clements and D.J. Fontana on the critically acclaimed HILLBILLY JAZZ.
Roots music fans around the world are rejoicing with the release of TRY ME ONE MORE TIME, Bromberg's first new CD in almost two decades. A master practitioner of folk, blues, bluegrass and other musical genres, his new recording is undiluted David: one man, one acoustic guitar, and a repertoire of mostly traditional material performed with the intimate, assured touch of a musician who has nothing to prove.
Impossible to pigeonhole, Bromberg's concert appearances present an entertaining view into his innovative resourcefulness and musical versatility. He is a product of every contemporary musical form.
Opening the show is the Angel Band: Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber. Their voices combine to create a truly joyful noise. Backed by Bromberg, Bob Taylor and Bobby Tangrea, their ethereal harmonies and classic roots music will make for a fine fall evening.
On FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, David Bromberg returns with his "big band" and special guest Wood Mann for a rare New York City concert appearance at 8 P.M. at The Town Hall;
DAR WILLIAMS Town Hall, Thurs., Sept. 29, 2005-
The troubadour of the new folk generation. Her trademarks are strong lyrical introspection, melodic warmth, an honest voice, and her emotions present in every performance - truly a star among the singers/songwriters of today.
Celebrating the release of her new album--My Better Self, with her insightful, melodic story-songs, her elegant, operatic groove, and her seductively conversational vocals, Dar stands out as one of the country's finest singer/songwriters.
Opening the show: Girlyman
FOLK-ROCK LEGEND DAVID BROMBERG TO PERFORM AT THE TOWN HALL WITH SPECIAL GUEST WOOD MANN
FRIDAY, FEFRUARY 18,2005Presented by New Audiences. Tickets are $55/$42.50/$30, reserved seating, and are available at The Town Hall box office, (212) 840-2824, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge-by-phone, (212) 307-4100, and online at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Referred to as a musician's musician, David Bromberg came onto the music scene in the late sixties as a session musician with such people as Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Mississippi John Hurt, George Harrison and Chubby Checker. The seventies found Bromberg on his own, releasing a series of solo albums starting with a self-titled album for Columbia in 1971. His next two albums, DEMONS IN DISGUISE and WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, included guest appearances by members of the Grateful Dead. MIDNIGHT ON THE WATER features appearances by Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt and others. For Fantasy Records, Bromberg released five albums, including the highly regarded, HOW LATE'LL YA PLAY'TIL? He has recorded with many other musicians, including Vassar Clements and D.J. Fontana, on the critically acclaimed HILLBILLY JAZZ.
Impossible to pigeonhole, Bromberg's concert appearances present an entertaining view into his innovative resourcefulness and musical versatility. He is a product of every contemporary musical form - Blues, Country, Jazz, Folk and Classical.
Recently returned to the east coast, Bromberg has opened a retail violin shop in Wilmington, Delaware, specializing in sales and repair of antique instruments. He is putting to work yet another of his eclectic interests and the degree he earned from the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making in Chicago.
The diverse range of Bromberg's musical passions, interests and influences is reflected on his recordings and in his live performances. His relationship with the audience is legendary; give and take between artist and audience is complete, spontaneous and sincere.
An evening with David Bromberg in concert is an education in musical entertainment; the addition of Woody Mann and his unique guitar guitar style will make this an evening to remember.
Following the break-up of the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra, virtuoso guitarist John McLaughlin turned his attention from jazz fusion to the sounds of India, forming one of the first and most progressive world music groups to date --Shakti. Shakti's heartfelt and intelligent synthesis of Eastern and Western music remains an influence on musicians and music fans around the globe. McLaughlin and master percussionist Zakir Hussain have reunited in recent years for a series of several sold-out world tours and recordings. Shakti returns for a US tour featuring McLaughlin and Hussain along with the Indian electric mandolin prodigy U. Shrinivas,and V. Selvaganesh on percussion. (Produced by New Audiences).
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN & ZAKIR HUSSAIN "REMEMBER SHAKTI"
October 3 Town Hall, 8:00 pm (Tickets: $50-$40-$30; available now at Ticketmaster--212-307-4100; online at Ticketmaster.com and available September 8 at Town Hall box office--212-840-2824)
Remember Shakti (by John McLaughlain)
At the end of 1997 I get a call from Zakir. He invites me to play with him for a short UK tour. We try to reform the original Shakti, but are unable to. We invite Flautist Hari Prasad Chaurasia and record the first 'Remember Shakti' live at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
The short UK tour with Zakir, 'Vikku' and Hariji is all too short for me. I realise at that moment just how much I have missed Zakir and his playing. He is, without doubt, the greatest Tabla Player in the world today. I have also missed the particular 'atmosphere' of sentiments that exists between musicians from India and Pakistan. This relates in part to their respective cultures, but it is also an indication of the depth and breadth of their music: the entire range of feelings and experiences that the human being may have; from the most frivolous and comic to the absolute depths of the human spirit.
In concerts employing fundamentals of Indian music, a Tanpoura is normally used to create the 'Drone' of the principal tonality. For the first time in London, I have an urge to use my 'meditation/chanting' drone that I have been using for some years, to replace the Tanpoura with the tonality. I really like it.
On the first rehearsal Hariji hears my 'drone', and really wishes to use it for himself. I am very pleased and make him a special audio CD with an hour of 'drone' tuned exactly to his flute...
It has been quite a few years since we played together, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to play with him again. He has to be one of the most soulful musicians I have ever heard.
Zakir and I really want to continue to work and play together. We ask Hariji, but unfortunately, he has already many concerts booked for the following 2 years, and we try again to find Violinist L.Shankar. We are unable to contact him and since 'Vikku' is also extremely busy with his Madras music school, we invite his son Selva Ganesh to replace him on Kanjira. Selva is an amazing percussionist... Several years earlier, I had the great fortune to see Electric Mandolin player U. Shrinivas in concert when he was only 12 years old. I had never heard such deep feelings expressed in music coming from a person so young, he was simply phenomenal, and more than qualified to replace the violin of Shankar.
1998-2001: We become 'Remember Shakti', and we hit the road with tours all over the world. What a band!!!
A very thorough SHAKTI WEBSITE Legendary folk-singer Joan Baez returns with her first album in six years, "Dark Clouds on a Big Guitar" (KOCH Records), with contributions by songwriters Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant and Greg Brown. In addition, the 4-CD box set "Joan Baez/The Complete A&M Recordings (1972-1976)," containing previously unavailable material and six vital albums including the landmark CD "Diamonds and Rust," will be released by Universal Music while Vanguard Records continues to release new volumes in The Joan Baez Original Master Series. Baez will be performing selections from her 40-plus years of recording profound and influencial songs. Nashville-born, New York based singer-songwriter and WFMU radio personality Laura Cantrell will open the evening.
JOAN BAEZ/LAURA CANTRELLOctober 17 Town Hall, 8:00 pm (Tickets: $50-$42.50-$30; available now. Ticketmaster--212-307-4100; online at Ticketmaster.com and Town Hall box office--212-840-2824)
More on JOAN BAEZ Toshiko Akiyoshi and her Jazz Orchestra will perform a farewell concert on October 17 at Carnegie Hall. Ms. Akiyoshi, the wife of tenor saxophonist and flutist Lew Tabackin has reached this career decision as the band closes in on their 30th anniversary. "I started my career as a pianist, and I want to devote my remaining years to composing and playing in solo and small group formats. I am artistically challenged by this decision and want to become a better pianist and for me this is the way."
TOSHIKO AKIYOSHI AND HER JAZZ ORCHESTRA
FEATURING LEW TABACKIN
TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF INSPIRED JAZZ ARTISTRY
CARNEGIE HALL FAREWELL CONCERT SET FOR OCT 17
Akiyoshi returns to Carnegie Hall for the first time since1991
when the orchestra recorded a live album, which was later nominated for a Grammy Award. "I have played in all the major New York concert halls," states Akiyoshi but Carnegie Hall remains the gold standard." Recalls her associate Lew Tabackin, "The band?s first concert performance after arriving from Los Angeles was at Carnegie Hall, and often times over our long career we have chosen the concert hall setting for the debut or recasting of major compositional works." Hiroshima--Rising From the Abyss, the centerpiece composition taken from their current album of the same name (True Life Entertainment), will be performed for the first time outside Japan. This occasion will feature the renowned Korean traditional flutist Won Jang-Hyun. Dr. Billy Taylor will serve as the concert host.
As Akiyoshi explains in a liner note that accompanies Hiroshima--Rising >From the Abyss, this particular musical project was first suggested to her and later commissioned by a Buddhist priest and jazz fan who hailed from the first city on which the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Akiyoshi has visited Japan thematically often throughout her career, but she didn't feel she could compose anything about this horrific moment in history, she writes, until she saw a photograph taken at the time of a young woman emerging from a bomb shelter "with beautiful eyes full of hope."
Premiered and recorded at a Hiroshima concert August 6,2001,the anniversary of this fateful and unforgettable day, Hiroshima--Rising from the Abyss is an extended piece in three parts--Futility-Tragedy, Survivor Tales and Hope. Won Jang-Hyun adds drama and a sense of universality, to this tragedy.
For more than thirty-five years, Toshiko Akiyoshi has reigned as one of the top composer-arrangers and ensemble leaders in the jazz world. Born in China, she moved to Japan in her teens right after World War Two, and as a pianist-composer, later became a major participant in Tokyo's lively music scene in the mid-1950s. She emigrated to the U. S. in 1956 and studied at Berklee, married alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and led groups with him for several years. She also collaborated with Charles Mingus on the bassist's infamous 1962 Town Hall Concert. Married to tenor saxophone and flute player Lew Tabackin since 1969, Akiyoshi settled in Los Angeles and formed a big band there that, in many ways, reflected the deep influence of Ellington and Mingus while incorporating other musical elements as well. Akiyoshi and Tabackin returned to New York in 1982.
What the critics have said?
"She is the most articulate conductor in jazz, since Duke Ellington"--John S. Wilson- New York Times
"Genius is a term tossed around by hucksters, but if it was ever merited this unique composer-arranger-pianist-band leader deserves it."--Leonard Feather- Los Angeles Times
"Toshiko Akiyoshi is like no other big band leader-writer in the jazz world"--Nat Hentoff- The Progressive Tickets are available at the Carnegie Hall box office (57th Street and 7th Avenue) or by calling 212-247-7800. Limited VIP patron seats range from $100-$250. Ticket prices for the general public are $40, $25, $20, and $12 for students with ID at box office only. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.carnegiehall.org after 8/18. For media information, contact Don Lucoff/DL Media 610-667-0501 / dondlmedia@covad.net
Shaolin Warriors, 23 authentic and original Buddhist Monks from the Shaolin Province of China whose predecessors date back over 1,500 years, present an evening of choreographed theatrical performance portraying a typical day at the temple from dawn to dusk. As the "day" progresses, the audience will experience the serenity of morning meditation and chanting to exercises and amazingly synchronized fighting rituals often enjoying a dazzling array of traditional Shaolin weaponry. Originators of the art of Kung Fu, they demonstrate the art of hand-to-hand combat and mastery of the temple's 18 traditional weapons.
SHAOLIN WARRIORSBeacon Theatre November 12, 8:00 PM (Tickets: $60-$45-$35; available now at Ticketmaster: 212-307-7171; online at Ticketmaster.com and Beacon Theatre box office: 212-496-7070)
More on SHAOLIN WARRIORS
OCTOBER 12, 2001THE RIPPINGTONS, KIRK WHALUM, MARC ANTOINE
AT THE BEACON THEATRE
October 6, 2001 - DAR WILLIAMS
AT BEACON THEATRE
DAVID BROMBERG
TOWN HALL - MAY 12, 2001
PACO DE LUCIA & SEPTET
BEACON THEATRE - APRIL 28, 2001
VIRGINIA RODRIGUES
TOWN HALL - FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2001
LEO KOTTKE TUCK & PATTI
Friday, November 10, 2000 - 8pm
The Town Hall
SOLAS
And CHRIS SMITHERThursday, November 9, 2000 8pm
Symphony Space
October 13th, 2000 Town Hall
![]()
BACK TO CONCERTS PAGE ![]()