Dave Cooper
Dave Cooper — Garver Feed Mill Patio — Friday, September 24, 2021 — 7PM
Interview date: 09/08/2021
It’s hard to frame the Jazz or classical scene in Wisconsin or the Upper Midwest over the last 30 years without considering the contributions of Dave Cooper. He has been an Associate Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin--Platteville for 15 years, and an essential member of more groups than I can possibly mention here. Dave’s latest chapter is propelled by his study of the modern improvisational techniques practiced by some of today’s most innovative improvisers, as evidenced by his writing for his group QUAD.
For those keeping score: the composer’s name that I couldn’t remember is Georg Friedrich Haas, and the saxophonist who explores microtonality that Dave didn’t name is Steve Lehman.
Jeremy Cunningham
Jeremy Cunningham — Cafe Coda — Sunday, September 19, 2021 — 7pm
Interview date: 08/29/2021
Drummer Jeremy Cunningham’s recent work draws on trauma and grief to inspire some compelling music -- recorded as a tribute to his brother who was murdered in 2008. His music draws Chicago peers into a community, benefiting from the musical wisdom of established players like Jeff Parker. This reflective musician will be appearing in Madison on September 19th at Cafe Coda with Matt Gold and Lane Beckstrom.
Charlie Ballantine
Charlie Ballantine — The Bur Oak — Friday, September 10, 2021 — 8PM
Interview date: 08/29/2021
Guitarist Charlie Ballantine is no stranger to ambitious projects, having released an album of his own renditions of the music of Bob Dylan, and now a double LP of the music of Thelonious Monk. He's bringing his Hoosier message to the people with an upcoming string of trio and quartet dates in the US and Canada, with a stop in Madison at the Bur Oak on Friday, September 10th.
Ethan Philion
Ethan Philion — Garver Feed Mill Patio — Friday, September 17, 2021 — 7PM
Interview date: 08/26/2021
Bassist Ethan Philion takes a respectful, well-researched approach to the music of Charles Mingus. This busy Chicago freelancer, with degrees from Oberlin and DePaul -- and a long list of other accolades -- arranges this music always with an ear toward the composer's intent. His band, Meditations: the Music of Charles Mingus, often appearing as a ten-piece ensemble, will be showcased on the Garver Patio as a quartet featuring Russ Johnson, Alexis Lombre, and Dana Hall.