Jazz in Park Slope, Brooklyn
I have seen Tkacz (pronounced tax, but skip the annoying I.R.S. related puns!) play with Eri Yamamoto’s trio at Arthur’s Tavern in Greenwhich Village. It’s a good example of the peculiar jazz-way in which awareness of one cool musician often leads to another. Both on his upcoming CD, and at Barbès, Tkacz’s intriguing music defies easy classification. While there is definitely an exploratory, free dimension, it is not at all abrasive. Rather than screaming at listeners, it sort of sidles up to you to say something clever.
The band leader was joined by drummer Michael Sarin (also heard on What You Think), Angelica Sanchez on piano, and trumpeter Shane Endsley. Having played together before, their easy-going camaraderie was audible, despite the steamy hot environment of the room. Let’s just say they worked hard for it (the ice in my drink actually melted). Tkacz’s compositions can be moody and dramatic, but also reflects his sense of humor. A great example last night was the soothingly melodic Ambien(t) Lullaby.
If you live in Fargo, hearing quality live jazz could be problematic. However, if you live here in New York City and you’re not supporting live music, you have to get out more. There are great musicians playing every night at affordable venues like Barbès. Just go to the websites of clubs like Barbès, Arthurs, 55 Bar, and Cleopatra’s Needle, and then check out their scheduled musicians on myspace (90% of them will be there). When you hear one like, go see them, it’s as simple as that.
Keep your eye out for Tkacz’s upcoming release What You Think. It’s a great CD and hopefully the start of a long discography as a leader.
Joe Bendel blogs on jazz and cultural issues at www.jbspins.blogspot.com , and coordinated the Jazz Foundation of America’s instrument donation campaign for musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
